On May 25, 2025, H.E. ANM Ousainu Darboe, Secretary General and Party Leader of The Gambia’s United Democratic Party (UDP), delivered a stirring address on Africa Liberation Day, urging Africans to revive the vision of a united, prosperous, and sovereign continent. Commemorating the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (now the African Union), Darboe paid tribute to visionaries like Kwame Nkrumah, Gamal Abdel Nasser, and Julius Nyerere, emphasizing that their dream of a borderless, self-reliant Africa remains unfulfilled but urgent.
Darboe outlined a bold vision for a United Africa, advocating for a single currency, a unified market, and a continental army to safeguard African sovereignty. He praised the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a step toward economic liberation but stressed the need for a unified monetary system to boost intra-African trade and shield the continent from external economic manipulation. A continental defense force, he argued, would end reliance on foreign powers, while dismantling colonial-era borders would enable free movement of people, goods, and services.
Highlighting challenges like poverty, conflict, climate change, and neo-colonial exploitation, Darboe pointed to the COVID-19 pandemic as proof of Africa’s potential for collective action. He condemned foreign manipulation of African resources and politics, citing struggles in nations like Burkina Faso. Quoting Nkrumah’s warning—“We must unite now or perish”—he stressed that gradual unity is no longer viable amid growing global threats.
Darboe’s UDP platform emphasizes sovereignty, economic liberation, and good governance. He called for industrialization, strategic use of Africa’s vast resources, and rejection of dependency-driven aid. He said investments in infrastructure, education, and green growth could position Africa as a global economic leader. He also demanded accountable leadership to combat corruption and tyranny, which he described as betrayals of Pan-African ideals.
Addressing Africa’s youth, Darboe urged them to reject perilous migrations to Europe and instead build a united continent. He called on leaders to prioritize Africa’s interests and Gambians to recognize their nation’s progress as tied to continental unity. Honoring martyrs like Solo Sandeng, he rallied Africans to fight for justice and unity.
As Africa navigates a complex global landscape, Darboe’s call for a United Africa resonates as a roadmap for sovereignty and prosperity. “Long Live Africa!” he declared, ” Viva African Unity!” He envisioned a continent marching forward as one people.
