By Lanre Idris Mustapha
African leaders, diplomats, and scholars have stressed that only African-developed solutions can bring lasting peace and security to the continent.
This message was delivered during the African Peace and Security Dialogue, organized by the Thabo Mbeki Foundation in South Africa
Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, Chair of the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, highlighted that Africa’s ongoing conflicts such as civil wars, military coups, and other crises have caused widespread suffering. She pointed out that the African Union’s peace efforts have not been effective, and stronger regional cooperation is urgently needed to address these challenges.
Nigerian scholar, Professor Funmi Olonisakin, criticized the use of foreign strategies to resolve African conflicts, saying they have not worked.
She implored African countries like Nigeria and South Africa to take leadership in addressing the continent’s security problems, stressing that Africa must rely on its own ideas and approaches.
Other speakers, including Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Zimbabwe’s Foreign Minister Frederick Shava, agreed that African-made solutions are the key to solving the continent’s problems. They called on African leaders to prioritize the continent’s needs over foreign interests.
