Renowned Pan-Africanist academic Dr. Bunting passes away

By Staff Reporter

Arusha, Tanzania – Renowned academic and Pan-Africanist activist Dr. Ikaweba Muhajir Bunting passed away in Arusha, Tanzania.

He was 74.

Prior to his death, Bunting had been courageously battling cancer for three months in a Nairobi hospital.

He was subsequently relocated to Tanzania, where he succumbed to his illness.

In a statement, renowned academic and publisher professor Ibbo Mandaza, a member of the Governing Council of the Global Pan African Movement, confirmed Bunting’s passing.

“It’s with deep sadness and heavy heart that we announce to you the death of our comrade Prof Ikaweba Bunting, the Secretary General of Global Pan Movement, who passed away this evening in Dar es salaam after evacuation from Nairobi hospital.

“Professor Ikaweba (Bunting) has been battling with cancer.

“May his soul rest in peace,” said Mandaza.

Born in 1949 in Compton, California, Bunting grew up in challenging circumstances before relocating to Tanzania in the 1970s.

Inspired by Julius Nyerere’s call for the African diaspora to contribute to the continent’s development, he made Tanzania his permanent home.
Throughout his career, Bunting dedicated himself to advancing Pan-Africanism and social justice.

He held significant positions such as Director of the Department of Unity for the Mwalimu Nyerere Foundation, Coordinator of the Tanzanian National Taskforce on Women, Peace, and Security, and Secretary General of the Global Pan African Movement.

Bunting’s contributions to Pan-Africanism were substantial.

He conducted the final interview with the late Tanzanian founding leader Julius Mwalimu Nyerere before his death in 1999, supported the Committee for the Release of Political Prisoners in Kenya, and advised Kenyan civic organizations during the Rift Valley clashes.

He also played a crucial role in the Burundi peace negotiations, contributing to a ceasefire and a new beginning for the Burundian people.

Following the death of Dr. Tajudeen Abdul-Raheem in 2009, Bunting was appointed Secretary General of the Global Pan African Movement.

Bunting continued to organize significant events and initiatives within the Pan-African movement until his passing.

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