International African Friends of Abyssinia


The International African Friends of Abyssinia, also known as the International African Friends of Ethiopia, was an organisation established in London, England, in 1935 to protest against Italian aggression against Abyssinia. Its membership was composed of many important Pan-African figures, several of whom later formed the International African Service Bureau.

History

IAFA's first public meeting was held on 23 July 1935, with another public meeting taking place on Sunday, 28 July at Memorial Hall in Farringdon Street, London, and was widely reported in newspapers. Throughout the summer of 1935, the IAFA passed resolutions urging all Africans and people of African descent to help Abyssinia and called upon the League of Nations and the British Government to protect Abyssinia. On 26 August, the IAFA organised a rally in Trafalgar Square which drew a crowd of nearly five hundred supporters.

Notable members

Members of the initial executive committee of the International African Friends of Abyssinia included:
Other leading members came to include George Padmore, Chris Braithwaite and T. Ras Makonnen.