The Pan African Congress in Accra

Financial unity, reparations, and narrative sovereignty are core demands of the Pan Africanist Congress. The Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) is a South African political party and a historic anti-apartheid movement founded in 1959. The PAC was founded on April 6, 1959, in Johannesburg as a breakaway from the African National Congress (ANC). The reasons for this were dissatisfaction with the ANC's policies of "multiracialism" and its cooperation with non-Black groups. The PAC advocated a radical African nationalism. The founder was Robert Sobukwe, a charismatic leader who championed all-African leadership of the liberation movement. The ideology and goals of the PAC. The core principle is and remains: "Africa for Africans"—emphasizing self-determination and the return of the land to the indigenous Black population. The rejection of multiracialism. The PAC viewed cooperation with white, Indian, or "colored" South Africans as a betrayal of the African cause. Its goal was the overthrow of the apartheid regime and the establishment of a unified, black government in South Africa. The historical significance of the PAC: The Sharpeville Massacre (March 21, 1960). The PAC organized nationwide protests against the "pass laws." In Sharpeville, police opened fire on unarmed demonstrators, killing 69 people. This event sparked international outrage and condemnation of apartheid. Following Sharpeville, the PAC (like the ANC) was banned by the apartheid regime and forced into exile. The establishment of the military wing Poqo (later the Azanian People's Liberation Army, APLA), which carried out attacks against government targets. The Exile and Return of the PAC. The international work of the PAC. Operating from exile locations such as Tanzania, Zambia, and the United Kingdom, it gained support within the OAU (Organization of African Unity) and the UN. Following the release of Nelson Mandela (1990), the PAC was re-legalized and participated in the negotiations to end apartheid. Elections 1994: The PAC won 1.2% of the vote in the first democratic elections and secured 5 seats in parliament. Today, the PAC is a small, politically marginal party. In the 2019 elections, it received only 0.2% of the vote. Repeated splits and leadership disputes weaken the party. Current position: Continues to emphasize land reform and African nationalism, but has little parliamentary influence. Ideology: African Nationalism ("Africa for Africans") Multiracialism ("Non-racial democracy") Founded: 1959 (split from the ANC) 1912 Attitude towards non-Blacks: Rejection (Black leadership) Inclusive (alliances with other groups) Armed wing: Poqo/APLA, Amkhonto we Sizwe (MK) Election result 1994: 1.2% (5 seats) 62.6% (252 seats) Poqo/APLA was criticized for attacks on civilians (e.g., the "St. James's Church Massacre" in 1993). The PAC was accused of stoking anti-white or anti-Indian sentiment. Its strict rejection of alliances limited its support base. The Pan-African Congress was a series of important international meetings in the 20th century, where delegates from Africa and the African diaspora advocated for the continent's political, social, and economic self-determination. The first five congresses took place between 1919 and 1945, mostly under the leadership of W. E. B. Du Bois. They served as a platform for criticizing colonialism, imperialism, and racism; key demands included self-governance, education, land rights, and greater participation of Africans in the governance of their countries. The fifth congress, held in Manchester in 1945, was particularly significant, as many future African independence leaders participated and adopted more radical positions: the participation of workers, peasants, and nationalists was dominant, and the rejection of colonial rule and capitalism was openly articulated. Among the most important objectives were the immediate political participation of Africans, an end to colonial exploitation, equality, and the right to self-determination. Resolutions called for, among other things, overcoming inequality and illiteracy, as well as developing Africa for the benefit of its peoples. In the long term, these movements and congresses led to the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, which later became the African Union (AU). Pan-African congresses and events are still held today, often focusing on topics such as feminism, the restitution of cultural property, health issues, self-determination, and combating racism and colonialism. These meetings serve as a platform for exchange and the development of joint solutions between actors from Africa and the African diaspora. The Pan-African Congress shaped the Pan-African movement and paved the way for independence, self-awareness, and the political emancipation of the African continent. The Pan-African Congress in Accra will take place on November 18 and 19, 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of the historic 5th Pan-African Congress of 1945. A highlight will be the Accra Declaration, which provides a framework for deepening African integration and a vision for a government of the United African States. The Congress symbolizes a renewal of the Pan-African mission for the 21st century and is understood as the starting point for a new decade dedicated to justice, sovereignty, and the unity of all African peoples. Organized by Pan-African Progressive Forces, the event attracts participants from Africa and the diaspora, including political leaders and activists. It is a call to mobilize and unite all Africans to overcome colonial borders and create a united, economically independent African future. Two participants interviewed on the sidelines of the Pan-African Congress currently taking place in Accra called for a reduction in Africa's dependence on the US dollar and a rejection of any logic of subjugation. They believe that dependence on the US dollar keeps Africa in a form of modern-day economic slavery. "Economically speaking, if you don't have your own money and can't be yourself, you're like a slave," summarized Mohamed Azoumah, a national youth delegate, town councilor, and accountant from Togo. The continent already possesses the necessary resources for its monetary emancipation, emphasized José Bois-Campêche, president of the International Movement for Reparations, stating, "We have a huge market and enormous resources," enough to support a truly common African currency. On the issue of reparations, which are “not only requested but demanded,” Bois-Campêche added that Africa must “utilize its natural strength, but this strength can only be deployed within a united Africa.” In light of the disinformation campaigns that undermine Africa’s authority to interpret its own history, Azoumah concluded: “The problem is that we wait for others to come and tell us what to do.” He added, however, “Today is the day that the citizens of Africa must wake up and reflect on the continent. Other peoples should not be writing for us.” Sources for further information: Official PAC website SA History Archive: Pan Africanist Congress Books: “The Pan Africanist Congress of Azania” by Gail M. Gerhart (1978). @https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pan-Afrikanischer_Kongress @https://www.grin.com/document/106182 @https://www.dw.com/de/als-afrika-seinen-platz-in-der-welt-einforderte/a-47572162 @https://www.ak-panafrikanismus.de/kongresse-veranstaltungen @https://www.justice.gov.za/trc/special/forces/apla.htm @https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03086534.2025.2520447?__cf_chl_rt_tk=MrUCpSoXKu_XCoDRX0wLRvH3HVbX_phPZP.T6xRctUU-1763616873-1.0.1.1-aMXw_Bc.1bO5z82Lz12jByUpYbvu2Ke63f8gQ5oFODU @https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tkUJ18WyzFk @https://www.pacofazania.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Speeches-of-Mangaliso-Sobukwe-PAC-Basic-Documents-1959-Constituion.pdf