The Genesis of Pan-Africanism: A Historical Perspective

ABSTRACT: Pan-Africanism is a movement to secure human rights, self-government, independence, andunity for all African peoples. The spirit of solidarity and collaboration among African societies is ages old,fading and flourishing from one century to the next. Pan-Africanism emerged once again at the end of theeighteenthcentury as an anti-slavery and anti-colonial movement. Its appeal was both indigenous andinternational. Africans saw their land invaded by European powers, a scenario that sparked resistance. TheAfrican struggle for freedom coincided with anti-slavery sentiments in Europe and America, among otherregions. In its original form, Pan-Africanism had a wider scope than the geographic continent. It encompassedthe African diaspora and descendants worldwide.Seeking to unify the African people into a single community,Pan-Africanism grew and changed over time, each century adding to its richness and passing on its legacy to thenext. An ethnic, economic, political, and social mosaic, Africa has struggled with anambition for a unitedcontinent while at the same time being conscious of the deep divisions within her borders. Along with the visionof oneness are the conflicting demands byAfrica’s sovereign states and regions, involving a mix ofstakeholders—policymakers, national legislatures, and citizens of independent countries. Still, for all its twistsand turns, the movement embodies a vision of Africa liberated and united, right up to the present day.

KEYWORDS: Pan-Africanism; Slavery; Colonialism; African Union; African independence; African Americanabolitionists.