The Communist Party of Kenya (CPK) takes great pride in its commitment to the working class and the recent historic Pan-African multilateral meeting of left-wing political parties held in Bela Bela, South Africa, on July 20th. This gathering brought together nine leftist political parties from different African countries, including CPK, with the shared goal of fostering unity and collaboration among revolutionary forces in pursuit of social justice, equality, and liberation for the African working class.
The meeting protocols were horizontal, and CPK, together with eight other political parties, played a modest yet significant role in facilitating robust discussions, experience-sharing, and the formulation of strategies to address the socio-economic and political challenges faced by our nations and the entire African continent.
Participating parties at the summit included:
1. The Socialist Revolutionary Workers Party of South Africa (SRWP)
2. The Socialist Party of Zambia (SP)
3. The Parti Communiste du Bénin (PCB)
4. The Peoples' United Democratic Movement of Swaziland (PUDEMO)
5. The Parti Communiste Révolutionnaire de Côte d'Ivoire (PCRCI)
6. The African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde in Guinea-Bissau (PAIGC)
7. The Revolutionary Organization for New Democracy in Niger
8. The Mouvement Nous Pouvons of Mauritania
9. The Communist Party of Kenya (CPK)
This united gathering of like-minded parties marked a significant step towards fostering a pan-African leftist movement that is dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by our people and advancing their interests. By transcending national boundaries, we have demonstrated our unwavering commitment to pan-Africanism and our pursuit of a common agenda that prioritizes the welfare of the African working class.
The summit's timing, coinciding with the Dilemmas of Humanities conference, allowed us to engage in cross-disciplinary dialogue, enriching our discussions and solidifying our commitment to addressing the dilemmas faced by African societies comprehensively.
The CPK and other participating parties recognize the urgent need for a global and continental vanguard that represents the working class's interests effectively. To address this, we have pledged to engage in bilateral meetings to lay the foundation for the establishment of a continental vanguard. Purposeful dialogue and debates among Marxist-Leninist/progressive political parties across the continent will foster meaningful and profound relations among us.
As practical steps towards creating a continental vanguard, the participating parties have collectively agreed to develop comprehensive policies within their respective organizations. These policies will enable effective engagement with popular movements and identify areas of common interest. Through structured mechanisms like united fronts, guided by minimum programs outlining shared objectives and principles, we will enhance coordination and cooperation, working diligently towards our shared goals of social transformation and liberation.
The CPK stands firmly with our fellow revolutionary forces in Africa. We extend our deepest gratitude for the bilateral relations established with the Parti Communiste du Bénin and the Socialist Party of Zambia and look forward to deepening these connections with all participating parties.
The unity achieved at the Pan-African multilateral meeting and the subsequent actions taken by the participating parties will undoubtedly shape the long-term impact of this historic gathering. Together, we commit to the continuous struggle for a more equitable, just, and united Africa where the working class can prosper and thrive.
Statement by the International Department of the Central Organizing Committee of the Communist Party of Kenya.