Boniface Cheembe

Civil Activist; Fulbright Scholar; Lecturer and Researcher.

[Hakainde Hichilema @HHichilema]

Congratulations to my brother, President @PaulKagame and the people of Rwanda on securing the @F1 Formula 1 African Grand Prix. This historic achievement reflects your resilience, vision, and smart hard work. Zambia shares your pride in this milestone for Rwanda and Africa. HH

[FAZ @FAZFootball]

VICTORY AT HOME!

#WeAreChipolololo #FAZfootball #FTF#PAMOJA2027 #AFCON2027

[African Union ECOSOCC @AU_ECOSOCC]

September is Africa Amnesty Month.

The @_AfricanUnion introduced Africa Amnesty Month in 2017 and designated September for the voluntary surrender and collection of illegally owned weapons and arms. The initiative forms part of the AU’s efforts to advance the goal of Silencing the Guns in #Africa.

#AfricaAmnestyMonth also gives countries an opportunity to raise awareness about illicit arms and ammunition and encourage people to voluntarily surrender illegally held weapons through national #amnesty programs.

We encourage #civilsociety organizations to use their networks and community spaces to keep these conversations going. Community organizations can share information about national amnesty initiatives, while #youth groups, women’s organizations and local leaders can create spaces to discuss #peace, #security and peaceful ways of resolving disputes. #Media and civil society platforms can also help people access clear and accurate information about efforts to reduce illicit weapons.

These conversations can help communities better understand the risks associated with illicit weapons and encourage greater participation in efforts to #SilenceTheGuns.

ℹ️ https://t.co/QwbK0pbJxO

#AMM #SilencingTheGuns #Agenda2063

[African Union ECOSOCC @AU_ECOSOCC]

Did you know you could fit the United States, China, India, Japan, Mexico and much of Europe inside Africa’s land area and still have room to spare?!

🌍 Yes, Africa’s size has been misrepresented on world maps for centuries. The @UN has now adopted a resolution to change that!

The UN General Assembly has adopted Resolution A/80/L.104, “Correct the Map,” introduced by the Republic of Togo on behalf of the African Group.

The resolution calls for more accurate cartographic representation of Africa and other regions of the world, recognizing that commonly used map projections can significantly distort the relative size of continents and countries.

Take the Mercator projection, which was developed in the 16th century primarily for navigation. While useful for its original purpose, it distorts the relative size of land areas. #Africa is about 14 times larger than Greenland, yet on a #Mercator map, the two can appear surprisingly similar in size.

The resolution encourages international institutions, educational systems, publishers and digital platforms to progressively use cartographic representations that more accurately reflect actual land areas.

The @_AfricanUnion Commission welcomes the adoption of the resolution and commends #Togo 🇹🇬, the African Group and AU Member States for their leadership and collective mobilization in support of the initiative.

ℹ️ https://t.co/qcuuzaSrCI

#CorrectTheMap #EqualEarthProjection #Agenda2063 #UNGA81

[William Samoei Ruto, PhD @WilliamsRuto]

Attended the inauguration ceremony of President @HHichilema and Vice-President Mutale Nalumango, National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka, Zambia.

Also present were Presidents Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (Namibia), Duma Boko (Botswana), Emmerson Mnangagwa (Zimbabwe) and Samia Suluhu Hassan (Tanzania).

Others were Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane and Kingdom of Eswatini Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla.

[Duma Gideon Boko @duma_boko]

I was honoured to attend the inauguration of His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema of the Republic of Zambia.

Congratulations to the people of Zambia on this significant occasion. We wish Zambia continued peace and prosperity.

[Hakainde Hichilema @HHichilema]

Today we humbly took the oath of office to serve Zambia for a second term. We thank all who placed their trust in us and respect those who chose differently. Let us unite, work hard and build a more prosperous, united and resilient Zambia. One Zambia, One Nation, One People. 🇿🇲

[Boniface Cheembe @Cheembe]

@HHichilema Hearty congratulations Your Excellency for a well deserved second term!

[Zambia Foreign Ministry @ZambiaMFAIC]

The Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Electoral Advisory Council (SEAC) has officially opened a five (5) days Training worshop for Electoral Observers in Lusaka.

Read more here https://t.co/UwVTbgaZ5T

[African Union ECOSOCC @AU_ECOSOCC]

Applications are now open for membership into the 5️⃣th ECOSOCC Permanent General Assembly (PGA)!

The PGA is the highest decision-making body of ECOSOCC, bringing together #civilsociety organizations from across #Africa and the African #Diaspora to contribute to dialogue and #policy processes within the @_AfricanUnion.

The Assembly is composed of 209 CSOs representing national, regional, continental, and Diaspora constituencies.

The application process is fully digital and takes just two simple steps on the ECOSOCC Connect platform: https://t.co/9bMAe4vhOC

1️⃣ Create your representative profile and register your organization.
2️⃣ Complete and submit your official application for the PGA.

Apply here: https://t.co/9bMAe4vhOC
ℹ️ https://t.co/VwO0Gpq4wF
Application deadline: July 15, 2026

#ECOSOCCPGA5 #ECOSOCCPGA5 #TheVoiceOfTheAfricanCitizenry #AUConnect #ECOSOCCConnect

[African Union ECOSOCC @AU_ECOSOCC]

The @_AfricanUnion now has one official, standardized gateway for civil society to formally engage it!

For decades, civil society organizations across #Africa and the #diaspora had no single, clear way to formally engage the AU. Different AU organs had different rules. Different standards. No unified door.  We changed that with the AU Harmonized Accreditation Mechanism (HAM).

The HAM is now the official, continent-wide system through which civil society organizations (CSOs) can obtain formal status to engage all AU organs and institutions.

Accredited CSOs can strengthen their institutional visibility, build direct engagement pathways with AU organs, participate more formally in continental policy spaces, and position their work within broader African #development and #governance conversations.

Whether your organization works in #health, #peacebuilding, #gender, #trade, #education, #agriculture, #migration, #infrastructure, #youth, #climate, #humanrights, #energy, or community development, this mechanism creates a clearer and more structured relationship between #civilsociety and the African Union.

Next week we'll launch a dedicated platform to guide organizations through the accreditation process step by step.

Follow this page so you do not miss it.

What would your organization like to know about AU accreditation? Drop your questions in the comments, and share this post so every CSO in Africa and the diaspora sees it!

#FactDropFriday #TheVoiceOfTheAfricanCitizenry #HAM #ECOSOCCHAM #AUConnect #ECOSOCCConnect

[African Union @_AfricanUnion]

At today’s Ministerial Meeting on the Reform of the UN Security Council, held on the margins of the Africa–France Summit in Nairobi, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, reaffirmed Africa’s united & principled position on @UN Security Council reform.

The Chairperson @ymahmoudali underscored that “Africa is not asking for a favour; Africa is demanding the correction of a historical injustice,” stressing that the continent can no longer remain excluded from permanent representation in the Council despite its demographic, political, & economic weight.

Guided by the Ezulwini Consensus & the Sirte Declaration,he said Africa continues to call for no fewer than two permanent seats with full prerogatives, including the veto while it exists, & five non-permanent seats in an expanded Council.

Chairperson Youssouf welcomed the support of France, Kenya, & Sierra Leone in advancing the African Model, & called for stronger political coordination, strategic alliances, & concrete action to transform growing international consensus into meaningful reform. “The credibility & legitimacy of the Security Council depend on its ability to reflect the realities of today’s world, not the geopolitical order of 1945,” he stated.

He further noted that the AU’s permanent membership in the G20 has already demonstrated that global governance institutions can evolve to become more representative, inclusive, & responsive to contemporary realities.

Read @ https://t.co/8VKeuHNCWd

[African Union ECOSOCC @AU_ECOSOCC]

On #AfricanWorldHeritageDay, @AU_ECOSOCC celebrates Africa’s rich cultural & natural heritage as a foundation for identity, unity, and sustainable development.

Let’s preserve our legacy for future generations.

#AfricanWorldHeritageDay #ECOSOCC #Agenda2063 #AfricanHeritage

[African Union ECOSOCC @AU_ECOSOCC]

Today we honour Mr. Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe, Zambia’s visionary leader, for his profound contributions to cultural identity, unity, and the preservation of Africa’s heritage.

His words show that culture is not a possession of a few, but the shared inheritance of all humanity, expressed through carvings, sculpture, music, paintings, and the arts that connect people across generations.

Mr. Kapwepwe’s conviction that “no man can really say he is alone: we are all joined through our identity,” continues to inspire Africans to embrace their history, celebrate their creativity, and strengthen the bonds that unite them in the mainstream of life.

What words from an African leader, thinker, or change-maker inspire you to celebrate culture, uphold unity, and strengthen our shared identity? Share your favourite quote and we may feature it in an upcoming edition of #WednesdayQuotes

#PanAfricanVoices #AfricanUnity #AfricanHeritage #CulturalIdentity #SimonMwansaKapwepwe

[African Union ECOSOCC @AU_ECOSOCC]

Today, on #KennethKaundaDay, we celebrate #Zambia’s founding father and #PanAfrican icon!

To keep his vision alive, ECOSOCC launched the Kenneth Kaunda Graduate Immersion Programme (KKGIP), a flagship initiative created in his honor to empower young Zambians 🇿🇲 with the skills, mentorship, and opportunities to lead #Africa into the future.

As such, the #KKGIP is more than a fellowship as it is a living tribute to #KennethKaunda’s legacy of unity, service, and leadership. Meet the first cohort of the KKGIP, a testament to ECOSOCC’S commitment to honoring remarkable leaders while inspiring and creating tomorrow’s leaders.

#YouthEmpowerment #Youth #Agenda2063

[African Union ECOSOCC @AU_ECOSOCC]

The statement from our Virtual CSOs' Town Hall on the Humanitarian Situation in #Sudan is now out.

Civil society organizations, partners, and #humanrights defenders from across the continent are raising urgent concern over the scale of the crisis.

Over 11 million people displaced.
More than 750,000 facing famine.
Violence, disease, and collapsing systems continue to worsen conditions.

It's not only a humanitarian crisis. It's a political and social breakdown with regional consequences.

CSOs are calling for immediate action, including a ceasefire, humanitarian access, protection of civilians, and an inclusive, civilian-led political process.

#Peace #Security #Agenda2063 #AllEyesOnSudan 🇸🇩

[African Union ECOSOCC @AU_ECOSOCC]

Mr. @Cheembe, Chair of ECOSOCC’s Peace and Security Cluster, emphasized that the Town Hall provided an important platform for #civilsociety and stakeholders to share experiences and better understand the realities facing Sudanese families and host communities. He stressed that the crisis extends beyond #Sudan’s borders and requires a coordinated and inclusive response, including stronger support for host countries under pressure.

Looking ahead, he called for translating discussions into action, including advocating for the protection of civilians, ensuring humanitarian access, restoring supply routes, increasing support to affected populations and host communities, and strengthening coordination among key actors.

He concluded by reaffirming the need for a unified civil society voice to inform responses at all levels and urged continued commitment to advancing peace, dignity, and humanitarian support for the people of Sudan.

#Peace #Security #Agenda2063 #AllEyesOnSudan 🇸🇩

[African Union ECOSOCC @AU_ECOSOCC]

Today marks the commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

Under the theme “Remember–Unite–Renew,” #Kwibuka32 is a moment to reflect on the lives lost and the impact that continues to be felt in #Rwanda and across the continent.

It is also a reminder of why this history must remain visible. Remembering supports awareness. Unity strengthens collective responsibility to reject genocide ideology, hate speech, and crimes against humanity. Renewal calls for continued commitment to protect life and uphold fundamental #humanrights.

For us, this work includes keeping #civilsociety engaged, informed, and active in prevention efforts.

[African Union ECOSOCC @AU_ECOSOCC]

If your organization is trying to respond to what is happening in Sudan, you're likely working with gaps. Gaps in information. Gaps in access. Gaps in coordination across borders.

Our upcoming Town Hall on 9 April 2026 aims to close some of those gaps: https://t.co/U3OtARudBA

#Sudan’s crisis is not only inside Sudan. Displacement is moving across borders. The closure of the #Chad 🇹🇩–Sudan 🇸🇩 border is already affecting how people move and how aid reaches communities. Host countries are under pressure. Local responses are carrying more weight.

For CSOs, this changes how work gets done.

The Town Hall will ensure that:
⦿CSOs are working from a more complete and current picture of the crisis
⦿Experiences from affected communities and host countries are brought into one space
⦿#CivilSociety concerns are clearly articulated to national, regional, and international actors
⦿Advocacy and response efforts are better aligned, informed, and coordinated

We need to ground action in shared insight and collective direction for more effective engagement. If your work is connected to humanitarian response, policy, or community support, this conversation will help strengthen how you engage.

Join the discussion: https://t.co/U3OtARudBA

#Peace #Security #Agenda2063 #AllEyesOnSudan

[African Union ECOSOCC @AU_ECOSOCC]

African heads of state approved our new statutes! That means the rules governing how #civilsociety formally engages the African Union have been updated at the highest level.

It happened quietly inside a 40-decision document from the 39th AU Assembly (February 2026). But the same document also:

-Launched a full decade (2026–2035) dedicated to #reparations for Africans and people of African descent.

-Formally declared slavery and colonization crimes against humanity.

-Raised the alarm on collapsing health aid and demanded African governments fund their own #health systems.

-Approved an #AI roadmap with a specific mandate for citizen safeguards.

-Called on the @_AfricanUnion to talk to its citizens — #journalists, #youth, #diaspora — not just governments.

Civil society didn't get a seat in that room but the decisions made there will affect the work you do for years.

Read the decisions and know what was agreed on!

🔗 https://t.co/UhgwQn9cfj

#AUSummit39 #Agenda2063