“Africa Must And Will Be Governed By Africans” — PLO Lumumba At ICAD 2025

Prof. PLO Lumumba, while delivering a special address at the International Conference on Africa’s Democracy (ICAD) 2025 at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja, Nigeria, has challenged African leaders and Africans to rethink governance through an Afrocentric lens, free from colonial and foreign influence.

Professor Lumumba spoke passionately on the theme, “Afro-Democracy: Building A Governance System That Works In Africa, For Africans,”

He stressed that coups and poor governance are not uniquely African problems and cautioned against judging the continent too harshly.

He also reminded the audience, from countries like Ghana, Niger Kenya amongst participants, of Africa’s history of resisting colonial domination and slavery, insisting that the future of the continent must be shaped by Africans themselves.

“We must rethink the way we govern ourselves. What is it that different parts of Africa are doing that cannot be fused into a system that works for us? Are we children of a lesser God?” he asked.

Lumumba emphasized that Africa’s youth hold a critical role in shaping the future of governance, but warned against dismissing the wisdom of the elderly.
“Age does not guarantee wisdom. If you are old and foolish, you are simply an old fool; if you are young and foolish, then you are a young fool,” he said.

He called for immediate action, urging Africans to decolonize their minds from the systems and structures imposed by colonial rulers, including the electoral processes and artificial borders.

Lumumba highlighted the continent’s power crises, health challenges, and technological gaps, insisting that Africa’s unity and progress will only come when its people take responsibility beyond government intervention.

“Africa must regenerate and take charge. The time is now. You are the eagle, and I am urging you to fly,” Lumumba declared.