Africans Rising Members in Southern Africa Discuss Issues Affecting the Region

The civic space in the Southern African region is shrinking with different countries in the region going through diverse unpleasant situations. This was revealed during the southern African regional consultation organised by Africans Rising on the 28th of June 2024. In Zambia there is no freedom of expression and assembly.

In Mozambique, almost all peaceful demonstrations of the people were violently interrupted by the police. The only successful demonstration that has been carried out in the country was when the people were protesting against high internet prices.

In Eswatini, the civic space can be defined as the lack of the rule of law. Recently there was serious unrest in the country with the civil society demanding for democracy but an order was sent to security officers to shoot and kill protesters and many people were killed.

In his opening remarks, the Africans Rising Engagement and Collaboration Officer, Prince Akpa said “the aim of the regional consultation is to get suggestions and ideas from members on issues they would like to be discussed during the upcoming All Africans Movement Assembly, AAMA”.

Edifying members on the AAMA, Prince stated that “AAMA is the gathering of African people everywhere to discuss issues affecting Africa so as to build a better future”.

The virtual event as moderated by Africans Rising Engagement and Collaboration Officer Prince Akpa, had two question and answer sessions facilitated by an AR member, Peter Chikwampu, during which AR members in Southern Africa provided answers to the following questions:

What issues should be considered for discussion at the All African Movement Assembly?

The issue of accountability of African leaders and compliance with the AU and national human rights mechanisms?
Empowering the young people to engage in politics
Peace and Security and how the young people and women through the local resources that are available in the East African Region or in Africa, since the outsourced support from the west, seems as if they dont want us to move from the challenges that we are having.
How can we use the African indigenous knowledge (AIK) to ensure there is peace, security, African Rights and how best can we use the AIK that our forefathers used to fight for our freedom and were successful.
The issue of borderless Africa is very key and we must talk about industrialisation of Africa utilisation of our resources
Ecological justice, a borderless Africa, political and economical sovereignty
Sharing of creative strategies that we can use to approach and drive the agenda of Borderless Africa.
The issue of preserving and promoting African culture and arts
One African Currency

What do you think the new strategy of AR should look like in the next 5 years?

The new strategy should include leadership development to help nurture young leaders across Africa to take on roles in Governance, Activism and community organisation.
Thinking of promoting values like Ubuntu, harambee, Black lion (Ethiopia), etc that we liberate ourselves from Western orientation.
The strategy should also include economic empowerment programs to enhance sustainable development of its members and help in funding the movement.
Peace education
Political education for its members

AR has a vision to be fully funded by Africans to enhance ownership. What strategies can AR explore to achieve this?

Selling of AR merchandise, this can be done online and also physical during AR events.
Engage in country level fundraising.
Engage the diaspora.

Which Organisation/Movement would like to be a part of the Borderless Africa Movement in their region?

AMANI: Africa Creative Defence Network
African Students for Liberty

What is the Civic space like in your region/country? Gender? Youth?

The civic space is shrinking with different situations in each country as explained above.

What are the burning issues in your region/country that need collective action? And how can movements work together to collectively address it?

The arrest and detention of activists.

How do members feel about the activities of the movement with regards to the region. What would they like to see in terms of engagement?

We feel engaged as Wahenga Youth Group having participated in the Activism awards, Borderless Africa campaign and Africa Liberation Week Activities including the Borderless Africa Convening in Lusaka Zambia.
Sensitise more youths to join the movement
Regional Secretariat representatives