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“A Return, Not a Visit”: Global African Royalty Reunites with Afro-Costa Rican Leaders
San José, Costa Rica – In a momentous and emotionally charged occasion, the Royal Delegation of Aido Network International made history this week as they were officially received by the President and Vice President of the Costa Rican Congress. In a landmark address to both Congress and Judiciary, the AIDO delegation rekindled ancestral bonds and called for renewed cultural, historical, and developmental partnerships between Africa and Costa Rica.
The delegation was led by His Highness Papa Paul Jones Eganda, President of Aido Network International, and Her Highness Queen Grace Eganda, Secretary General of AIDO. Their visit marks AIDO’s first official pilgrimage of the year during the United Nations Second Decade for People of African Descent.
- A Royal Assembly of Pan-African Eminence included from AIDO included;
- Her Highness Queen Grace Eganda, Secretary General of AIDO
- HRH Bashir Albishir Bukar Mai Machina, Emir of Machina, Nigeria
- Her Royal Majesty Queen Cynthia Puna Khumalo Mzilikazi III, South Africa
- HRH Queen Asianut Acom II, President of the Global African Diaspora Kingdom (GADK)
- Queen Mother Dr. Chenzira Kahina Adeke, Pan-Africanist and cultural authority,
- Princess Filda Braun Lolem and Princess Brandy Mukasa, Uganda
- Chief Eric Phillips Siphosezulu, Vice President of the CARICOM Reparations Commission and official spokesperson of the delegation
The Royal delegation was received by Costa Rica’s Afro-descendant leadership, including Chief Layli J.T. Brown Akello, Founder of the Afro-Descendant Museum; Counsel Natalie Cooke Sanyu, a distinguished human rights advocate; Chief Queku Shaka Zulu of Limón; His Worship Randall Black Etomet, Mayor of Siquirres; and Her Worship Ann McCalla Apadet, Mayor of Limón. Their visit also included the University of Costa Rica, EARTH University of Agriculture and Technology, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica.
“We came not to make demands but to offer an embrace. Not to speak against anyone, but to speak with everyone. This moment is not just a visit—it is a return,” declared HH Papa Eganda, in a heartfelt address that resonated across the Chamber.
Echoing the core principles of Recognition, Justice, and Development—as outlined by the UN Decade for People of African Descent—the AIDO delegation voiced a call for deeper dialogue, greater protection of cultural heritage, and the safeguarding of the land and legacy of Afro-descendant communities.
“Governments have a sacred responsibility to protect and defend the dignity, livelihoods, and ancestral lands of Afro-descendant communities,” urged King Bashir Bukar, Emir of Machina, Yobe State, Nigeria.
“These communities are not relics of the past, they are citizens of the present and stewards of the future. Any development initiative must be inclusive and consultative. Where does a community go when its ancestral home is taken away without dialogue? These are not just lands, they are legacies.”
Queen Grace Eganda emphasized the spiritual and cultural importance of Black identity, quoting the teachings of Marcus Garvey:
“A people without knowledge of their history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots. We are not just people, we are a race created in God’s loving image. And it is our duty to preserve our identity, stand tall in pride, and teach our children that Black is not only beautiful it is divine.”
The event concluded with an exchange of traditional gifts, heartfelt tributes, and shared commitments to future partnerships between the Costa Rican government and African cultural institutions.
“Costa Rica, your courage in preserving peace and democracy inspires us. Now let us walk together Africa and her diaspora as partners in legacy and future,” stated Queen Asianut Acom II also known as Dr.Hilary Brown, President of GADK.
Queen Mzilikazi III described the occasion as “a homecoming of spirit,” while Queen Mother Dr. Chenzira Kahina Adeke called for continued healing and reconciliation between nations and their histories.
“Let history remember this day, not as a ceremony, but as a covenant. Not as pomp, but as purpose. May the ancestors bless this land,” said Chief Eric Phillips, closing the session with profound dignity.
As the Aido Royal Delegation continues its journey through Latin America, the visit to Costa Rica will remain etched in history as a bold step of African traditional and cultural leaders toward cultural healing, mutual recognition, and Pan-African solidarity.
Bayete. Asé. Pura Vida.
AIDO PRESS UNIT
