Prince Estifanos Matewos has called on African leaders and citizens to reject xenophobia and embrace stronger unity across the continent, warning that growing hostility against fellow Africans could damage decades of Pan-African progress.
In a message released to commemorate Africa Day on May 25, the Pan-African advocate stressed that Africans must stop treating one another like outsiders within their own continent.
According to him, Africa’s future depends on solidarity, cooperation and shared prosperity rather than division, discrimination and anti-migrant sentiments.
“No African is foreign in Africa,” Prince Matewos declared while urging governments, traditional institutions and citizens to promote peace, tolerance and brotherhood among African nations.
Prince Matewos, who also serves as Ambassador of the Pan-African Parliament to African Union member-states, expressed concern over the rising cases of xenophobia and Afrophobia reported in some parts of the continent, especially in Southern Africa where foreign nationals have occasionally faced attacks and hostility.
He warned that increasing anti-immigration rhetoric fueled by unemployment, economic hardship and pressure on social services could weaken efforts aimed at achieving African unity and regional integration.
The royal leader noted that African borders should unite people instead of dividing them, stressing that Africans share common cultural roots, history and destiny.
According to him, sustainable peace and development across the continent can only be achieved when African nations work together rather than against one another.
Prince Matewos also linked migration challenges to Africa’s broader economic struggles, insisting that true independence for African nations cannot happen without economic empowerment and self-reliance.
He called for increased industrialisation, stronger local production, resilient African supply chains and expanded trade opportunities through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Pan-African advocate further highlighted the role of traditional institutions and royal families in preserving African identity, promoting unity and supporting grassroots development across communities.
His message comes at a time many African countries continue to debate migration policies, border control and economic cooperation amid growing social and political tensions.
Despite the challenges, Prince Matewos urged Africans to remember that unity remains the continent’s greatest strength.
Source: Africa Day statement by Prince Estifanos Matewos
