Pan-Africanists are concerned that African youth increasingly adopt European philosophies and lifestyles over Africa-centered values. They argue that this trend creates cultural gaps at home, leading to disorientation in a globalized world, while African resources, including those in Rwanda, remain underutilized.

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According to the activists, manipulative propaganda and lingering colonial influences continue to affect government systems which have been too weak to counter these forces and promote homegrown solutions. As a result, many stakeholders have failed to mobilize effectively, "walk the talk,” and truly validate African values.

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These issues were central to discussions at a dialogue forum organized on January 23 by the National Consultative Forum of Political Organizations (NFPO) and the Pan-Africanism Movement–Rwanda Chapter.

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The forum explored the role of political organizations in transforming mindsets, fostering love for Africa—particularly Rwanda—and encouraging African youth to embrace local philosophies rather than foreign ones.

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Gabriel Semasaka, a former legislator and Pan-Africanism Movement–Rwanda Chapter Commissioner for Mobilization, explained that neo-colonialism specifically targets youth. He noted that many young Africans have an idealized understanding of "greener pastures” abroad, often shaped by edited or distorted images, while many elders are unaware of these realities.

"We have youth who are neither hardworking nor innovative enough. Many have already set their sights on opportunities overseas, expecting support that they did not initiate themselves,” Semasaka said.

He highlighted the role of intermediaries who facilitate migration under certain conditions, often in exchange for payment, contributing to misguided mindsets among young people.

"Most youth encounter a different reality once they arrive abroad, but few speak out about it. Yet these experiences could serve as valuable lessons. Many of these pitfalls and failures remain hidden,” he added.

Semasaka emphasized the weakening connection between parents and children, leaving many youth to navigate information and opportunities on their own, which creates space for deception.

The forum also discussed a vision of Africa that is peaceful, secure, confident, culturally rooted, globally influential, and citizen focused. Participants stressed that political organizations are critical to achieving this vision, as Africa possesses the necessary capacity, leadership, and people—but mindset change is essential.

"The education system must be revised. Few people acquire hands-on skills, and many undervalue them. Consequently, they look elsewhere for opportunities that already exist within their own communities,” Semasaka said.

MP Alice Muzana of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and spokesperson of NFPO emphasized that love for Africa and resistance to colonial influences must go beyond rhetoric. It should be reflected in concrete actions, policies, and plans that benefit the continent, she said.

"While we can learn from a global perspective, we must choose what truly adds value to our societies. This mindset must especially be adopted by political parties,” Muzana said.

She added that youth should be selective in what they adopt from global influences, ensuring that it does not erode African values.

"We need very few things to achieve everything we need. By focusing on what is essential, we can resist neo-colonialism. If youth are not vigilant, they risk becoming tools for external powers that aim to dominate Africa,” Muzana warned.

Participants also cautioned against harmful mindsets, such as: self-devaluation or the belief that foreign is inherently superior, division among citizens, imitation without innovation, and undermining African languages and culture.

They highlighted lingering colonial legacies in governance, including a winner-takes-all approach to democracy, resistance to innovation, and overreliance on foreign models instead of African solutions like Gacaca, Imihigo, Umuganda, and Agaciro Fund.

The forum warned against prioritizing personal gain in leadership and the belief that all solutions must come from outside Africa, emphasizing the need for African-centered approaches to development.