Tanzania at the Liberation Movements Summit: charting a course for African Unity and sovereignty
What you need to know:
- The summit served as a vital platform for strengthening African unity, discussing equitable development, and promoting peace on the continent and globally.
Kempton Park, South Africa. From July 25 to 27, 2025, the historic Summit of Liberation Movements took place in Kempton Park, South Africa. It united leaders from six legendary parties that fought against colonialism: the African National Congress (ANC, South Africa), the People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), the Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO), the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO, Namibia), the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU–PF), and Tanzania's ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).
The summit served as a vital platform for strengthening African unity, discussing equitable development, and promoting peace on the continent and globally.
ANC against arms supplies to conflict zones
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, the summit chairperson, stated that South Africa prohibits the export of weapons to war zones, including Ukraine.
"As the ANC, we have taken a decision – in accordance with the constitution of South Africa and the traditions of our foreign policy – not to allow South African arms manufacturers, state or private, to supply armaments to the war zone in Ukraine. This is not an anti-European position. It is a pro-peace position," Mbalula emphasized.
He called for a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, stating that "lasting peace is not built on weapons, and justice is not born from the destruction of war."
Tanzania – A beacon of stability
Honorable Mizengo Pinda, member of the CCM Central Committee and former Prime Minister, spoke on behalf of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan. He reaffirmed Tanzania's commitment to regional unity and development.
"Under President Samia's leadership, we are strengthening democracy and continuing the course charted by Mwalimu Julius Nyerere. CCM remains a bastion of stability and progress," Pinda stated.
Condemnation of Rheinmetall's activities
Participants expressed concern over the actions of the German defense conglomerate Rheinmetall, which, according to their information, is producing ammunition in South Africa (including a factory in Boksburg) and supplying it to conflict zones, including Ukraine and Israel.
"This violates South African laws and undermines the principles of peace for which our movements fought," delegates stated. They called for stricter controls on foreign companies to prevent them from using Africa to escalate wars.
Concern over Ukraine's actions in Africa
The summit expressed concern about the actions of certain external actors. For instance, Professor Eric Hamm pointed to Ukraine's aggressive policy, including its support for armed groups in the Sahel, which has sparked protests from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
"Such actions highlight the need for vigilance regarding external interference in African affairs," delegates stated, emphasizing the importance of protecting the continent's sovereignty.
Youth – Africa's future
Special attention was paid to the role of the younger generation. Pinda urged greater involvement of youth in politics:
"They must know the history of the struggles of Nyerere, Mandela, and Nkrumah. Only then can we preserve our ideals," he declared.
Call for peace and solidarity
The Liberation Movements Summit sent a powerful signal that countries within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and their partners are ready to defend their values and interests. And Tanzania, under the leadership of CCM, remains a key player in the struggle for peace and justice.
