By Vivian Amoah
On Africa Day 2025, Kimathi Rawlings, son of the late Ghanaian President Jerry John Rawlings, delivered a compelling call for African unity and a renewed commitment to Pan-Africanism. Speaking during a ceremony in Burkina Faso that honored his father by naming a street after him, Kimathi emphasized the urgent need for continental solidarity.
Reflecting on the legacies of his father and former Burkinabè leader Thomas Sankara, Kimathi stated, “United, we will rise, and divided, we will fall. That’s the way I look at it. I think now more than ever, we have the opportunity to come together as a continent.” He highlighted the current climate as a critical opportunity for Africa to unite and progress collectively. Kimathi further noted that Africa must shift focus inward to forge a collective path forward, stating, “For once, I think we are in a position to look inward at ourselves and see how we can progress as a continent — not just divided, with everyone doing something in their own little corner. Together, I think we could be a force for good in this world.”
The ceremony, which included the unveiling of a statue honoring Thomas Sankara, was attended by dignitaries from across Africa, underscoring the enduring impact of both leaders’ visions for a united continent. Kimathi’s remarks serve as a poignant reminder of the ongoing relevance of Pan-African ideals in addressing contemporary challenges and fostering development across Africa.