May 25: No African Is A Foreigner In Africa — Prince Matewos

Prince Estifanos Matewos has called for stronger unity among African nations, warning against the growing wave of xenophobia, Afrophobia and anti-migrant sentiments across parts of the continent.

Speaking in a message to mark the Africa Day celebrations on May 25, Prince Matewos said Africa’s progress depends on solidarity, cooperation and shared prosperity rather than division and exclusion.

The Pan-African advocate, who also serves as Ambassador of the Pan-African Parliament to African Union (AU) member-states, stressed that Africans should not see one another as strangers within the continent.

“No African is foreign in Africa,” he declared, urging governments, traditional rulers and citizens to reject all forms of discrimination against fellow Africans.

His comments come amid rising tensions in some African countries over migration, unemployment, economic hardship and pressure on social services, especially in parts of Southern Africa where foreign nationals have occasionally faced hostility and attacks.

According to Prince Matewos, Africa’s borders should serve as a bridge for unity rather than a source of division, noting that Africans share a common history, culture and destiny.

He warned that increasing anti-immigration rhetoric and xenophobic violence could threaten years of efforts toward regional integration and African unity.

The royal leader also linked migration issues to the continent’s economic struggles, arguing that true independence cannot be achieved without economic sovereignty.

He called for stronger industrialisation, local production, resilient intra-African supply chains and increased trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.

Prince Matewos further highlighted the importance of traditional institutions and royal houses in preserving African values, strengthening social cohesion and supporting development across communities.