In a significant milestone for global African diaspora representation, Professor Dr. Eduardo Lourenço Viana from Brazil was appointed as the first President of the African Diaspora Governmental Organization on September 15, 2024. This appointment reflects the African Union’s commitment to fully implementing Article 3q of the African Union Constitution and the May 25, 2012, African Diaspora Declaration.
For nearly two decades, the African Diaspora has been awaiting the establishment of a political and legal framework to fill various leadership positions, including the 20 reserved seats in the African Union Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (AU ECOSOCC) General Assembly. Dr. Barryl Biekman and Dr. Tumenta Kennedy, key initiators of the “Leave No Community Behind Ubuntu Governance Structure” (2007), expressed optimism for future progress. They hope that by 2025, the full integration of the Diaspora into African Union structures will be realized.
Dr. Viana, a well-known lawyer in Brazil, has been a dedicated advocate for Africa and the Global Diaspora from a young age. His work has focused on defending the rights of people of African descent and marginalized communities in Brazil, often referred to as the “Big Apple” of the Diaspora. His appointment as President is a proud moment for Brazil, which becomes the first country to hold the rotating presidency, serving as the unified voice for over 400 million members of the African Diaspora through the Lead Regional Facilitators of the AUADS Sixth Region High Council.
The AUADS Sixth Region High Council, an integral part of the African Union’s efforts to engage the global African community, remains dedicated to advocating for the “Right to Return” as part of the broader reparatory justice movement. Angela Sayles, a member of the AUADS Board of Directors, stressed the importance of full participation in the political, social, economic, diplomatic, and policy-making processes within the African Union. “Our voices must be heard at every table where decisions are made,” Sayles said.
During his inaugural speech, Dr. Viana expressed deep gratitude to Dr. Barryl Biekman and the assembly, recognizing the historic nature of his role. He emphasized the significance of collective leadership and reiterated that his presidency represents not just one person or country, but the entire African Diaspora. Dr. Viana committed to upholding the values of unity, respect, and collaboration, and pledged to follow the Constitutive Act of the African Union and the decisions of the High Council.
He also acknowledged the guidance of his family, ancestors, and mentors and called for the continued support of the assembly in working toward the collective development of Africa and its Diaspora. In closing, Dr. Viana expressed his profound appreciation for the trust placed in him and reaffirmed his dedication to the cause.
The global African Diaspora communities and African Union structures are expected to fully support Dr. Viana in his leadership role, particularly from Brazil’s government and non-governmental institutions, as well as from nations across Central, South, and North America, and CARICOM.
For further information on this appointment, please contact the AUADS High Council Secretariat at secretariat@auadshighcouncil.org or cc to Brazil@auadshighcouncil.org.
