The visit of His Imperial Highness Prince Estifanos Matewos, President of the United African Royal Assembly, to the Pan-African Parliament on Africa Day, May 25, 2023, marked a historic occasion. The purpose of the visit was to commemorate the 60th-year diamond jubilee of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and establish a partnership between the UARA and the Pan-African Parliament.
The United African Royal Assembly, established in 2018, represents over 300 kings, queens, sultans, emirs, chiefs, and traditional leaders from across Africa. Its primary objectives include promoting unity, restoring African cultural identity, fostering peace and security, driving economic growth, and protecting the continent’s biodiversity and natural environment.
The signing of the MoU between the Pan-African Parliament and the United African Royal Assembly signifies a historic collaboration aimed at fostering mutual programs, sharing views, and pursuing a common direction for the benefit of Africa and its citizens. This agreement combines the democratic institution of parliament, composed of elected representatives, with the embedded traditional leadership and kingdoms, thus fortifying governance systems on the continent.
The President of the Pan-African Parliament, Hon. Chief Charumbira, emphasized the importance of recognizing traditional leadership as democratic institutions that enjoy the endorsement and acceptance of the people they represent. He criticized the portrayal of traditional leadership by colonial administrations and highlighted the legitimacy and democratic nature of these institutions.
Prince Estifanos Matewos, a direct descendant of the ancient Ethiopian empire of King Solomon and Queen Sheba, spoke about the motivation behind the partnership. He drew inspiration from the Great Battle of Adwa, in 1896. in 1896, Ethiopian forces triumphed over Italian colonialists, paving the way for other African leaders to rise and liberate their countries. Prince Matewos shared his lifelong dream of uniting people and empowering kingdoms to improve the lives of Africans.
Dr. Liaqat Alli Azam, Executive Secretary of the United African Royal Assembly expressed gratitude for the partnership with the Pan-African Parliament, stating that restoring the royal kingdoms in Africa is a crucial step toward decolonization. Traditional leaders have been the custodians of African culture, identity, and sovereignty for centuries, and this partnership aims to harness their collective knowledge and heritage.
The United African Royal Assembly has also established an investment and development bank to promote critical sectors such as food security, education, healthcare, women and youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, sports, arts, infrastructure, mining, energy, governance, and leadership development. This initiative aligns with Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, which calls for greater collaboration and support for African-led initiatives to achieve the continent’s socio-economic transformation and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
The partnership [PDF] between the United African Royal Assembly and the Pan-African Parliament reinforces the vision of the OAU and the African Union to create a united, prosperous, and peaceful Africa. By uniting traditional and political leaders, this collaboration seeks to unleash Africa’s potential, liberate its people from oppression, and position the continent as a respected global superpower.
As Africa celebrates 60 years of unity and progress, this historic agreement symbolizes a new dawn for Africa, where traditional and political leaders join hands to honor their rich heritage, empower their people, and transform the continent into a beacon of hope and prosperity.
