Conference of the African Diaspora in the Americas debates Pan-Africanism, Memory, Reconstruction, Reparation, Restitution

The Conference of the African Diaspora in the Americas, concluded last Saturday (31) in Salvador (Bahia) It brought together government representatives, researchers and black leaders to discuss ways to expand commercial, cultural and social exchanges between countries and their populations. The event concluded with the reading of a Letter of Recommendations prepared by representatives of civil society and delivered to the African Union. The letter discussed four great themes: Pan-Africanism, Memory, Reconstruction, Reparation and Restitution. The document will also contribute to the debates of the 9^th Pan-African Congress, which will take place from October 29 to November 2 this year in Lomé, Togo.

The letter highlights the need for concrete actions to strengthen global networks of cultural dialogue and to combat racism, including in modern digital contexts. Among the topics addressed by civil society is the promotion of inclusive social policies to protect women, the elderly, children, young people, imprisoned people, people living with disabilities, LGBTQIAP+ and migrants. The letter also addresses the need to create transnational museums and cultural initiatives to preserve ancestral memory and knowledge.

The document was delivered to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration, and Togolese Abroad Robert Dussey, who also chairs the African Union High-Level Committee for the Implementation of the Agenda of the Decade of African Roots and the African Diaspora. After listening to the letter, Dussey highlighted the importance of historical reparation. “Without reparation, the cycle of racism, intolerance and discrimination will continue. Reparation is a historical demand,” he stated.

More than 50 international delegations participated in the conference, represented by ministers and deputy ministers of Foreign Affairs of Africa and the Diaspora, ambassadors and representatives of international organizations, as well as by a group of civil society representatives selected by the event organizers.

Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira said that the history of Brazil and the Americas is deeply marked by ties with Africa and that being able to celebrate them through the Diaspora Conference was an unparalleled privilege. “This is another step towards regional integration and re-engagement with Africa, priorities of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s foreign policy,” he declared.

The letter will contribute to the 9^th Pan-African Congress, whose theme is “Renewal of Pan-Africanism and Africa’s role in the reform of multilateral institutions: mobilizing resources and reinventing itself to act.” According to Minister Vieira, “Reforming global governance institutions is precisely one of the priorities of the Brazilian presidency of the G20.”

The Brazilian minister emphasized that the support of African countries and the African Union – the newest member of the G20, with the support of Brazil – is of great value in advancing issues of common interest to developing countries. “We will continue our efforts to strengthen our partnership with Africa, reaffirmed in February when President Lula had the honor of speaking at the opening of the African Union Summit. We have also worked to strengthen our relations with the countries of the Americas,” said Minister Mauro Vieira in a statement to the press at the end of the Conference.

ORGANIZATION - Promoted by the African Union and the Government of Togo, in partnership with the Brazilian Federal Government and the Government of the State of Bahia, and with the support of the Federal University of Bahia [Universidade Federal da Bahia/UFBA] and the Brazil-Africa Institute [Instituto Brasil-África], the conference promoted the exchange of ideas and experiences, reflecting Brazil’s commitment to valuing African heritage and the global struggle for racial equality and social justice. 

The organization of the Conference had broad government participation, bringing together the ministries of Racial Equality [Igualdade Racial]; Human Rights and Citizenship [Direitos Humanos e da Cidadania]; Culture [Cultura]; and Agrarian Development and Family Farming [Desenvolvimento Agrário e Agricultura Familiar]; in addition to the General Secretariat of the Presidency of the Republic [Secretaria-Geral da Presidência da República]; the Presidency of the Republic’s Communications Secretariat [Secretaria de Comunicação da Presidência da República]; and the Office of the Chief of Staff of the Presidency of the Republic [Casa Civil da Presidência da República].

During the event, the Minister of Human Rights and Citizenship, Silvio Almeida, highlighted the importance of reconnecting Brazil with Africa institutionally, culturally and economically. "We need to reconnect to reconfigure intellectual and Afro-Brazilian discussions, which can be renewed at this time," he stated. Almeida recalled that, as the country with the largest Afro-descendant population outside of Africa and two decades of policies to promote racial equality, Brazil has much to offer and learn from its relationship with African countries.

"We must also discuss human rights based on the right to development. This is a central issue for us," he emphasized, mentioning that the connection between Brazil and Africa can provide not only economic advances but also new cultural perspectives that challenge Eurocentrism and promote a more inclusive and diverse vision of humanity.

COOPERATION - In addition to cultural ties, Minister Mauro Vieira also mentioned in his statement Brazil's technical cooperation with African countries, such as projects to strengthen the cotton sector, which are spread across more than 15 countries. "We also have programs in the areas of health, education, professional training, among others, throughout the continent."

Brazil's Minister of Culture, Margareth Menezes, highlighted the importance of strengthening these relations, emphasizing President Lula's vision of international cooperation, reaffirmed in February during his speech at the opening of the African Union Summit. "This meeting materializes a premise of our president: the resumption of our relations with the countries of the African continent, understanding that, collectively, we can strengthen our commitment to social justice, combat climate imbalance, racism and inequalities, and promote democratic and inclusive ideals," she declared.

"How much of our history has been erased or ignored in terms of preservation? We need to think and act on ways to repair injustices,” said Brazil's Minister of Racial Equality Anielle Franco, who brought the issue of historical memory to the center of the debate. “In addition to all the emotion it symbolizes, this meeting is a moment to honor the present generations and those who helped build this moment. Our history does not bring only pain, but also resilience and strength. Our struggle is collective and, while we are here, we will honor each step taken before us,” highlighted Franco.

João Jorge, president of the Palmares Cultural Foundation [Fundação Cultural Palmares/FCP] concluded that “this is an extremely important construction for our ancestry, present, and future”. “We are often Pan-Africanists in Candomblé, capoeira, music, colors, and clothing, but now is the time to delve deeper into this essence and learn about the history of how Pan-Africanism has made the Black movement resist since long ago. My message is that we look at Africa, look at Latin America, the Caribbean and the African diaspora to reflect," he pointed out.

On her first visit to Brazil, Monique Nsanzabaganwa, vice-president of the African Union Commission, celebrated the conference being held in Salvador, and highlighted the connection between Bahia and Africa. “Bahia is the gateway and the unbreakable bond between Africa and the Diaspora,” she stressed. According to Nsanzabaganwa, the Conference represents “the celebration of the battle and the recognition of the long and tireless journey of the Black people.”