Lomé, December 08, 2025 -(©AfreePress)- Togo placed itself on Monday at the heart of contemporary African history as Lomé opened the proceedings of the 9th Pan-African Congress, a global gathering held in partnership with the African Union.
Official delegations from across Africa, the Americas, the Caribbean, and Europe, along with a significant representation from the Afro-descendant diaspora, converged on the Togolese capital to reaffirm the urgency of a renewed, visionary and action-oriented Pan-Africanism.
Faure Gnassingbé: “Pan-Africanism is no longer an idea. It is becoming a strategy of sovereignty.”
Presiding over the opening ceremony, President of the Council Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé delivered a speech of remarkable depth, combining strategic clarity with a call for collective rebirth.
“The world is changing. No African nation can move forward alone. The renewal of Pan-Africanism is no longer an intellectual option; it is a vital necessity—an imperative for survival and power,” he declared before nearly a thousand participants gathered at Lomé’s Palace of Congress.
Denouncing the continent’s persistent marginalization in international institutions, he stressed the urgency of reforming multilateralism:
“A continent of 1.4 billion people cannot remain absent from the decision-making arenas that shape its future,” he insisted.
The Head of State also placed the battle for sovereignty on the terrain of narrative. “Sovereignty begins with the ability to tell our own story, dismantle stereotypes and affirm the truth of our identity,” he said.
In a solemn conclusion, he urged participants to make Lomé the starting point of a renewed Pan-African momentum:
“I declare the 9th Pan-African Congress open. Let us write together a new chapter of dignity, sovereignty and renaissance for our continent,” he proclaimed to sustained applause.
Francia Elena Márquez: A Voice of Memory and Afro-descendant Resilience
Guest of honour at the event, Colombia’s Vice President Francia Elena Márquez Mina delivered a moving address rooted in memory, justice, and identity.
Standing on African soil from which her enslaved ancestors were taken, she stated:
“My ancestors left this land in chains. Today I return as Colombia’s first Black woman Vice President. We now occupy the State to transform centuries of injustice and racial inequality.”
Her presence symbolized the enduring bond between Africa and Afro-descendant peoples worldwide, reminding participants that modern Pan-Africanism extends far beyond the continent’s borders.
Robert Dussey: “Pan-Africanism is not an expanded form of nationalism”
Togo’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Robert Dussey, delivered a powerful message, invoking the memory of resistance against slavery and colonialism.
He warned against ideological confusion. “Let us not confuse Pan-Africanism with nationalism. Pan-Africanism is a quest for deep healing, restored dignity and reconciled humanity.”
Highlighting Togo’s growing role in diplomatic mediation, he added : “Togo has become a space for dialogue, peace and cohesion.”
Amr Aljowaily: Africa Must Fight for Full Representation in Global Governance
Representing the African Union Commission, Ambassador Amr Aljowaily recalled that the dreams of Nkrumah, Garvey, Du Bois, Nyerere and Sékou Touré remain unfinished.
He offered a blunt assessment. “Africa remains marginalized in global decision-making structures. The absence of a permanent African seat on the UN Security Council is a historical anomaly”, he said.
He pointed to emerging geopolitical shifts—including the rise of the BRICS, the Alliance of Sahel States, and the growing influence of the Global South—which call on Africa to move beyond the role of spectator.
A Congress Focused on Reform, Unity and Action
Held under the theme : “Revitalizing Pan-Africanism and Africa’s Role in Reforming Multilateral Institutions : Mobilizing Resources and Reinventing Ourselves for Action,” the congress will examine around thirty major topics, including : reinvention of Pan-Africanism, reform of multilateralism, restitution of cultural heritage, reparations and historical justice, decolonization of knowledge, women’s leadership, food security, public health, fight against racism, geopolitical role of the diaspora, economic and technological sovereignty.
These discussions fall within the African Union’s 2021–2031 Decade of African Roots and Diaspora.
A Moment of Global Projection for Togo
Beyond hosting the event, the congress offers Togo a strategic opportunity to assert leadership on multiple fronts—mediation diplomacy, citizen engagement, governance, economic transformation, regional security, and cultural influence.
For a few days, Lomé has transformed into a capital of African consciousness, becoming the epicenter of a continent redefining itself, uniting, and fully claiming its place in the world.
“Africa speaks for itself and fully decides for itself,” concluded Faure Gnassingbé, setting the tone for a gathering determined to translate ideas into concrete action.
Olivier A.
