South African opposition leader Julius Malema has renewed his call for Africa unity with one president, one parliament, one currency, and a unified military command.
Speaking at the Nigerian Bar Association’s Annual General Conference in Enugu on Sunday, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader urged African nations to restore continental unity and tear down colonial borders.
Julius Malema argued that Africa’s 54 independent states, rich mineral resources, and human capital could transform it into a global economic force if united. He dismissed the label of Africa as a “dark continent,” insisting Africans can process their resources and build industries without foreign exploitation.
He also demanded visa-free travel across Africa, stressing that no African should need a visa to visit another African country. Malema thanked Nigeria for anti-apartheid support and urged Nigeria, South Africa to lead the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The EFF leader further cautioned against excessive debt from global lenders such as the World Bank. He urged African governments to regulate better and safeguard economic sovereignty.
At the Enugu event, attended by hundreds of lawyers and dignitaries, Malema declared: “We demand one Africa. We demand a borderless Africa. We demand an Africa with one president, one currency, one military command, and one parliament.”
He added that a unified African currency would rival global currencies. “Africans must refuse to be subjects of others. We must stand together as the world changes and prove that Africa is one and equal to all nations,” Malema said.
Currently, Africa has 54 sovereign states, each with its own president. Julius Malema, however, insists on a single central authority and united leadership for Africa’s future.
