The quest for Africa to assert its independence both politically and culturally has gained momentum. Despite making progress in political emancipation, the continent still grapples with economic dependency and the influence of colonial languages. However, there is a growing call to embrace African languages and cultural values as a means to unravel the continent’s potential and achieve common aspirations.
An important step in this direction has been taken by the African Union (AU). With its Vision 2063 aimed at uniting the continent’s 1.4 billion people, the AU has recognized the significance of incorporating African languages into its framework. Notably, the recent adoption of Kiswahili as a working language represents a significant move towards strengthening African values and fostering integration.
In a bold move, Ethiopia has proposed Amharic to be included as the working language of the AU, citing the country’s historical role in supporting the anti-colonial movement and housing the AU headquarters. With Ethiopia’s increasing global influence and the widespread teaching of Amharic in non-African universities, the inclusion of Amharic could pave the way for others to follow suit.
The proposal aligns with AU Agenda 2063, which aims to empower indigenous African languages and uphold the continent’s linguistic diversity. Embracing more indigenous languages within the AU is seen as pivotal in liberating and empowering Africans and contributing to mental decolonization.
The push for Amharic as the AU’s official language reflects the broader call for the continental bloc to integrate African values into its institutions. By recognizing the potential of indigenous languages in advancing Africa’s collective identity, the AU could set a powerful precedent for linguistic inclusivity and cultural revitalization.
