The 3rd African Social Movements (ASM) Baraza convened in Accra, Ghana, from April 14th to 16th, 2024, under the theme “The Power of Movements.” This significant gathering brought together grassroots organizers, activists, and leaders from across the African continent to address the multifaceted challenges confronting Africa and to forge a unified response rooted in justice, self-determination, and collaborative action. The Baraza, organized by TrustAfrica in partnership with the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), provided a crucial platform for dialogue, strategy development, and the strengthening of pan-African solidarity amidst a backdrop of economic instability, political uncertainty, social polarization, and escalating environmental concerns.
The Baraza served as a critical space for reflecting on the power of social movements in driving positive change across Africa. Dr. Ebrima Sall, Executive Director of TrustAfrica, emphasized the essential role these movements play in advancing justice, equity, and inclusive development, highlighting their contributions to women’s rights, environmental justice, and the fight against poverty and inequality. He urged governments to recognize social movements not as adversaries but as vital partners in the democratic process, advocating for engagement and collaboration rather than suppression. Dr. Sall also championed the imperative of a borderless Africa, where the free movement of people within the continent is a fundamental right, crucial for genuine African integration.
The Baraza’s agenda extended beyond reflection, aiming to translate dialogue into concrete action. The event focused on facilitating discussions among African social movement leaders regarding global and continental political developments, fostering common positions on key issues. It prioritized strengthening solidarity, collaboration, and joint action among movements across Africa. The gathering also provided an invaluable opportunity to showcase successful organizing strategies, share lessons learned, and build trust between movement leaders and funders to effectively support African-led initiatives.
Briggs Bomba, Programmes Director at TrustAfrica, characterized Africa’s current predicament as a “compound crisis,” marked by the convergence of economic instability, political uncertainty, and social disintegration. He called for a “double movement” – one that simultaneously envisions progress and promotes internal healing. Bomba underscored the interconnectedness of economic injustice, political instability, and societal fracturing, stressing the need for movements to evolve into spaces of healing and resilience, not just resistance. He encouraged delegates to reclaim indigenous knowledge systems and traditional resilience mechanisms, drawing upon the resourcefulness demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, where communities relied on traditional methods of care, healing, education, and conflict resolution.
Vera Abena Addo, Programme Officer at CDD-Ghana, emphasized the importance of institutional support in sustaining movement-driven change. She reaffirmed CDD-Ghana’s commitment to governance, democracy, and accountability, recognizing movements not as disruptive forces but as legitimate expressions of democratic participation deserving of space and support. Addo advocated for support of youth-led movements, exemplified by Ghana’s #FixTheCountry campaign, while condemning the use of state force against peaceful protests. She highlighted the need for providing platforms for dialogue, meetings, and engagement with policymakers, reflecting CDD-Ghana’s practical support for these movements.
The Baraza facilitated a rich exchange of ideas and experiences through panel discussions, workshops, and strategy sessions focusing on critical themes such as civic space, democratic renewal, economic justice, transformative leadership, and African solidarity. The overarching goal was to develop a shared agenda for strengthening African social movements, promoting unity, and advancing homegrown solutions to the continent’s multifaceted challenges. The Baraza served as a vital catalyst for collective action, equipping participants with the tools and strategies necessary to navigate the complex landscape of social and political change in Africa, and to build a more just and equitable future for the continent.
