African Union High Representative for Silencing the Guns, Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas, has urged Africans across the continent and in the diaspora to rise boldly in defence of their dignity, identity, and cultural heritage.

He cautioned that the continent is becoming “uncomfortably timid” in confronting long-standing injustices.

Dr Chambas delivered the strong message on Saturday, December 6, during a symposium held at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) to mark his 75th birthday.

Reflecting on Africa’s place in global affairs, he said the continent continues to suffer the lingering scars of slavery, colonialism, neo-colonial interference, and racial discrimination abroad.

“We are becoming too timid even to defend our dignity as African people. It is not acceptable,” he warned.

“We have been victims of colonialism, slavery, neo-colonialism today, and racism in North America and Europe. It is about time that we started standing up to defend our dignity as an African people.”

He called on African citizens, academics, policymakers, cultural leaders, and the youth to actively reclaim ownership of Africa’s story and assert the continent’s identity with confidence and unity.

Dr Chambas also commended institutions such as the Pan-African Heritage Museum for championing the preservation and celebration of African civilisation, describing their work as vital to strengthening the “African personality.”

“We must begin to defend our history and heritage, and not allow others to demean us as a people,” he said, adding that global dynamics make it even more essential for Africans to speak up and safeguard their legacy.