The African Union High Representative for Silencing the Guns, Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas, has called Africans to stand firmly in defence of their dignity, heritage and identity, warning that the continent is becoming “too timid” in the face of historical and contemporary injustices.

Speaking at a commemorative symposium held to celebrate his 75th birthday at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) on Saturday, December 6, Dr Chambas delivered an assessment of Africa’s position in the global arena, highlighting centuries of exploitation, racism and marginalisation.

He urged citizens, intellectuals, policymakers and cultural leaders across the continent to reclaim the narrative of African history and assert their agency with renewed confidence.

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

“We have been victims of colonialism, of slavery, neo-colonialism today, racism in North America and Europe. And on top of that, we are being accused… We are the victims deeply affected. And I think that it’s not acceptable, and it’s about time that we started standing up to defend our dignity as an African people.”

Dr Chambas commended the efforts of cultural institutions such as the Pan-African Heritage Museum, describing their work as essential in protecting and projecting the “African personality”.

He emphasised that Africans must take responsibility for defending their own history, heritage and cultural identity from distortion or denigration.

“We must begin to defend our history, our heritage, and not allow others to demean us as a people,” he said, adding that current global trends make such efforts more urgent than ever.

The former ECOWAS and United Nations diplomat went on to outline a broader vision for African progress, one rooted in unity, respect for human rights, stability and the full utilisation of the continent’s demographic and natural wealth.

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“We’re not asking much,” he noted. “We just want to live in our countries peacefully, in dignity, in stability, with people’s rights respected, and to prosper our continent channelling and harnessing our tremendous resources, our youth and women who have such vitality, such dynamism.”

Dr Chambas expressed optimism that with a shared commitment to solidarity and self-determination, Africans can build a future worthy of their aspirations.

“If we are all united in this, we can, together, make Africa a better continent for our generations and generations yet to come,” he said.

He extended his gratitude to attendees for their support and participation, calling their presence “an affirmation of our collective will to fight for a dignified and prosperous Africa.”

About Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas

Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas is one of Africa's most distinguished statesmen. He is a diplomat, lawyer, mediator, and global peace advocate whose work has shaped conflict resolution, governance reforms, and regional integration across West Africa and the world.

Born in Bimbilla in northern Ghana and raised in a family deeply rooted in leadership, service, and spirituality, he grew into a man whose life would reflect the virtues of humility, fairness, and courage instilled during his youth.

Dr Mohamed Ion Chambas began his formal education at Mfantsipim School in Cape Coast and later attended what is now Tamale Secondary School in Tamale for his A-levels.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Ghana, Legon, in 1973 before advancing his studies in the United States at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, where he obtained a Master's degree in 1977 and a PhD in 1980.

In addition to his political-science credentials, he pursued legal training at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, earning a Juris Doctor degree (J.D.) and qualifying to practice law in both Ghana and the U.S. state of Ohio. These academic pursuits sharpened his intellect and deepened his commitment to justice.

Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Chambas helped define modern peace processes in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, The Gambia, Sudan, and the Sahel and at the same time strengthened institutions at ECOWAS, ACP, the AU, and UNOWAS.

Beyond titles and offices, he is known for his warmth, patience, humour, and unwavering belief in the African people and in the continent of Africa.