“Black Summer”: Calls for Ibrahim Ibrahim Traoré to head ‘People’s African Union’
As the “Black Summer” movement gains momentum across Africa and the African diaspora, a new wave of Pan-African activism is emerging. Demonstrations and rallies are being organized throughout the continent, advocating for the establishment of “The People’s African Union”, a revolutionary alternative to the current African Union (AU).
“Black Summer” is a global campaign initiated by Afrodescendants in the United States, asserting their right to self-determination and independence from systemic oppression. The movement, which officially launches on July 4, 2025 with rallies throughout the United States of Afrodescendants declaring independence, aims to leverage control over territorial assets valued at over $15 trillion to fund a $1 trillion development initiative for African nations.
Critics of the AU argue that it has become a tool for imperialist interests, failing to effectively address the continent’s challenges and aspirations. In response, activists propose a new governing body led by a revolutionary council, with President Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso as its chair and Julius Malema of South Africa as a key member.
President Traoré has been vocal in his opposition to foreign interference in African affairs, emphasizing the need for true sovereignty and self-determination. Similarly, Julius Malema, leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters, has consistently called for the decolonization of African economies and the reclamation of land and resources.
Human Rights Policy Officer and “Black Summer” initiator, Ramzu Yunus, criticized the current state of the African Union, stating: “The African Union is barely a shadow of its former self and is dictated to by former colonial masters who have not allowed the full expression of self-determination.”
The proposed People’s African Union aims to:
- Reclaim African sovereignty by eliminating dependency on former colonial powers.
- Nationalize key industries to ensure that African resources benefit African people.
- Promote unity and solidarity among African nations to collectively address continental challenges.
This movement draws inspiration from historical Pan-African leaders like Kwame Nkrumah, who advocated for a united Africa free from colonial and neocolonial influences.
As “Black Summer” unfolds, the call for a People’s African Union represents a significant shift in the continent’s political landscape, signaling a renewed commitment to Pan-African ideals and the pursuit of genuine independence.
