Hon. Musoni Protais, the National Chairperson of the Pan-African Movement (PAM), has called on young Africans to abandon the remaining traces of colonial mentality and adopt a revolutionary, solidarity-driven mindset, describing it as the only path to true African prosperity.
He delivered the message during an engagement with students at the University of Rwanda, Huye Campus, on December 3.
Hon. Musoni emphasized that the youth are the continent’s backbone, its energy, its confidence, and its strategic hope.
“If the youth collapse, the continent collapses. But if they stand firm, Africa will rise,” he told the students.
“We need to shift from the colonial mindset to be alive again.
“We cannot understand ourselves if we do not understand our history and culture,” he added, explaining that Africa’s fragmentation is rooted in a painful historical experience marked by Western dominance.
He reminded them that although Africa, including Rwanda, still struggles with poverty and structural challenges, meaningful change begins with young Africans who dare to believe in their potential. He assured them that they possess both the capacity and responsibility to reshape the continent.
The event also saw more than 30 students receive certificates after completing a free leadership training program organized in partnership with the Pan-African Movement at the national level.
Salim Mutsindashyaka, a second-year economics student and active PAM member told Kamunuza Star that the training strengthened his understanding of unity and African solidarity, encouraging all African youth to rise and shine together without fear.
“From now on, I want to contribute to making Africa a better continent,” he said.
Closing his remarks, Musoni called on the youth to begin decolonizing education, politics, and development, noting that development must be understood not only in economic terms but across all social and cultural sectors.
For many years, the relevance of the Pan-African Movement has been debated, often criticized for slow progress and accused of being “only on paper.” However, Hon. Musoni argued that liberation is a gradual process, and as long as Africans continue nurturing the Pan-African spirit, meaningful progress remains possible.
David RUTARE / The Kaminuza Star