At the Pan African Pyramid Forum, Siphiwe Baleka, Head of Research and Strategy for the Pan-African Federalist Movement (PAFM) West Africa Region, raised important questions about the African Union’s (AU) ability to achieve true unity for African people. During his address, Baleka agreed with other speakers who suggested that Pan-Africans should bypass the AU and focus on grassroots movements that put African people at the center of unity efforts.
Baleka highlighted the need for unity to be driven by the people, not just political elites. He emphasized that the vision of the Pan-African Federalist Movement is to create a United African States, not led by top-level politicians but by the collective will of Africans across the continent and abroad.
As an example, Baleka referenced Burkina Faso’s constitution, which requires that any proposals for a federation or continental unity be put to a referendum for the people to decide. He proposed that this approach be used as a template for other African nations. He suggested starting with countries in the Sahel region—Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali—where referendums could demonstrate the people’s support for unity and self-determination.
Baleka concluded by saying that, while the AU may not close its doors to reform, the focus should be on building alternatives that reflect the sovereignty of African people. This, he argued, is the most effective path to true African unity.
Contact:
Pan-African Federalist Movement (PAFM)
Email: pafmmfpa@gmail.com
Phone: +1(609) 216-6933
Address:
Mouvement Fédéraliste Panafricain
Memorial Modibo Keita
BP E 214 Bamako – MALI
West Africa
