Patrice Lumumba on Pan-Africanism & Urgent Need for African Unity

An excerpt from Patrice Emery Lumumba on Pan-Africanism and the urgent need for African unity.

Here is an excerpt that forms a key note from some of Patrice Emery Lumumba’s speeches on Pan-Africanism and the Urgent need for African Unity.

In my view, there is only one path forward: the unity of Africans. Only through unity can we effectively resist domination, injustice, and the forces that seek to weaken our nations. A people who are divided cannot defend their freedom.

This call for unity must not be misunderstood as a desire for despotism or dictatorship. On the contrary, our struggle is directed against tyranny in all its forms. True unity is not oppression; it is the collective strength of a people determined to govern themselves.

Our people must understand that they do not serve the general interest when they allow their country to be fragmented. The division of a nation only leads to weakness and dependency. When a territory is broken apart into smaller entities, national unity becomes difficult, if not impossible, to restore.

Africa’s future depends on solidarity among its peoples. Only by standing together can Africans safeguard their independence and ensure that this continent becomes a land of dignity, freedom, and justice.

At the All-African Conference, August 1960, Lumumba further reaffirmed that the conference had demonstrated Pan-African solidarity in action, insisting unity was the only force that could fend off colonial intrigues and external domination.
According to Patrice Lumumba, Africa’s unity will not be possible until all her children become united among themselves… Unity alone can help and save us, highlighting the importance of collective defense against neo-colonial influence and stated that a united Africa would be able to negotiate respect for its dignity and rights on the world stage.

“Africans, let us rise up!
Africans, let us unite!
Africans, let us walk hand in hand with all who genuinely wish to help us transform this beautiful continent into one of freedom and justice”.