Julius Malema Advocates for Unified African Leadership, Currency

Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has fervently called for the unification of Africa under a singular presidency, currency, parliament, and military command.

In a keynote address at the Nigeria Bar Association’s Annual General Conference in Enugu on Sunday, Malema implored African leaders to dismantle “colonial” borders and strive towards a continent that speaks with one harmonious voice.

“We demand a united Africa, a borderless Africa, an Africa with one president, one currency, one military command, and one parliament,” Malema declared to an audience comprising thousands of lawyers and other eminent figures.

“We are confident that an African currency would hold greater strength against the American dollar. We are indifferent to the opinions of Donald Trump or any other leader. Africans must reject subjugation and stand united as the world evolves, demonstrating that Africa is one and stands equal among all nations,” he asserted.

Africa, a continent of 54 recognized sovereign states, each governed by its own leader, faces Malema’s challenge to consolidate its leadership under a singular African authority.

The 44-year-old South African politician dismissed the depiction of Africa as a “dark continent,” emphasizing its wealth in diamonds, minerals, and other resources capable of driving prosperity.

“We are a radiant nation. We must ensure that no region in Africa witnesses fratricide. We must unite against forces seeking to exploit us.

“The land belongs to Africans, and Africa’s minerals must be reclaimed by Africans. We possess the capability to establish industries and process our resources locally. We must not permit imperialist forces to divide us and seize our wealth,” he proclaimed.

The Economic Freedom Fighters leader advocated for visa-free travel across the continent, stating, “Africans should not require visas to visit one another.”

Malema is convinced that Africa’s redemption lies within the continent itself.

“Our salvation is found here, in Lagos and Johannesburg, in Abuja and Pretoria, in the hands of Africans who refuse division,” the South African opposition leader declared.

He identified Nigeria and South Africa as pivotal to Africa’s industrialization and growth, urging both nations to lead the continent’s development.

Malema commended Nigeria for its unwavering support of South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle and expressed confidence that both countries can spearhead the African Continental Free Trade Area to enhance the lives of ordinary people.

The impassioned politician cautioned African nations against imprudent borrowing, advocating for stricter regulation of loans from the World Bank and other international financial institutions.

Addressing the persistent issue of xenophobia on the continent, Malema insisted that Nigerians, Congolese, and Zimbabweans residing in South Africa are not to blame for the nation’s challenges, labeling the attacks as “a betrayal of African unity.”

“Xenophobia is a malady born of poverty, inequality, and governmental failure,” he argued.

“Africans must learn to cherish themselves, not harm one another. Black people face lack of acceptance both in Africa and abroad, yet we must cultivate a better treatment of ourselves.”