Elder Jabulani Tafari urges African states to recognise diaspora as returnees

Elder Jabulani Tafari, a veteran musician and prominent Rastafari activist, has called on African governments to officially recognise members of the African diaspora as returnees instead of immigrants. Speaking at the 6th Rastafari Continental Summit held in Lagos, Nigeria, from October 13 to 17, Tafari emphasised the need for a shift in how the continent engages with descendants of the Transatlantic Slave Trade who seek to reconnect with their ancestral roots.

The summit, which focused on the theme of African unity and collaboration, served as a platform for Tafari to highlight the disconnect between current political rhetoric and immigration policy. He pointed out that treating members of the diaspora as foreign nationals contradicts the spirit of calls for global reparations, such as those championed by President John Mahama. Participants at the event argued that a true commitment to restorative justice must include the removal of bureaucratic barriers for those wishing to repatriate, thereby fostering a more inclusive environment for the global African family.

Beyond immigration issues, the five-day gathering featured intense discussions on the historical and cultural factors affecting continental integration. Keynote speaker A.J. Dagatola critiqued divisive religious practices, which he described as significant obstacles to African unity. The summit also hosted the Livity Awards, a ceremony celebrating individuals who have made substantial contributions to the Rastafari movement and reggae music, reinforcing the cultural ties that bind the diaspora to the continent.

As the summit concluded, organisers looked ahead to the future of the movement and its role in African geopolitics. Plans were finalised for the next continental gathering, scheduled for 2030 in Ethiopia. This date is significant as it coincides with the centenary of the coronation of Emperor Haile Selassie I, a foundational figure in Rastafari ideology. The move reflects a long-term strategy to ensure that the call for unity and the "Right of Return" remains a central pillar of African diplomacy and social progress.