The AfriKan Continental Union Consult (ACUC) is advocating for stronger protection of African leadership and the continent's economic interests. This call comes as efforts intensify to deepen cooperation among Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. According to Mr. Benjamin Anyagre Aziginaateeg, Leader of ACUC-Ghana, Ghana's emerging leadership role in promoting closer economic cooperation requires serious attention to the protection of African leadership and sovereign interests.
The proposed cooperation involving the African Union (AU), the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) should be understood within a broader historical, diplomatic and economic context. Mr. Aziginaateeg emphasized that Ghana's recent leadership on reparatory justice has contributed to closer engagement between African and Caribbean countries. This is in reference to the United Nations General Assembly's adoption of Resolution A/RES/80/250 on reparatory justice.
Ghana's convening of the Accra Next Steps Conference sought to advance discussions on reparatory justice. The AU and CARICOM have also developed mechanisms for cooperation on reparatory justice, including research, legal strategy, diplomatic engagement, education and cultural programmes. These efforts aim to promote greater economic self-reliance and strengthen the bargaining position of participating countries.
Deeper economic and political cooperation among Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean could contribute to greater economic self-reliance. However, sustainable economic independence could be undermined by political fragmentation, internal rivalry and external pressures. Mr. Aziginaateeg therefore called for greater unity and practical cooperation among African countries and their partners in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The goal of this cooperation is to improve the material conditions of their peoples. On education, Mr. Aziginaateeg called for young Africans to be educated on colonialism, neocolonialism, Pan-Africanism, economic sovereignty, reparatory justice and African integration. This education aims to promote a deeper understanding of the issues affecting the continent.
Mr. Aziginaateeg urged Ghanaians to examine issues concerning the collective prosperity, sovereignty and international standing of Ghana and Africa beyond partisan political considerations. He emphasized that Ghanaians could disagree politically while agreeing on the need for greater African economic cooperation, stronger bargaining power and a fairer position for Africa in the international system.
Mr. Aziginaateeg cautioned that legitimate Pan-African aspirations should not be captured by partisan interests or weakened by internal divisions. He added that the Pan-African project should not become another unfinished chapter in African history. The ACUC's call for protection of African leadership and the Pan-African Economic Agenda highlights the need for a unified and cooperative approach to achieve the continent's economic and political goals.
Key points
- The AfriKan Continental Union Consult (ACUC) calls for stronger protection of African leadership and economic interests amid efforts to deepen cooperation among Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.
