The African continent is grappling with numerous challenges that call for immediate action of its political leadership, internal conflicts being one of the most pressing issues that need urgent addressing. Despite various regional and international protocols and agreements, the spread of violent conflict in countries such as Sudan and Congo bring the majority of Africans to grief, becoming a constant reminder that policy plans fail when responsibilities are abandoned. These conflicts have left many unsure of their future while scarring many lives forever. It is therefore unacceptable to see African leaders travel all the way to Kiev and Russia as the 5 African leaders to propose confidence-building measures to Russia and Ukraine while there are still countless amount of internal conflicts ravaging the continent- a reminder that charity must start by cleaning our homes first.
The participation of African government leaders in resolving conflicts in other continents is commendable. However, it should not supersede the attention they afford to their domestic issues, especially considering the continent's colossal challenges. Such battles have left countless African lives devastated with the region increasingly threatened by terror, displacement, poverty, unrest and underdevelopment. African leaders must prioritize the resolution of Sudan and Congo's struggles before commencing global peace promotion.
The sooner African leaders deal with African conflicts, the more able they will be to maintain their rightful position on the global stage and advocate for new policies. By diverting attention to foreign policy in place of internal priorities without finishing the journey, promotes nothing but a weak system spiralling in crisis. Moreover, it undermins Africa's sovereignty, diminishes trust, and hinders partnerships with global actors to fight insurrection in the territory. This weak sovereignty paradox demands vital reforms, changes and calls for engagement when implementing common standards of democracy, rule of law, and effective conflict resolution enforced by policy, reform and exerting leverage.
Development progress should not be about intentions but exceeding expectations by building on victories heralded by structured activities that challenge the norm and obstacles requiring progress or improvement. Countries grappling with widespread unrest and poverty-stricken populations indicate weaknesses in political/public engaging spaces regarding public safety and welfare. Trust rebuild must rest on inspired leadership showing greater responsibility through local capacities building and effective regional approaches boosting conflict management capabilities. Africa must stand united with everybody playing their roles to promote trust and unity, fostering self-reliant countries and cultures that promote diversity unity powered by societies- for the benefits of all Africans.
African leaders must prioritize Africa's internal conflicts by first ending the recurrent poverty and unrest existing within the territory beginning with their immediate frontiers. Africa is strong enough to contain its difficulties with the proper enforcement of policy and limited measures to reshape chronic political weaknesses that plague some regions' social security and public safety structures. The world cannot wait for uncertainties, demands prompt courageous actions by African leaders to embrace responsibility, effectively delivering on promises, overcoming internal conflicts and challenging national-level poverty across their governments.
In conclusion, there is no room for delay as Africa can do better- beginning with the proper management of internal conflicts through constructive leadership approaches built on well-grounded values and fundamentals and growing under the eco-systems established. Time is a resource which African leaders must progressively use to nurture collective progressive changes and strive collectively by encouraging self-reliance through public/private approvals of legitimate reform agendas. The effective handling of Africa's internal conflicts at home showcases Africa's competencies and determination in aspiring for an inclusive citizenship who derive from the joy and benefits of governance, ensuring peace, security and value-added opportunities guided with equity, respect, moral responsibility and self-realisation which is the reflected progress well intended for Africa's development transformation's histories.
Alhousseynou Ba
One Africa group
