The Foundation for Peace Professionals, also known as PeacePro, has urged African leaders attending the 81st United Nations General Assembly to strengthen the continent’s economic, institutional and security capabilities if Africa is to exert greater influence on global affairs.
The foundation said African countries must move beyond repeated calls for respect for sovereignty, adherence to international law and greater representation in global institutions by building the capacity required to protect and advance those interests.
The call was contained in a statement issued on Friday and signed by PeacePro’s Executive Director, Abdulrazaq Hamzat.
Hamzat said Africa’s quest for a stronger voice in the international system would remain limited unless its diplomatic positions were supported by economic strength, effective institutions, legal capacity and credible security structures.
According to him, African leaders should participate in the UN as representatives of sovereign nations with clearly defined interests, rather than approaching international engagements primarily as appeals for recognition or assistance.
“Africa does not have a shortage of speeches. Africa has a shortage of power behind its speeches.
“A sovereign position must have sovereign capacity behind it. African leaders should not approach the international system as petitioners seeking permission to defend Africa’s legitimate interests,” the statement quoted Hamzat as saying.
PeacePro argued that stronger African positions on sovereignty and foreign interference must be backed by the ability of individual countries and regional institutions to respond effectively when their interests are challenged.
The foundation called for greater investment in security and intelligence capabilities, economic resilience and institutions capable of translating policy decisions into practical outcomes.
It also stressed the need for African states to improve their collective bargaining strength in international affairs through stronger regional cooperation and economic integration.
According to the organisation, Africa’s influence at the UN and other multilateral institutions should not be measured solely by the number of speeches delivered by its leaders, but also by the continent’s ability to shape negotiations and defend its interests.
The foundation therefore encouraged African governments to use the ongoing General Assembly to pursue practical measures that would strengthen the continent’s negotiating position while addressing the economic and security weaknesses that limit its influence.
PeacePro said a more consequential African role in global affairs would ultimately depend on building institutions and national capacities capable of supporting the positions African leaders advance on the international stage.
