Enugu, Nigeria — Firebrand South African opposition
leader and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) commander, Julius Malema,
electrified the audience at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General
Conference in Enugu on Sunday, August 24, 2025, with a rousing call for African
nations to reject foreign dependency and chart a new path of unity,
industrialization, and self-reliance.
Malema warned African governments against the dangers
of unchecked loans from international financial institutions such as the World
Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), arguing that such debts were
shackles designed to keep the continent perpetually dependent.
“These loans are a trap that chains Africa’s future to
foreign powers,” Malema declared, stressing the need for tighter regulation and
oversight.
A Legislative Push for Accountability
Highlighting efforts in his home country, Malema cited
the EFF’s proposed Public Finance Management Amendment Bill, which would
require parliamentary approval and full transparency for any foreign loans
South Africa undertakes.
“This legislation will ensure accountability and
protect our people from exploitative financial agreements,” he explained,
urging other African nations to adopt similar safeguards.
Nigeria–South Africa Solidarity
In his speech, Malema emphasized the historic bonds
between Nigeria and South Africa, recalling Nigeria’s unwavering support during
the anti-apartheid struggle.
He urged both nations to once again take up leadership
roles on the continent by spearheading Africa’s industrialization drive,
particularly through local processing of the continent’s abundant mineral and
energy resources.
“Africa must build its own factories and stop the
plunder of our wealth,” he declared, warning that exporting raw resources only
perpetuates dependency on foreign economies.
Vision of a Borderless Africa
Painting a bold vision for the future, Malema called
for a borderless Africa with a single currency, a unified military, and a
continental parliament.
“A single African currency would rival the dollar,” he
asserted, adding: “Our salvation lies not in Washington or Beijing but in
Lagos, Johannesburg, Abuja, and Pretoria.”
He further condemned imperialist exploitation and
artificial divisions, stressing that only Pan-African unity could unlock the
continent’s immense potential.
“We are not a dark continent but a shining one, rich
with diamonds and human talent,” Malema proclaimed.
Rejecting Xenophobia, Building Solidarity
Malema also urged Africans to embrace solidarity and
reject xenophobia, insisting that unity was essential for global respect.
“Africa is a continent of giants, not a begging
power,” he said, calling for transformative action through the African
Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
A Call to Action
Closing his address, the EFF leader urged African
leaders, lawyers, and policymakers to rise to the occasion, insisting that the
destiny of the continent lies in its own hands.
“The time has come for Africa to stop crawling before
the world. We must stand tall, united, and self-reliant,” Malema concluded,
receiving a standing ovation from the audience.
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