The second day of the 9th Pan-African Congress was marked by a historic moment: the formal presentation of the work of the eight Commissions. In turn, the chairpersons presented the conclusions, recommendations, and perspectives arising from their deliberations.
From institutional reforms to the decolonization of knowledge, including reparations and the role of women, here is a summary of a dense and decisive day for the future of Pan-Africanism.
Commission 1 — Africa in the 21st Century and a New Vision of Pan-Africanism
Chair : Mr. Allan Ngari
The Commission recalled the shared experience of exploitation based on racism and the need for Pan-African unity of action. It reaffirmed the importance of Agenda 2063 and the Decade of African Roots (2021-2031) as frameworks for transformation.
Commission 2 — Reform of Multilateral Institutions
Chair : Prof. DĂŞlidji Eric DEGILA
The post-1945 multilateral system suffers from a “congenital defect.” Africa represents more than a quarter of UN member states but remains underrepresented. The Commission reaffirms the Ezulwini Consensus: two permanent seats with veto power for Africa on the Security Council.
Commission 3 — Resource Mobilization and Self-Reliant Development
Chair: Prof. Noël Margolof-Ndoba
From the Lagos Plan of Action (1980) to Agenda 2063, Africa has been striving for economic sovereignty. A major innovation of the 9th Congress: mobilizing the resources of the continent’s five regions and a sixth region (the diaspora and people of African descent).
Commission 4 — Decolonizing the Mind and Reinventing Self
Chair: Mr. Ernie James Kant
A session of rare emotional intensity. Participants—from both the continent and the diaspora—expressed the pain of uprooting, the sense of loss and disconnection inherited from slavery. As Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us: “We are Africans, and we must never forget it.”
Commission 5 — Reparations and Restitution of Cultural Property
Chair: Mr. Siam Salih Alassane
90 to 95% of Africa’s ancient heritage is located outside the continent. Reparations are not an act of charity: they are a legal and moral imperative. The African Union has designated 2025 as the Year of Reparations.
Commission 6 — Combating Racism and the Durban Declaration
Chair: H.E. Dr. Naledi Pandor
The Durban Conference (2001) remains one of the most important of the 21st century. Key message: “We do not need to reinvent the wheel—let us resolutely implement what Durban has already established.” Call to African governments to enact concrete legislation.
Commission 7 — The Role of Women in the Pan-African Movement
Rapporteur: Ms. Yolande Oglue
Women represent more than 50% of the African population, but are underrepresented in the continent’s political and decision-making bodies. Strong message: “It is not enough to promise representation—it must be guaranteed and institutionalized.” »
Commission 8 — Pan-African Studies and the Decolonization of Knowledge
Chair: Dr. Akil Kokayi Khalfani
A striking example: the Great Wall of Benin is larger than the Great Wall of China, yet remains largely unknown. Why? Because our frames of reference have been shaped by others. Decolonizing means Africanizing our thinking.
Key Quotes of the Day
“We are Africans, and we must never forget it.”
Martin Luther King, quoted by Commission 4
“Reparation is not an act of charity—it is a legal and moral imperative.”
Commission 5 on Reparations
“We don’t need to reinvent the wheel—let’s implement what Durban established.”
H.E. Dr. Naledi Pandor, Commission 6
Key takeaways
- Eight commissions presented their conclusions and recommendations.
- The Ezulwini Consensus reaffirmed: two permanent seats for Africa at the UN.
- The sixth region (diaspora) integrated as a strategic lever.
- 2025 = Year of Reparations declared by the African Union.
- Decolonizing knowledge: a prerequisite for all sovereignty.
- Women must be at the heart of all decisions.
Next steps
Work continues towards the adoption of the Lomé Final Declaration, a roadmap for pan-African renewal for the coming years.
For more information: Visit the official congress website at https://pac9-lome2024.com/
The 9th Pan-African Congress is being held under the theme: “Renewal of Pan-Africanism and the role of Africa in the reform of multilateral institutions: mobilizing resources and reinventing ourselves to act.”