Citing various spiritual traditions, Lumumba called for mercy, reconciliation, and collective responsibility as foundational values to restore harmony within affected regions.
Monrovia—In a powerful letter addressed to African Heads of State, renowned Pan-Africanist Plo Lumumba has called on leaders across the continent to collaboratively tackle Africa’s complex issues, particularly the ongoing conflicts in numerous regions.
By: Yawah Y. Jaivey, [email protected]
He emphasized the urgent need to end the persistent wars that have plagued countries in the Sahel and beyond.
Mr. Lumumba noted that areas within the Sahel region, including Somalia, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad, and their neighboring regions, have faced devastating insurgencies and jihadist activities since 2012. This ongoing instability poses a significant threat not only to regional peace but also to Africa’s developmental goals outlined in Agenda 2063.
Citing various spiritual traditions, Lumumba called for mercy, reconciliation, and collective responsibility as foundational values to restore harmony within affected regions.
Drawing from Christian, Islamic, and African spiritual teachings, he highlighted the importance of prioritizing recovery and inclusion in peace processes, particularly for marginalized communities in the Sahel.
While acknowledging recent electoral processes in countries like Senegal and Rwanda, Lumumba expressed concern over the broader African context, where several nations have faced ostracism for perceived unconstitutional changes in government, as per the Malabo Declaration of May 2022.
He argued against a narrow interpretation of this declaration without considering the complex historical and social contexts that led to such transitions.
Lumumba’s letter also criticized the African Union (AU) for allowing foreign entities to mediate conflicts on the continent, calling for a revitalization of African institutions that have lost their effectiveness.
As the AU prepares for its upcoming meeting in February 2025, Lumumba proposed forming a caretaker committee to oversee the Commission for at least six months, as well as a task force to ensure the implementation of the Kagame reforms.
He urged for electoral reforms to allow all eligible Africans, including those in the diaspora, to participate in the AU Commission’s leadership.
Plo Lumumba, however, stressed that his appeal comes from a place of love for the continent, urging leaders to consider the pressing issues he raised with utmost seriousness.
