During the Africa Defense Ministers’ Conference held in Addis Ababa, former Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn underscored the critical importance of African nations participating in strategic discussions, as reported by local media. He asserted that harmonizing their policies and establishing common objectives could significantly enhance Africa’s standing in the global arena.
Dessalegn called for an African Renaissance, urging the continent to assert its rightful place in global affairs. He pointed out that historical global frameworks have frequently sidelined Africa, casting doubt on the benefits of globalization, especially considering the continent’s substantial dependency on foreign aid and raw material exports.
Drawing comparisons with rising powers such as China and India, he demonstrated how these nations have successfully capitalized on globalization. Dessalegn urged African countries to come together with “one mind, one voice, and one energy” to push forward their shared interests and reshape Africa’s global role. He warned that without meaningful change, the continent risks being further marginalized.
Additionally, Bankole Adeoye, the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, noted the growing threat of armed groups across the continent, including rebels and terrorist organizations. He emphasized that this escalation in violence has resulted in large-scale refugee flows, human rights abuses, and unconstitutional shifts in governance.