In a resounding chorus of voices echoing through the halls of the United Nations General Assembly, African leaders have declared, "Enough is enough!" This year's message is emphatic and united: Africa refuses to remain a victim of the post-World War II global order.
Instead, it proudly asserts its status as a global power that demands partnership, not sidelining. With nearly 60 years of independence under its belt, Africa, a continent of over 1.3 billion people, is acutely aware of the challenges hampering its development. It stands at the threshold of a new era, emboldened by its representation in the G20 through the African Union.
Kenyan president William Ruto's words resound with this newfound confidence: "We as Africa have come to the world, not to ask for alms, charity, or handouts, but to work with the rest of the global community and give every human being in this world a decent chance of security and prosperity."Africa's determination to become a global power is palpable, whether in its endeavors to combat climate change or its role in fostering peace, even in regions as distant as Russia and Ukraine. The continent recognizes its potential and the responsibility that comes with it.
On the sidelines of the UN, the African Development Bank convened political and business leaders under the banner of "Unstoppable Africa." This phrase encapsulates the continent's aspirations, just days after the inaugural Africa Climate Summit, where richer nations were urged to fulfill their climate commitments and invest in Africa's sustainable future. Yet, despite its youthful population set to double by 2050, Africa remains a region where its people are paradoxically getting poorer, and where military takeovers of democratically elected governments are met with celebration.
Rashid Abdi, Chief Analyst at the Nairobi-based Sahan Research think tank, underscores Africa's potential to drive progressive and equitable change on the global stage. He notes that the world is increasingly interested in Africa's contributions to addressing global challenges. For Ghana's President Akufo-Addo, correcting the historical injustices of an "unfair" world order must commence with reparations for the trans-Atlantic slave trade and centuries of colonial exploitation. Africa's capacity lies not only in its population but also in its abundant natural resources. However, the continent's progress is hindered by fragmented, national-focused policies rather than unified regional approaches, as highlighted by Ibrahim Mayaki, the African Union's special envoy for food systems.
As African leaders proudly proclaim their continent's emergence as a global force, they must also heed the calls from their own citizens. In a region blessed with riches, at least half of its 54 countries rank among the 30 least developed in the world, according to the UN Human Development Index. Grace Agbu, a resident of Nigeria's capital city, Abuja, succinctly reminds leaders that respect and partnerships are earned through effective governance and the well-being of their people, not begged for.
In Nigeria, chronic corruption and governance failures have deprived millions of the benefits of being Africa's largest economy. Simultaneously, while President Akufo-Addo championed equal rights and justice for Africa at the UN, Ghana grappled with one of its worst economic crises in decades, sparking protests and arrests.For Africa to be taken seriously on the global stage, its leaders must address pressing challenges, including conflicts and coups driven by despair among the population. As Mutiga from the Crisis Group notes, the continent must transcend the legacy of an unbalanced and unjust era.Guinea's military leader, Col.
Mamadi Doumbouya, sums it up beautifully: "The era of the old Africa is over. This is the end of an unbalanced and unjust era where we had no say.
It is time to take our proper place."Africa's declaration at the UN is not just a plea for recognition; it is a powerful call for transformation and justice on the global stage. It is a proclamation of a continent's potential and a promise of a better future for its people. Africa is ready, and the world must take heed.