Africa must determine own future

Suspension of the United States Agency for International Development (USAid) is hurting many countries that depend on it. The African Union (AU), whose member States are affected, should take immediate measures to take responsibility for feeding the many displaced people and seek to promote peace and self-determination. Here is why urgent action is necessary.

The World Bank's 2024 Poverty, Prosperity, and Planet Report reveals a stark reality. Despite representing only 16 percent of the global population, sub-Saharan Africa is home to 67 percent of those living in extreme poverty.

This figure rises to three-quarters when considering all fragile and conflict-affected regions. Furthermore, 72 percent of the world's impoverished population reside in countries eligible for International Development Association (IDA) assistance, underscoring the critical need for ongoing international support and funding for developmental projects.

This global support is waning, and it is time for Africa to develop its ability to make choices and manage its people's lives.

There comes a time when the continent must reflect on its past and future to deal with conflicts raging in Central Africa and the Sahel regions, exacerbating an already dire economic conditions.

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Population displacement and infrastructure destruction have further strained the limited resources available, making it increasingly challenging to implement effective poverty reduction measures.

Ironically, the two regions have most of the strategic minerals required for future warfare. Despite their rich natural resources, these areas remain impoverished and conflict-ridden, highlighting the paradox of wealth amidst poverty.

To mitigate these issues, the African Union (AU) must take on a more formidable leadership role in ensuring transparency and accountability in managing natural resources within its member states.

It is imperative that it advocates for robust governance frameworks that prevent exploitation and mismanagement of these resources, which often fuel conflicts and result in economic destabilisation.

Africa's rich reserves of strategic minerals and other natural resources must serve as a catalyst for development rather than a source of strife. The AU should call for stringent regulations and transparent practices to ensure these resources benefit the broader population, reducing the likelihood of conflict and dependence on foreign assistance.

Furthermore, the entire continent bears the brunt of conflicts that lead to displacement and refugee crises. The ripple effects of such upheavals are felt far beyond the immediate conflict areas, straining the resources and stability of neighbouring regions.

The AU must emphasise the interconnectedness of African nations and the collective responsibility to foster peace and stability – some of the desired goals of the fight for independence. More importantly, the desire to end colonial exploitation, achieve self-determination, and secure control over the continent's vast natural resources.

Africa cannot be under threat of sliding into poverty and looking up to foreign countries for support when, indeed, independence means that African countries seek to improve the living conditions of their people, eradicate poverty, and build sustainable economies.

The leaders of the independence movements in creating the Organisation of African Unity, now AU, envisioned a future where African countries could harness their wealth for the betterment of their citizens rather than seeing it siphoned off to enrich foreign nations.

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The aim was to establish governance structures that were accountable to the people and capable of addressing the unique challenges faced by each country. How do we attain these aspirations when the AU depends on Aid?

Independence was seen as a path to social justice, where the rights and dignity of every individual would be respected. The fight against colonial rule was also a fight against the racial and social inequalities imposed by colonialism. Instead, we have oppressive systems that create a few rich men and a sea of poor people.

The current trajectory must be altered to avert further socioeconomic decline. Strengthening regional collaborations and fostering unity among African nations is crucial for collective progress.

By addressing systemic inequalities and ensuring that the wealth generated from natural resources benefits all citizens, Africa can move towards a future where poverty is significantly reduced, economic stability is achieved to realise its potential for self-determination, equitable development and fulfilling the genuine aspirations of independence.

The writer is Kenya’s Ambassador to Belgium, Mission to the European Union, Organisation of African Caribbean and Pacific States and World Customs Organisation.