Institute for Africa and Diaspora Research and Development
IADRD
Public Policy Research, Analysis and Engagement 

IADRD was inspired by the need for a local and international non-partisan, non-profit think tank dedicated to the African identity,  innovative research, pragmatic policy analysis, and advocacy on self-reliant economic, social, and civic developments, philanthropy,  partnership, and Africa Union engagements.


African Liberation Day: What is it?

May 25 is African Liberation Day and recognized by members state in the African Union. Liberation Day is also celebrated in African communities around the world.  

The First Pan African Conference on African Soil: 
April 15, 1958 in Accra, Ghana.

April 15, 1958 ushered a liberating leap in the annals of African history when African leaders and political activists came together at  the first Conference of Independent African States in Accra, Ghana.  In attendance were representatives of the governments of Ethiopia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Egypt, Liberia, Libya, Morocco,  Tunisia,  Sudan  and the Union of the Peoples of Cameroon. 

This is  significant in the fact that it is the first Pan-African conference held on African soil. The Conference called for the founding of African Freedom Day, a day to "mark each year the onward progress of the liberation movement, and to symbolize the determination of the People of Africa to free themselves from foreign domination and exploitation."

Between 1958 and 1963 the quest for liberation  grew bigger in Africa and around the world. During this period, 17 countries in Africa won their independence and 1960 was proclaimed the Year of Africa.



May 25, 1963 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 
The Organization of African Unity was founded.

On May 25, 1963, another historic meeting occurred. Leaders of thirty-two independent African states  convened a Summit in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, which gave birth to the Organization of African Unity (OAU).  By then more than two-thirds of the continent had achieved independence from imperial European states. At this summit, the date of Africa Freedom Day was changed from 15 April to 25 May, and Africa Freedom Day was declared African Liberation Day. The founding date of the OAU is also referred to as "Africa Day."

Dr. Kwame Nkrumah's Speech: Click

 
July 9, 2002 in Durban, South Africa, the African Union was launched.



The first African Union was launched in Durban, South Africa on July 9, 2002. South Africa's Thabo Mbeki was as its first Chairman at the first session of the Assembly of the African Union. In effect, the OAU was disbanded and replaced by the African Union. However, Africa Day/African Liberation Day is still observed by the African Union. 

In some African states like the Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Lesotho, Mali, Mauritania, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe,  Africa Day/ Africa Liberation Day is a public holiday. In Lesotho it is also known as Heroes' Day. 

How is African Liberation Day commemorated? 

African Liberation Day is celebrated by African communities around the world and the formalities reflect the permanent institution of Pan-Africanism. Activities range from formal gatherings with panel discussions; symposiums; special lectures; street marches; public speeches by political, civic  and social leaders to programs featuring cultural entertainment, music,  poetry, and performers.