Faith Leaders Urged to Join Civil Society in Advocating for Peace and Justice in Africa

By Samuel Ouma

The ongoing All-African Movement Assembly in Accra has called on religious leaders across Africa to join forces with civil society organizations in advocating for peace, unity, justice, and dignity for all people on the continent.

Speaking at the assembly organized by the Africans Rising, a Pan African Movement, Coumba Toure, a prominent member of the Africans Rising movement, emphasized the significant role that faith leaders play in promoting human rights.

Toure highlighted the unique position of religious leaders in influencing communities and stressed the importance of their involvement in the fight for social justice.

 "Faith leaders have a crucial role to play in defending and promoting human rights across Africa. Their voices can mobilize people and inspire action towards a more just and equitable society," said Coumba Toure.

Kumi Naidoo, a prominent figure in the pan-African movement, echoed the call for collective action, addressing the ongoing narratives that paint Africa as impoverished.

Naido dismissed these claims, asserting that Africa is, in fact, one of the richest continents in the world.

He attributed the continent's current challenges to persistent issues of bad governance rather than a lack of resources.

Mr. Naido called on Africa to unite to change the status of the second-largest continent which is battling with numerous challenges such as insecurity, hunger, severe drought and incessant conflicts.

“We have the responsibility to change the narrative about Africa. The continent is not as poor as being propagated by some groups of people. We are rich in the underground since we boast of abundant resources,” he stated.

Additionally, Naidoo emphasized the need for Africans to work together to uplift marginalized groups and ensure a better future for all.

“We will say we have succeeded as a continent if every marginalized person has justice, peace and dignity,” added Naido.

The All-African Movement Assembly provides a critical opportunity for Africans to reflect on their collective mandate in the pursuit of unity, peace, justice, and dignity.

The assembly has brought together over 400 physical participants and 1,000 virtual participants, all of whom are dedicated to addressing the pressing issues facing the continent.

Participants are using the assembly as a platform to reconnect, ask deep questions about Africa's situation, take stock of past efforts, and strategize on the way forward.