Pan-Africanism

As we have stated earlier a greater part of Africa has got rid of colonial rule. But colonialism has left behind various problems. It has fostered tribal, religious and linguistic differences with the deliberate intention of preoccupying African States with qualms among themselves and obstructing their development programs and thus creating conditions for neocolonialism to thrive. The Africans have advanced the concept of Pan-Africanism as the best method of resolving African problems and of further strengthening African Independence and Unity.

Ethiopia has fully identified herself with the Pan-African Movement, in the furtherance of which cause she has already proposed at the 16th session of the General Assembly of the United Nations the establishment of the Organization of African States. We are pleased to state that this same proposal has received unanimous acceptance by the Independent African States at the recent Conference in Lagos.
You are now meeting here to lay the foundation for the establishment of a regional federation of the East and Central African countries. Although this objective presupposes the total emancipation of the territories of Our region, most of which still finds Ourself under Colonial rule, this should not hinder the already Independent States of our region from going ahead and working out the practical arrangements that would give form and substance to this objective.

The eyes of all Africa and indeed of the world are focused upon this Conference and it is Our earnest hope that the outcome of your deliberations will measure up to the expectations of the peoples of this region and indeed the whole of Africa.

Africa, together with the rest of the non-aligned world, has emerged as a positive force for peace and harmony on our planet. While striving to realize our aspirations and ideals, therefore, all our efforts and resources should as well be directed towards the advancement of this all-important aim.  May God grant you the wisdom in your endeavour to accomplish the task before you.

Emperor Haile Sellassie I
feb 2 1962