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Pan-Africanists begin plans for 80th anniversary of Manchester Congress
The Pan-African Progressive Front (PPF), together with the Ghana Socialist Movement and Pan Africanism Today, has begun preparations for the 80th anniversary of the historic Fifth Pan-African Congress held in Manchester in 1945.
In a virtual meeting that brought together over 60 pan-African activists from 32 countries, including the United States and Brazil, speakers reflected on the impact of the 1945 Congress and explored ways to advance unity and self-determination across Africa and the diaspora.
The meeting opened with remarks from Albie Walls of the All-African People’s Revolutionary Party, who said the Manchester Congress had a long-lasting influence on Africa’s liberation struggles. He called for “renewed clarity and action toward unifying progressive forces across the continent”.
Roland Diagne of FERNET (Senegal) addressed current issues facing African countries, especially in the Sahel. He said the anti-neocolonial message of the 1945 Congress is still relevant today. Diagne raised concerns about foreign military interventions and urged ECOWAS to “return to its foundational mission”.
Kwesi Pratt Jr., a journalist and member of the PPF organising committee, presented a roadmap for the upcoming anniversary. He proposed forming a central committee and specialised commissions to handle trade union concerns, women’s rights, youth engagement, and political power analysis. He also emphasised the importance of mass mobilisation.
Other participants shared similar messages. Imani Na Umoja from the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde called for “a comprehensive congress to unite organisations pursuing shared goals”.
Ouzayrou Mamane of the Pan-African Movement for Reparations stressed that reparations are essential for achieving economic justice. “Reparations for former colonies are vital for economic independence and historical justice,” he said.
Amina Hamani of MORFEPAN (Niger) urged African organisations to move beyond symbolism and adopt pan-Africanism as “an actionable tool for achieving full independence”.
Saddam Alktif from CODESA said the issue of Western Sahara remains unresolved. He argued that “pan-Africanism’s objectives remain incomplete while occupation persists”.
Humphrey Quaye of the PPF reaffirmed the organisation’s position against imperialism and neocolonialism, calling for more collective efforts across the continent.
The conference ended with the formation of a central organising committee and a pledge to intensify coordination. Further meetings are planned in the lead-up to the 80th anniversary, with the goal of using the occasion to push forward Africa’s liberation and development agenda.
