Staff Reporter

South African opposition leader Julius Malema delivered a forceful address at the Nigeria Bar Association’s Annual General Conference on Sunday, renewing his call for a unified Africa under a single political and economic authority.

Speaking to thousands of lawyers and dignitaries, Malema, the president of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), advocated for the dismantling of colonial-era borders to create a continent with one president, one currency, one military command, and a single parliament.

“We demand one Africa, we demand a borderless Africa, we demand an Africa with one president, one currency, one military command, with one parliament.” Malema declared in his speech.

“We must stand together as the world changes and show the world that Africa is one and equal to all nations.” he added.

Malema argued that Africa, with its 54 sovereign states, possesses the vast mineral wealth and human capital to become a global economic powerhouse.

He dismissed the characterization of Africa as a dark continent, urging leaders to create industries to process their own resources rather than allowing external powers to exploit them.

The EFF leader also called for visa-free movement for all Africans, stressing that no African should require a visa to visit another country on the continent.

In a warning to African governments, Malema urged stricter regulation on borrowing from international lenders like the World Bank to protect the continent’s economic sovereignty.

“Our salvation lies here, in Lagos and Johannesburg, in Abuja and Pretoria, in the hands of Africans who refuse to be divided,” he said.

He identified Nigeria and South Africa as key drivers for Africa’s industrialization and growth.