Lula's Victory: A Step Towards Unity in Africa

This win by Lula is another big step towards building a strong African future. It shows a commitment to improving Africa despite past mistakes. We now look to the face of Brazil in 2026: 80-year-old President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. He is a metal worker, has no university degree, and is missing nine fingers. Lula aims to fix the injustices faced by Afro-Brazilians, who make up the majority in Brazil. This is important to all Africans who believe in real African success stories.

This journey was expected, as we hoped for an African World through Afrilition. I remember my last day at work in Manila, Philippines. During a retreat, a now-deceased opposition leader hosted us. That evening was sad as we reflected on Lula’s legacy in Brazil. After his successor failed him and he faced wrongful imprisonment, it felt like humanity lost to cruelty. Seeing Lula return to power was miraculous. He survived efforts to ruin him and stands firm against tyranny in his region and worldwide. Lula remains a friend to Africa and has a strong mind for decolonization, even in his 70s.

No one is perfect, but some leaders use their positions to uplift most of their people, especially those who struggle. Lula is a true champion for Afro-Brazilians in a system that works against them. Brazil has the largest population of African descendants in the Americas and was one of the last countries to end slavery. It is also home to many returnees from slavery, whose influence can still be seen along the West African coast today.

In recent hours, Brazil has taken important steps towards change. Lula’s election for a fourth term shows Brazil's commitment to the African world. Brazil is a key part of the African diaspora and has the largest group of people with retained African culture outside Africa. This is significant, as Brazil has a history of humiliating African people. Despite this, they continue to showcase their identity and culture.

Lula’s work for the Brazilian majority is just getting started. It must include ending police brutality and reforming prisons. The Afro-Brazilian majority can provide resilience for Brazil as the population ages and the workforce shrinks in the coming years.

In October, Lula made a remarkable comeback from second place to win the election. This was largely due to the support from Afro-Brazilians. According to the 2022 Census by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, people of African descent, both mixed and unmixed, make up the clear majority of Brazil's population. This changes the historical narrative of Brazil being a primarily European or white country. Now, there is a strong mass movement among Afro-Brazilians, including those classified as preto and pardo. This movement brings pride in their roots and decreases the stigma attached to their identity.

I believe President Lula understands this shift. He sees it not just in the numbers but also in his political priorities. He has committed to fighting systemic racism and inequality. His government created the Ministry of Racial Equality and ensures 30 percent of cabinet positions represent Afro-Brazilians. He has also pushed for civil service quotas, land rights, and the return of Quilombola Territories. Lula’s work for the Brazilian majority is just the beginning. Ending police brutality and reforming prisons is crucial. The Afro-Brazilian majority can be a strong force for Brazil, especially as the country faces an aging population.

Africa will soon be the world's demographic center. Brazil, with its Afro-Brazilian majority, should be a partner in building a united Pan-African civilization. This goes beyond politics; it is about creating economic opportunities and addressing the challenges of an aging workforce in Brazil. It will be tough work, especially with powerful interests trying to maintain their hold on resources. We must prepare for challenges ahead.