Buratai, Oba Makama, Zambia’s President light up Africa at LAA’s historic launch

News Update

In the heart of Southern Africa, where the echoes of liberation songs still drift on the evening wind, a new voice is rising, the League of African Ambassadors (LAA), a collective vision of diplomats determined to chart a fresh course for the continent’s destiny.

On the calm evening of October 5th, 2025, the Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka glowed with continental pride. There, Africa’s seasoned envoys gathered under the leadership of Ambassador Ominyi Nwanne, Interim President of the LAA, alongside Zambia’s Special Envoy and former High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Lazarus Kapambwe.

The meeting, a prelude to the League’s historic launch, was part strategy, part reflection, and wholly a testament to Africa’s will to rise again.

Among the dignitaries was His Excellency Ambassador Lt. General T.Y. Buratai (rtd), former Chief of Army Staff of Nigeria and member of the League’s Board of Trustees for West Africa, now on ground in Lusaka for an assessment mission. His presence carried both symbolism and substance, a soldier turned diplomat, now preaching unity where once he led in battle.

A Message of Unity, a Memory of Heroes

General Buratai, with calm authority, paid tribute to Zambia’s President, Hakainde Hichilema, for his progressive leadership and for graciously hosting the LAA’s grand launch scheduled for October 14–15, 2025.

Invoking the spirit of Africa’s liberation giants, he hailed Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, Zambia’s founding father, describing him as “a champion of peace, unity, and reconciliation, a man of profound humility and integrity.”

Buratai called on the League to pick up where the founding fathers left off, urging a renaissance of security, development, and purposeful diplomacy.

“Africa needs a new rhythm, one of pragmatic diplomacy and continental solidarity,” he said. “We must ensure the dreams of our heroes do not die in the echo of speeches.”

Accompanied by his close friend, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Hameed Oyelude Makama, Tegbosun III, the Olowu of Owu-Kuta Kingdom, Buratai’s visit underscored the harmony between tradition and modern statecraft, a meeting point of royal grace and military discipline.

Africa’s Call to Action

In a stirring address, Ambassador John J. Usanga, the League’s Deputy Spokesperson, challenged Africans everywhere:

“Join the League. Lend your voice. Shape Africa’s future together. History will not judge us by our hesitations, but by the actions we take today.”

It was a call not just to diplomats, but to dreamers, builders, and believers across the continent.

Zanaco: Banking on Africa’s Future

Earlier, the LAA team paid a courtesy visit to Zanaco Headquarters in downtown Lusaka, where CEO Ms. Mukwandi Chibesakunda commended the League’s vision.

“The knowledge and experience I see in this room is immense,” she said. “LAA complements government efforts and can catalyze Africa’s economic transformation.”

The League, modeled after the Council of American Ambassadors and the European Council on Foreign Relations, is a non-profit, non-political coalition of serving and retired envoys. Its mission: to channel Africa’s diplomatic wisdom into pragmatic action for peace, progress, and prosperity.

Ambassador Sylvester Mundanda, the League’s administrative head, reinforced this alliance:

“Zanaco’s pan-African reach and credibility make it the perfect partner. Together, we advance economic diplomacy with sustainability and shared growth.”

Recycling Wisdom, Rebuilding Africa

Ambassador Kapambwe framed the League’s philosophy with quiet eloquence:

“If we can recycle plastic, why not recycle wisdom? Experience earned at a huge cost must not be wasted.”

Indeed, the League of African Ambassadors seeks to preserve and transmit the wealth of experience accumulated by Africa’s envoys, transforming history’s lessons into blueprints for a stronger continent.

With Zambia’s central geography, democratic stability, and growing reputation as a regional hub, Lusaka stands ready to host what many already call “Africa’s diplomatic renaissance.”

Africa Rising: The Journey Begins

As the clock ticks toward October 14th, the air in Lusaka hums with anticipation. The message is clear, Africa’s destiny is collective, and her time is now.

In the words of one delegate:

“From the ashes of yesterday’s struggles, Africa must light tomorrow’s torch. The League of African Ambassadors is that flame.”