Statement of the Africa Committee of the Socialist International
For Peace, Social Justice, and a Sustainable Future in Africa – November 2025
The Africa Committee of the Socialist International, meeting by videoconference on 21 November and then in person on 27 November in Malta to discuss the crucial challenges facing our continent, reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the values of freedom, equality, solidarity and democracy. It confirms its determination to promote social democracy as a viable means of bringing stability and shared prosperity, in full respect of the principles of sovereignty and non-interference.
In this context, it was recalled that at its founding in 1951, during the Frankfurt Congress, the Socialist International (SI) was composed entirely of European parties. Its opening to the rest of the world, and in particular to Africa, only took place after the independence of the former colonies. Thus, in 1976, during the Geneva Congress (26–28 November), the Socialist Party of Senegal (under the name “Union Progressiste Sénégalaise”) was admitted as a full member of the SI. It was quickly followed by the Socialist Union of Popular Forces of Morocco, the Socialist Democratic Front of Cameroon, and the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola. Today, 35 African parties are members of the Socialist International.
In this respect, the Africa Committee has decided to organise the celebration of “50 Years of Socialism in Africa” in 2026. This jubilee offers the opportunity to revisit the conditions and modalities of integration of African parties within the Socialist International, to assess the organisation’s role in the development of democracy and human rights on the continent, and to map out perspectives for the African member parties. Indeed, this occasion should serve in particular to consolidate the African vision of socialism and progressivism, drawing on the diverse socio-political and cultural experiences specific to the African continent.
The Africa Committee took note of the national and party-political situations of the member parties in their respective countries:
• It supports the efforts of its parties to adapt to new political realities, strengthen their grassroots structures and remain essential progressive forces within the opposition or the government, in line with their socialist commitments;
• It welcomes the determination of President Cyril Ramaphosa and the results achieved at the G20 summit despite the attempts at sabotage suffered by South Africa;
• It congratulates Comrade Driss Lachguar on his re-election as First Secretary of the Socialist Union of Popular Forces and commends his commitment within the Socialist International in favour of gender equality, the strengthening of the rule of law, social and territorial justice, and the sovereignty of the countries of the Global South;
• It congratulates Comrade Francisco Carvalho for the confidence placed in him by his comrades of the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde;
• It congratulates Comrade Khelil Ezzaouia for the renewed confidence of his comrades of the Democratic Forum for Labour and Liberties (FDTL-Ettakatol).
I. Peace, Security and Democracy
Global peace is a collective responsibility that requires immediate synergies between all governments and regional, continental and multilateral institutions.
1. Condemnation of Coups d'État and the Crisis of Democracy
The Africa Committee considers military regimes to be a major source of concern and a challenge to the rule of law. It reaffirms that only a transition to normal constitutional order can guarantee democracy.
• We firmly condemn the use of coups d'État to resolve political conflicts.
• We demand the immediate release of all political prisoners, and we specifically call for the immediate freedom of Comrade Mohamed Bazoum of Niger.
2. African Crisis Hotspots
• Conflict in Sudan:
The armed conflict in Sudan requires urgent and resolute mobilisation from the African continent. Its cross-border humanitarian and security repercussions (influx of refugees, summary executions, intensifying border tensions) highlight the urgency of strengthened cooperation to establish lasting peace and shared stability.
o We call on the international community and the African Union to mobilise to end the humanitarian tragedy suffered by civilian populations — a tragedy that resembles ethnic cleansing — to halt foreign interventions, and to work toward restoring peace in Sudan.
• DRC–Rwanda Tensions:
The Africa Committee discussed the conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. This crisis, driven by historical and contemporary factors, is above all an “economic war” over control of mineral resources for the benefit of foreign powers, posing a threat to the territorial integrity of the DRC:
o We condemn the atrocities committed against the population and the resulting chronic humanitarian crisis.
o We call for strict respect of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2773.
o We welcome the diplomatic progress achieved, notably the direct talks between the Congolese government and the AFC/M23 group, as well as the signing of a declaration of principles in Doha including a prisoner-exchange mechanism, as concrete steps towards a lasting political solution.
• Western Sahara:
The Africa Committee welcomes the opportunity presented by UN Security Council Resolution 2797 as a basis for a global consensus on a just and lasting political solution. We call on all parties to the conflict to:
o engage resolutely in negotiations;
o work towards a definitive settlement of the conflict;
o relaunch regional integration, an essential factor for the wellbeing and prosperity of all peoples of the region and of the continent.
II. Climate Change and Sustainability: Urgency and Expectations
The Africa Committee recalls that climate change is a cross-border scourge whose alarming effects disrupt the social and environmental balance of African nations. The severity of its impacts exacerbates the risks of violent conflict on the continent, as the rapid degradation of the environment deprives populations of their means of adaptation, resulting in increased vulnerability.
The Africa Committee takes note of the outcomes of COP 30, which succeeded in maintaining the existing multilateral framework and in achieving certain procedural and financial advances. However, the Committee regrets the failure of COP 30 on the two most essential fronts for the climate and for Africa: (i) the phase-out of fossil fuels and (ii) adequate, non-debt-creating financing. This failure has a disastrous and disproportionate impact on Africa, whose populations — often the most vulnerable and least responsible for emissions — remain the first victims of climate disasters, famines and displacement.
• We underline the urgency of mobilising progressive forces to promote bold, solidarity-based and coordinated policies at regional and global levels.
• We demand that the major polluting nations fully assume their historical responsibilities by implementing, without delay, significant non-debt-creating financing to support African climate-adaptation initiatives. These efforts must include the recognition of equity in global emission-reduction efforts and the establishment of innovative mechanisms to compensate for the losses and damages sustained.
III. Cross-Cutting Issues: Economic Justice and Good Governance
The Africa Committee calls on African governments to make good governance and economic justice absolute priorities. Conflicts are too often fuelled by poor governance, stark economic inequalities and unchecked competition for control of resources. Only a firm commitment to transparency, equitable wealth distribution and anti-corruption efforts can stem these sources of instability.
The Africa Committee denounces external interference, which complicates the resolution of crises and threatens African state sovereignty. The emergence of new security partnerships — often motivated by competition for resources or geopolitical influence — only exacerbates tensions. The Africa Committee calls for the consolidation of African sovereignty and the promotion of regional solutions, free from any form of foreign pressure or instrumentalisation, in order to ensure genuine and lasting stability on the continent.
The Socialist International and its African parties reaffirm their determination to build a future in which freedom, equality and solidarity remain at the heart of the desired socio-political transformations./.
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