Our founders were committed Pan Africanists, particularly concerned about the process of democratisation in Africa, of human rights, social and economic development and abuse of the natural environment exacerbating these problems. They were led by Bernard Muna, supported by a College of Honorary Presidents.
H.E. Dr Kenneth Kaunda– former President Zambia
H.E. Gen. Amadeus Toumani Toure– former Head of State, Mali
H.E. Eden Kodjo– former OAU Secretary General
H.E. M.W.A. Ezekiel Mboumoua – President, Cameroon Red Cross,
former OAU Secretary General
Bernard Acho Muna, was a renowned lawyer, magistrate and politician, a ‘selfless crusader for democracy, justice and human rights’ who ‘stood for truth and served selflessly whenever fundamental human rights were threatened.’
President of Cameroon Bar & Central African Lawyers Union.
Deputy Prosecutor of International Criminal Tribunal, Rwanda.
Chair of 2013 UN Commission investigating human rights in CAR.
UNAFAS is about Africans standing straight and tall. It is about Africans doing things for themselves and not waiting for others to do it for us. It is about regaining our dignity and our pride. It is about seeking our own solutions to our own problems. It is about building our own societies with our own moral and our own social values.
What we must do first is for Africa and Africans to accept responsibility for our present state of affairs…. And in accepting it, all Africans must also accept that the future of our continent lies in their hands.
One of the first tasks of UNAFAS shall be the promotion of democracy in Africa. African governments must be established on strong constitutional and legal foundations and African people must be educated to defend their human and democratic rights wherever and whenever they are threatened.
UNAFAS must .. promote solidarity among the peoples of Africa. The promotion of peace and understanding must remain at all times the main and principal preoccupation.
United Africa Association seeks to act as a catalyst in the effort by helping Africans to unite the wisdom and energies of our visionaries ..
And .. by providing a forum.
There are elements in traditional society that are constructive to progress .. those elements strengthen .. rather than diminish.
We will start in the schools, colleges and universities …
It requires . The conception of sustainable development policies and programs which create opportunities for Africans while at the same time protecting the continent’s vast Human and natural resources … through sharing knowledge and experiences as well as encouraging wiser exploitation of Africa’s resources.
What we have lacked has been a collective sense….
Let us rise up that our young men and women may not hide their kindness or hide it behind fierce and frowning eyes. Let us rise that love may govern the action of our young men and women and that tomorrow will not be too late and that when we have found them they would not have turned to hating.
Extracts from Executive President’s speech, UNAFAS launch ceremony, 8-11 November 1994. Hilton Hotel, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
The years that followed were tumultuous – the process of democratisation brought about struggles for power, saw the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) evolve into the African Union (AU), and many other changes. During this period UNAFAS activity included involvement in ‘African Dialogue II’ held on NEPAD in Tanzania in 2003. As Executive President, Bernard Muna toured the African continent engaging in dialogue with local leaders (in Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Congo, Mali, Ghana, Gabon, Uganda, Kenya, Libya), and built a team and programmes in Cameroon, fully engaged in cultural, environmental and democratisation work. Activity remained true to the vision of the founders, financed by member contributions, individual, corporate and charitable donations and sponsorship.
Read about the Cameroon Chapter