Africa and its perennial problems

It is a widely held belief that Africa’s problems require an African solution, especially at this moment when most African countries are grappling with some very serious problems, most of which are political.

For far too long, the African continent has been plagued by wars and conflicts, coupled with the spate of poverty, diseases and underdevelopment gripping the continent.

In making a comparison of the continent with other parts of the world, one would not lose sight of the fact that Africa, in terms of natural resources, is substantially rich.

As we have over the years indicated on these pages, the continent, no doubt, needs integration now more than ever before, if we are to realise economic independence among the comity of nations.

As has always been the norm, Africans should not wait for outside influence to solve their own problems. African states must integrate immediately or some will not survive in the throes of time.

With the world grappling with the effects of the global economic downturn, our part of the world must not stand aside to merely watch the unfolding situation.

We must become part and parcel of the global order where countries unite their efforts at promoting growth, and to help our people.

Closer to our region, it is rather unfortunate that, despite its vast resources, and a market of more than 260 million people, the ECOWAS sub-region has little to show in terms of its contributions to internal trade.

It is our opinion that unless and until we Africans discard regionalism, and focus on uniting the continent, we will not make headway.

Several overlapping regional groupings throughout the continent are trying to knit their economies closer together, but the pace and extent of integration is slower than our hopes.

This is unacceptable, unviable, and people need to stand up and say so.

Leaders of the African Union member states should rely on themselves to lift their people from poverty. This is the only way out to saving the lives of our people, especially the future generation.

As Africans, we must try to get rid of corruption and all scourges bedeviling the continent, and come together for the betterment of our dear people.

“Success is restricted only from those who restrict themselves from success.”

Gillis Triplett