Former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn has called on African nations to engage in strategic discussions to strengthen their collective voice on international platforms. Speaking at the Africa Defense Ministers’ Conference in Addis Ababa, Dessalegn emphasized the importance of aligning policies across the continent to enhance Africa’s influence in global affairs. His remarks come at a critical time as Africa seeks to navigate a rapidly changing global landscape.
Hailemariam urged African leaders to pursue what he described as an “African Renaissance,” a vision in which the continent claims its rightful place on the world stage. He expressed concern that past global systems have consistently overlooked Africa, leaving it marginalized in international decision-making processes. This exclusion, he argued, is compounded by Africa’s heavy reliance on foreign aid and its role as a major exporter of raw materials, often to the detriment of its own economic development.
The former prime minister highlighted the need for Africa to rethink its engagement with globalization. While globalization has driven growth and prosperity in rising powers like China and India, Hailemariam noted that Africa has not reaped the same benefits. He suggested that the continent’s failure to harness globalization stems from its fragmented approach to international relations, which weakens its bargaining power on key issues like trade, investment, and security.
“Globalization has been used to Africa’s disadvantage,” Hailemariam stated. “We remain largely dependent on foreign assistance and the export of raw materials, while our potential for growth is undermined by a lack of unified strategies.”
Drawing comparisons with countries that have successfully leveraged globalization for their development, such as China and India, Hailemariam stressed the need for African nations to come together with “one mind, one voice, and one energy” in order to protect and promote their shared interests. Without a cohesive strategy, he cautioned, Africa risks continuing to be sidelined in global economic and political systems.
Hailemariam’s call for unity was echoed by African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Bankole Adeoye, who highlighted the security challenges facing the continent. He noted that many regions in Africa are grappling with the spread of armed groups, including rebels and terrorists, which have led to significant humanitarian crises. These include large-scale movements of refugees, human rights violations, and unconstitutional changes in government. Adeoye stressed that these issues further underscore the need for a coordinated African response, as the security threats facing one nation often have far-reaching consequences for the entire continent.
The conference in Addis Ababa brought together defense ministers and policymakers from across the continent to discuss the future of African security and defense policy. With instability and conflict affecting many parts of Africa, the need for a unified stance on both security and broader global issues has never been more urgent.
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