Positive Minds | Positive Quotes | Edition 029

The central Sahel is not just a theatre of crisis and conflict. In the heart of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, an unexpected spark shines in the darkness. It is the spark of a daring youth, of a revitalised pan-Africanism, and of a new vision for Africa. The tragedy is only one side of the story. I want to guide you towards a different, more inspiring and hopeful angle.

In the three countries of the central Sahel, a complex and provocative trilogy is being played out. Non-state armed groups such as the Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (EIGS) have grown in strength since the fall of Gaddafi in 2011, creating a constant threat. Then there are the military juntas, determined to pursue their agendas in defiance of regional and international sanctions.

But in the midst of these grim realities, a new hope is emerging. The young pan-Africanists embody a renewal. They are the face of hope, fighting against the former coloniser and for a united and independent Africa. They are defying the odds, sharing common ideals, and rekindling the flame of a movement that seemed extinguished and almost forgotten.

This resurgence of pan-Africanism is no flash in the pan. It could mark the beginning of an era in which Africa and Africans decide for themselves. It is not a naïve dream but a vision based on struggle, determination and a strong sense of identity. As Kwame Nkrumah said, "Africa must unite". But to do so, we must "dare to invent the future", as Thomas Sankara said.

The road will be strewn with pitfalls and sacrifices, but the potential is immense. Africa can write its own destiny with the intelligence, passion and integrity of its youth.

So I appeal to you, the young people of Africa: stand up, unite and build the future you deserve. Your voice counts, your actions count, and the time has come to embrace the Pan-Africanist legacy and lead the continent into a new and independent era. The struggle continues, and it is yours.