Our Goal
To attain the Right of Abode within the East African Community states.
Purpose Statement
To present a clear and compelling case to the African Union and its member states for granting the Right of Return and Permanent Residency to the descendants of enslaved Africans. This initiative seeks to highlight the mutual benefits, cultural, economic, and social; of welcoming back members of the African diaspora, while addressing historical injustices and strengthening global African unity.
Why?
Granting the Right of Return: A Strategic Opportunity for the African Union and Its Member States
Extending the Right of Return to descendants of Africans trafficked during the Transatlantic Slave Trade presents a powerful opportunity for the African Union and its member states. Beyond addressing historical injustices, this initiative can generate far-reaching social, cultural, and economic benefits.
Outlined below are several potential advantages:Social justice & reconciliation
Granting the Right of Return serves as a formal recognition of the historical injustices endured during the Transatlantic Slave Trade. It represents a meaningful step toward addressing that legacy by promoting social justice, healing, and reconciliation between descendants of the enslaved and communities across the African continent.
Diaspora engagement and investment:
Granting the Right of Return can strengthen the emotional and cultural connection that descendants of trafficked Africans feel toward their ancestral homeland. This renewed sense of belonging can foster greater diaspora engagement, including increased investment, entrepreneurship, and philanthropic initiatives, all of which can contribute meaningfully to national development and economic growth in host countries across Africa.
Strengthening cultural ties
Granting the Right of Return can foster deeper cultural ties between descendants of the enslaved and East African nations, strengthening cultural exchange, preserving shared traditions, and celebrating a common heritage that transcends borders.
Skilled labor and knowledge transfer
Many descendants of the enslaved have excelled across diverse fields and sectors in their countries of residence. By granting them the opportunity to settle in Africa, member states can benefit from the transfer of valuable skills, knowledge, and expertise, contributing to the growth of human capital and accelerating regional development.
Economic growth and development
By welcoming skilled and entrepreneurial individuals from the diaspora, African Union member states stand to gain from increased economic activity. This includes the creation of new business ventures, expanded employment opportunities, and the infusion of innovation that can drive sustainable growth and development across key sectors.
Tourism and cultural exchange
Granting the Right of Return will attract many diaspora tourists seeking to explore their historical and cultural connections to the region. This interest can significantly boost cultural exchange and contribute to the growth of the heritage tourism sector, creating jobs, generating revenue, and deepening ties between the diaspora and the continent.
Diplomatic and international relations
Granting the Right of Return can support regional integration by welcoming diverse perspectives from the diaspora and fostering collaboration across borders. This initiative aligns with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Agenda 2063, both of which emphasize unity, mobility, and inclusive development.
By encouraging cross-border engagement and shared purpose, the return of diaspora communities can help strengthen inter-state cooperation and contribute to building the “Africa We Want”, one that is integrated, prosperous, and united.
Foster regional integration
Granting the Right to Return can help bring the continent closer together. When brothers and sisters from the diaspora return, they bring fresh ideas, global experience, and a deep commitment to rebuilding. Their presence encourages cooperation between countries, strengthens cross-border ties, and adds momentum to the push for a more united Africa.
This isn’t just about return, it’s about building something stronger, together.
Show your support by signing and sharing our petition
CRDEA was created because of the experiences of many descendants who are attempting to relocate to the continent. The current processes are challenging, and leaves us open to insincere and unethical operators. We simply want to come home, and we are not coming empty-handed. We are experienced professionals looking to make positive contributions in our new home countries.
The idea of Pan-Africanism, which seeks to promote unity and solidarity among people of African descent, may resonate with some individuals, leading them to consider moving to Africa as a way to strengthen these bonds.
