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Press Release
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: The Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) has elected Reverend Tolbert Thomas Jallah Jr., a Liberian faith leader and Executive Director of the Faith and Justice Network of the Mano River Basin, as the new Chairperson of its Board of Directors.
The election took place during AFSA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on October 5, 2025, at the Sapphier Addis Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The gathering brought together representatives from across the continent in what was described as a moment of renewal and continuity for Africa’s largest civil society platform advocating for agroecology, food sovereignty, and climate justice.
Reverend Jallah, an international campaigner and long-time advocate for ethical and sustainable African development, will serve a three-year term, steering AFSA’s strategic direction at a critical time when Africa’s food systems face mounting challenges from corporate influence and technological dependence.
In his acceptance speech, Reverend Jallah described his election as “not just a personal honor, but a call to amplify the prophetic voice of Africa in resisting corporate capture and standing for food sovereignty rooted in justice, dignity, and sustainability.”
He reaffirmed AFSA’s commitment to defending African-driven food systems and the rights of smallholder farmers, pastoralists, indigenous peoples, and local communities.
“AFSA’s strength lies in its diversity,” he said. “We will continue to unite farmers, environmentalists, faith groups, fisherfolk, and civil society to ensure that Africa’s food future remains in African hands.”
A symbolic leadership handover took place during the meeting, as outgoing Board Chair Hakim Baliraine, National Board Chairperson of ESAFF-Uganda, presented the ceremonial hammer of leadership to Reverend Jallah.
In his farewell remarks, Mr. Baliraine reflected on AFSA’s achievements over his tenure and urged sustained collaboration across generations of leaders.
“Leadership is service,” he said. “I will remain steadfast in supporting AFSA and walking alongside this movement as it continues to flourish.”
The AGM also elected two new Board Members — Elisabeth Atangana, President of the Concertation Nationale des Organisations Paysannes du Cameroun (CNOP-CAM), and Gabriel Manyangadze, Food and Climate Justice Manager at the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI).
Members further elected Atangana as Treasurer and Anne Maina of BIBA Kenya as Secretary of the Board.
Re-elected to serve a second term were Amadou Kanote of CICODEV, Joyse Brown of HOMEF, Anne Maina of BIBA Kenya, and Hakim Baliraine of ESAFF-Uganda.
The AFSA Secretariat honored both departing and re-elected Board Members with Certificates of Recognition, acknowledging their contributions and commitment to advancing the organization’s mission. The presentation symbolized AFSA’s culture of solidarity, gratitude, and collective leadership.
Reflecting on his new role, Reverend Jallah expressed optimism about AFSA’s next chapter.
“AFSA has become the continental voice of the people,” he said. “Our unity is our power, and this new leadership will take the movement to even greater heights, rooted in African realities and guided by the wisdom of our farmers, elders, and youth.”
As AFSA moves forward under new leadership, the organization aims to deepen its advocacy for agroecology, climate justice, and dignified livelihoods, amplifying the voices of African communities shaping the continent’s food systems and ensuring that Africa’s food sovereignty remains firmly in African hands.
