| Ba Beta Kristiyan Haile Selassie I |
| Haile Selassie I |
| click Ethiopian Flag to return to Selected Speeches |
| click Ethiopian Flag to return to Selected Speeches |
| click Ethiopian Flag to return to Selected Speeches |
| Home | Haile Selassie I | The Church | Rastalogy | Organization | Church Store | Events | Related Links | Contact Us |
| Copyright © 2003-2004 The Church of Haile Selassie I, Inc. ~ All rights reserved. |
| Selected Speeches |
| The Church of Haile Selassie I, Inc. |
| The Church of Haile Selassie I, Inc. |
| Ba Beta Kristiyan Haile Selassie I |
| Chapter III |
| Second Africa Conference Jun. 15, 1960 |
| Inter-Africa |
| ... Independence cannot be a simple word devoid of meaning, it must remain a principle admitting of no compromise or suspicion, a principle demanding respect for self and at the same time equal respect for the rights of others. |
| Selected Speeches |
In 1958, at the inaugural Session of the United Nations Economic
Commission for Africa here in Addis Ababa, We took great pleasure in
welcoming the many distinguished delegates, the majority of whom rightly
represented African States. Meeting as We do today, at a moment of
crisis in the relations of the Great Powers of the world, We have special
reason to extend on behalf of Ourselves and Our beloved people, to all of
you distinguished delegates, Our warmest greetings at this Conference of
the African States.
The breakdown of the Summit Conference is certainly a matter of great
concern to all of us; for Africans, like the rest of humanity, are anxious to
have the danger of nuclear and thermonuclear war removed from the
world. Peace is indivisible and is essential to prosperity and orderly
progress towards a higher standard of living on our continent. It is,
therefore, Our sincere wish that efforts will continue so as to bring about
a negotiated settlement in disarmament and other matters that are a source
of danger to world peace. When, in the discussion of such matters, the
peace, indeed, survival of the numerous small as well as the few large
nations, is at stake, it is important that the many small Powers should be
heard and afforded equal opportunity for consultation and deliberation.
At the First Session of the United Nations Economic Commission for
Africa, We noted that the political growth of the peoples of Africa was a
development of the most striking and extraordinary evolution in the
recorded history of man. The continuation of that struggle in the ensuing
months has won achievements beyond expectations in the rapid
emergence of a large number of new States and in the advances achieved
by African peoples towards independence. Such accomplishments stand
as a vivid testimony to that development and, indeed, to the wholesome
vitality of the peoples of this great continent. We would be faithless to the
will of the Almighty who has offered us the possibility of unity, were we
to allow this ideal to become a mere dream.
Today we take great pleasure in welcoming the Congo, Cameroons,
Togoland, Nigeria and Somalia to full participation in our deliberations. It
is our conviction, as We noted before, that the political growth of the
African peoples will not reach its culmination until the ultimate goal, which
is independence and complete freedom for every African people.
This impressive and inexorable advance towards the complete
emancipation of our continent has not been without obstacles. The
bloodshed and sufferings that we have witnessed during the past year in
various parts of this continent are too vivid in our memory to require
recital of the facts; they are tragic and we must see to it that they will not
recur. We must devise ways and means to arrest the senseless
destruction of African lives. Africans have comitted no sin, unless the
pursuit of independence and freedom from colonial oppression is
considered to be one. Therefore, it is our duty to see that that yearning
attain its goal by giving it appropriate expression in our decisions here at
the Conference. To this end, we must resolutely unite as fearless and
determined advocates for our South African brothers. It was with the
consciousness of this duty in mind towards our brothers that We granted
financial assistance and scholarships to the orphans of those who fell as
victims in South Africa. The task that remains to be accomplished in the
political field is certainly a considerable one, but We trust that, united in
our determination to see the complete independence of every African
people, we shall succeed in our endeavours.
However, this achievement cannot redound to the credit of African
peoples if independence attained is one in name only. In such a situation,
the emergence from colonialism is but illusory, and the use of the word
"independence" would constitute not only a distortion, but also a disservice
to the cause of African freedom by erecting a screen behind which those
same foreign influences which hitherto were revealed to the world as
colonialist interests, could, in disguise, continue to operate.
In other words, those who seek independence, must be prepared to
struggle for it rather than accept it; and, having won it, to stand on their
own feet without dependence, and without favours. They must be
prepared to assert their ability to maintain independence without
exchanging it for financial support or for subsidies.
Independence cannot be a simple word devoid of meaning, it must remain
a principle admitting of no compromise or suspicion, a principle
demanding respect for self and at the same time equal respect for the
rights of others.
Hence, while we co-operate fully with all States and International
Organizations, we must be most careful lest we accept formulate that
perpetuate colonial regimes or sow the seeds of divisions among our
countries by spurious methods, all-too-reminiscent of its ideal of the days
of colonial eras.
The strongest foundation of our independence s the development of our
economic resources. It is heartening to note that all our peoples are
devoted to this central idea and that the leaders of our continent -- fulfilling
the wish of their peoples -- are directing their energies to this
accomplishment. Our continent is rich and the efforts devoted to it so far,
demonstrate that our lot can be abundance in material prosperity.
This ideal can be made to come to fruition more rapidly by closer
collaboration among ourselves. Therefore, we must make bold decisions
for intra-African co-operation. We must link our roads; we must connect
and associate oour airlines and indeed think in terms of merging our
international services. We would, in fact, propose the establishment,
through subscription of share participation, of an African Development
Bank for promoting the expansion of our trade, commerce,
communications and international services; we must exchange agricultural
and technical information, we must, in all fields of human endeavour,
attain highy developed relations. If we achieve these ends, then our
dependence on foreign markets with all their adverse effects, can be
relieved and our freedom immeasurably strengthened, without in any
manner becoming isolationists or following narrow nationalistic economic
policies.
Already since five years ago, the Afro-Asian Conference at Bandung, had
urged the adoption of these basic principles. It is time that a second and
similar Conference should be convened again to press forward these broad
and fructifying economic policies.
Socially and culturally, we must develop those natural bonds of our
peoples to each other that have been stretched and weakened through the
fragmentation of our continent by the colonial practices of divide and rule.
Even today tribal and other differences, vestiges of that regrettable era, are
being exploited for the same deplorable ends. We must see to it that the
history of each of our peoples is know to the others and appreciated
throughout the continent. Our independence and freedom are meaningless
unless they are tied to the hearts of our peoples. To that end, we must
spare no effort to expand our scholarship and other cultural exchanges
with a view to sharing the historical heritage of our continent.
Commission for Africa here in Addis Ababa, We took great pleasure in
welcoming the many distinguished delegates, the majority of whom rightly
represented African States. Meeting as We do today, at a moment of
crisis in the relations of the Great Powers of the world, We have special
reason to extend on behalf of Ourselves and Our beloved people, to all of
you distinguished delegates, Our warmest greetings at this Conference of
the African States.
The breakdown of the Summit Conference is certainly a matter of great
concern to all of us; for Africans, like the rest of humanity, are anxious to
have the danger of nuclear and thermonuclear war removed from the
world. Peace is indivisible and is essential to prosperity and orderly
progress towards a higher standard of living on our continent. It is,
therefore, Our sincere wish that efforts will continue so as to bring about
a negotiated settlement in disarmament and other matters that are a source
of danger to world peace. When, in the discussion of such matters, the
peace, indeed, survival of the numerous small as well as the few large
nations, is at stake, it is important that the many small Powers should be
heard and afforded equal opportunity for consultation and deliberation.
At the First Session of the United Nations Economic Commission for
Africa, We noted that the political growth of the peoples of Africa was a
development of the most striking and extraordinary evolution in the
recorded history of man. The continuation of that struggle in the ensuing
months has won achievements beyond expectations in the rapid
emergence of a large number of new States and in the advances achieved
by African peoples towards independence. Such accomplishments stand
as a vivid testimony to that development and, indeed, to the wholesome
vitality of the peoples of this great continent. We would be faithless to the
will of the Almighty who has offered us the possibility of unity, were we
to allow this ideal to become a mere dream.
Today we take great pleasure in welcoming the Congo, Cameroons,
Togoland, Nigeria and Somalia to full participation in our deliberations. It
is our conviction, as We noted before, that the political growth of the
African peoples will not reach its culmination until the ultimate goal, which
is independence and complete freedom for every African people.
This impressive and inexorable advance towards the complete
emancipation of our continent has not been without obstacles. The
bloodshed and sufferings that we have witnessed during the past year in
various parts of this continent are too vivid in our memory to require
recital of the facts; they are tragic and we must see to it that they will not
recur. We must devise ways and means to arrest the senseless
destruction of African lives. Africans have comitted no sin, unless the
pursuit of independence and freedom from colonial oppression is
considered to be one. Therefore, it is our duty to see that that yearning
attain its goal by giving it appropriate expression in our decisions here at
the Conference. To this end, we must resolutely unite as fearless and
determined advocates for our South African brothers. It was with the
consciousness of this duty in mind towards our brothers that We granted
financial assistance and scholarships to the orphans of those who fell as
victims in South Africa. The task that remains to be accomplished in the
political field is certainly a considerable one, but We trust that, united in
our determination to see the complete independence of every African
people, we shall succeed in our endeavours.
However, this achievement cannot redound to the credit of African
peoples if independence attained is one in name only. In such a situation,
the emergence from colonialism is but illusory, and the use of the word
"independence" would constitute not only a distortion, but also a disservice
to the cause of African freedom by erecting a screen behind which those
same foreign influences which hitherto were revealed to the world as
colonialist interests, could, in disguise, continue to operate.
In other words, those who seek independence, must be prepared to
struggle for it rather than accept it; and, having won it, to stand on their
own feet without dependence, and without favours. They must be
prepared to assert their ability to maintain independence without
exchanging it for financial support or for subsidies.
Independence cannot be a simple word devoid of meaning, it must remain
a principle admitting of no compromise or suspicion, a principle
demanding respect for self and at the same time equal respect for the
rights of others.
Hence, while we co-operate fully with all States and International
Organizations, we must be most careful lest we accept formulate that
perpetuate colonial regimes or sow the seeds of divisions among our
countries by spurious methods, all-too-reminiscent of its ideal of the days
of colonial eras.
The strongest foundation of our independence s the development of our
economic resources. It is heartening to note that all our peoples are
devoted to this central idea and that the leaders of our continent -- fulfilling
the wish of their peoples -- are directing their energies to this
accomplishment. Our continent is rich and the efforts devoted to it so far,
demonstrate that our lot can be abundance in material prosperity.
This ideal can be made to come to fruition more rapidly by closer
collaboration among ourselves. Therefore, we must make bold decisions
for intra-African co-operation. We must link our roads; we must connect
and associate oour airlines and indeed think in terms of merging our
international services. We would, in fact, propose the establishment,
through subscription of share participation, of an African Development
Bank for promoting the expansion of our trade, commerce,
communications and international services; we must exchange agricultural
and technical information, we must, in all fields of human endeavour,
attain highy developed relations. If we achieve these ends, then our
dependence on foreign markets with all their adverse effects, can be
relieved and our freedom immeasurably strengthened, without in any
manner becoming isolationists or following narrow nationalistic economic
policies.
Already since five years ago, the Afro-Asian Conference at Bandung, had
urged the adoption of these basic principles. It is time that a second and
similar Conference should be convened again to press forward these broad
and fructifying economic policies.
Socially and culturally, we must develop those natural bonds of our
peoples to each other that have been stretched and weakened through the
fragmentation of our continent by the colonial practices of divide and rule.
Even today tribal and other differences, vestiges of that regrettable era, are
being exploited for the same deplorable ends. We must see to it that the
history of each of our peoples is know to the others and appreciated
throughout the continent. Our independence and freedom are meaningless
unless they are tied to the hearts of our peoples. To that end, we must
spare no effort to expand our scholarship and other cultural exchanges
with a view to sharing the historical heritage of our continent.
| Haile Selassie the First - June 15, 1960 |
| Unity |
These are some of the problems that need our dedicated endeavours.
Each specific problem and the general well-being of our peoples require
unity of thought and action. Be it here at the Conference of Independent
African States, at the United Nations, or at any international forum, our
unity is truly our strength. We must give support to the struggle of the
peoples of our continent by giving prompt expression to unity in our
common cause.
In the past, due to the subjugation of our lands and peoples by colonial
powers, such a conference of our own was not possible. Today, it is not
only possible to meet, but also to evolve united action in all matters of
common interest by the process of consultation such as the present one.
The fate of our continent is no longer decided by non-Africans. The
traditions of Berlin and Algeciras, the entire system of colonialism are
being wiped out from the continent. We now have our destiny in our own
hands, but we must never slacken in our determination never to allow new
forms of colonialism, whatever their guise may be, to take hold of any of
us, in threat to the hard-won independence and, indeed to the stability and
peace of the world.
African leaders must, in self-abnegation, press forward the economic,
political and spiritual welfare of their peoples in the interest, not merely of
national gain but of that transcendent continental unity which alone can
bring to a close the era of colonialism and Balkanization.
The development of this process of consultation to its highest refinement
is, therefore, in our own interests. It will not only bring governments to
closer collaboration and understanding of each other, but it will also be a
concrete evidence of our determination to direct our thinking to the
common affairs of our continent. Consequently the decisions and
deliberations of this Conference are of the highest importance, not only to
our continent, but also to the world at large.
We pray, therefore, that the deliberations and decisions of this Conference
may not only stand the test of time and serve as an inspiration to the
peoples of the continent, but that they may also enable us to attain, by
common effort a peaceful, free and abundant life on our continent.
Each specific problem and the general well-being of our peoples require
unity of thought and action. Be it here at the Conference of Independent
African States, at the United Nations, or at any international forum, our
unity is truly our strength. We must give support to the struggle of the
peoples of our continent by giving prompt expression to unity in our
common cause.
In the past, due to the subjugation of our lands and peoples by colonial
powers, such a conference of our own was not possible. Today, it is not
only possible to meet, but also to evolve united action in all matters of
common interest by the process of consultation such as the present one.
The fate of our continent is no longer decided by non-Africans. The
traditions of Berlin and Algeciras, the entire system of colonialism are
being wiped out from the continent. We now have our destiny in our own
hands, but we must never slacken in our determination never to allow new
forms of colonialism, whatever their guise may be, to take hold of any of
us, in threat to the hard-won independence and, indeed to the stability and
peace of the world.
African leaders must, in self-abnegation, press forward the economic,
political and spiritual welfare of their peoples in the interest, not merely of
national gain but of that transcendent continental unity which alone can
bring to a close the era of colonialism and Balkanization.
The development of this process of consultation to its highest refinement
is, therefore, in our own interests. It will not only bring governments to
closer collaboration and understanding of each other, but it will also be a
concrete evidence of our determination to direct our thinking to the
common affairs of our continent. Consequently the decisions and
deliberations of this Conference are of the highest importance, not only to
our continent, but also to the world at large.
We pray, therefore, that the deliberations and decisions of this Conference
may not only stand the test of time and serve as an inspiration to the
peoples of the continent, but that they may also enable us to attain, by
common effort a peaceful, free and abundant life on our continent.