Morocco leads North African session in preparation for the 9th Pan-African Congress

In the lead-up to the 9th Pan-African Congress scheduled for later this year in Togo, a pivotal online conference for North Africa was held on Thursday. 

This meeting featured key discussions by Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and his Togolese counterpart, Robert Dussey, underscoring Morocco's growing influence in regional politics.

The virtual conference highlighted the critical issues facing Africa today, particularly concerning the continent's role in global governance. Nasser Bourita and Robert Dussey spearheaded the dialogue, focusing on aligning North African perspectives with broader African strategies for the upcoming congress.

The Pan-African Congress (CPA) has a storied history dating back to its inception in 1958 in Accra, Ghana, founded by iconic African leaders such as Kwame Nkrumah and Gamal Abdel Nasser. Initially, the CPA's main goal was to foster solidarity and unity among newly independent and still-colonized African nations and to coordinate efforts against colonialism and neocolonialism.

Throughout its history, the CPA has been central to the independence and decolonization movements across many countries, rallying the people of Africa against colonial oppression and advocating for a united and free continent. It has also championed social justice, racial equality, and human dignity not only in Africa but globally.

Despite its noble objectives, the CPA has faced criticism for being perceived as dominated by political and intellectual elites who are out of touch with the masses' concerns and interests. 

Critics have also pointed out the organization's inefficacy in achieving its goals due to internal divisions and rivalries among African leaders. Additionally, the relevance of the CPA in the modern era has been questioned as Africa faces new challenges that may require fresh strategies and approaches.

As regional meetings like the one hosted by Morocco continue for Central and West Africa, the CPA remains a significant institution in African political landscapes, its legacy still shaping liberation movements, civil society organizations, and political leaders across the continent. 

Despite facing critiques, the CPA’s ongoing influence highlights its enduring importance in fostering African unity and addressing contemporary and historical challenges on the continent.