President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday explained how Africa can maintain its relevance in a competitive global arena. He said African countries should be active to compete globally, affirm and defend their continental unity, and reject what he described as “a new scramble for the continent”.
President Tinubu, who is the chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of States and Government, said Africa should be proactive, insisting that the odds against the continent do not require passive leadership. He rejected the notion of a new scramble for Africa at a time the historic plundering and exploitation of the past should be consigned to the heap of history.
Tinubu spoke in Nairobi, Kenya, during the Fifth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union (AU), the Regional Economic Communities (RECs), the Regional Mechanisms (RMs), and African Union Member States. According to a statement by his Adviser on Special Duties, Communication and Strategy, Mr. Dele Alake, the President also spoke on the twin challenges of terrorism and the reversal of democratic changes of government.
To address the twin challenges, Tinubu said ECOWAS Authority was set to strengthen its Standby Force for deployment to fight terror and resist coups. President Tinubu highlighted the progress made by ECOWAS in its integration process, including trade, free movement of persons, investment promotion, infrastructure development, and security. In his speech, entitled: “Address on Status of Regional Integration in ECOWAS,” he emphasised the need for Africa to overcome its challenges and work towards a prosperous future, focusing on inclusive growth, good governance, and leveraging the opportunities provided by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Urging African leaders to foster good governance to ensure a prosperous future for the continent, President Tinubu said: “As Africans, we forge ahead, no matter the barriers thrust before us. “The world we inhabit is often unkind and uncertain. History and current global difficulties argue against our future success. “Lessons of the past few years teach us that the world economy can be disrupted in ways that halt progress and invite downturn.
“Our nations can suddenly find themselves in dire situations if we choose to be passive observers of our fate.” Rejecting the notion of passivity, he said Africa will not permit the repeat of scramble, exploitation and plundering of the continent. On peace, security, and stability, the President said the sub-region should be liberated from terrorism and anti-constitutional changes in government.
