THE ROLE OF AFRICA IN GLOBAL GOVERNANCE: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR NIGERIAN LEADERSHIP
By Mubarak Mansur
INTRODUCTION
Let me start with this proverb: "He who gossips to you will gossip about you." This is true in international relations. Africa, a geographical space from the Mediterranean Sea to the Cape of Good Hope, and from the Red Sea to Western Sahara, is home to mostly black people. This is despite the presence of bright Arabs in the northern part of the region. Apart from Ethiopia, all African states were colonized, mostly by Europeans. Nigeria was not excluded from colonialism; this giant, the most populous in the region and one of the most influential, was also colonized by the British.
African politics cannot be detached from the legacies of colonialism and imperialism. Over 100 years of colonization have impacted human endeavors, including economics, society, religion, culture, and, most importantly, politics.
THE ROLE OF AFRICA IN GLOBAL GOVERNANCE
Paradoxically, Africa makes up almost a third of the United Nations' members, but they have little influence when it comes to decision-making at the global level. Though international relations are anarchic in nature, African states do not participate equally with first-world countries in the United Nations Security Council or the United Nations General Assembly.
Over the decades, some African states have started showing commitment to African freedom in global affairs. President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has demonstrated commitment by bypassing some policies introduced by the Western world. Additionally, from 2019 to date, Africa has witnessed the re-emergence of military juntas in the region, with Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, Gabon, and Chad being headed by military leaders. Coup plotters have accused politicians of being "Western dogs."
Historical approaches have given Africa a cowardly outlook. European colonizers have maintained prolonged relationships with the countries they colonized, enabling them to rule indirectly through their so-called elected leaders. Some features of African politics, such as corruption, nepotism, favoritism, and the "sit-tight syndrome," among others, have made the region underdeveloped. This is despite efforts made by several stakeholders to fight these problems.
Interestingly, Africa remains a major market for most developed countries due to its population, which has earned it an invaluable reputation globally. Population, resources, mineral resources, and economic factors make Africa significant and crucial in international relations.
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR NIGERIAN LEADERSHIP
I was asked in a street interview, "What's the problem with Nigeria?" I failed to answer the question due to its complexity, so I had to leave. Nigeria is one of the most heterogeneous countries in the world. Every ethnic group wants to rule, dictate, override, and influence. The problems of Nigeria are not limited to regional issues but also jump to religion, society, and ethnicity, among others. These have caused significant delays in the country's development journey.
Neither Muslims nor Christians can blame each other. Insecurity and economic challenges remain the leading problems affecting Nigeria. This is despite issues such as unemployment, lack of social amenities, high crime rates, uncontrolled birth rates, and bad governance. The aforementioned factors, together with numerous others not mentioned here, have made Nigerian leadership complex.
However, economists say, "The higher the risk, the higher the profit." This paradigm works for Nigeria because these challenges or problems provide opportunities for Nigerian leadership. For example, a high birth rate leads to a high population, which provides cheap labor and can be used to strengthen the military with personnel to fight insecurity. Tribal issues can be used to promote regional and national cooperation. A Religious approach can also be used to preach peace and harmony, leading to national growth. In fact, every single problem in Nigeria can be converted into a positive.
CONCLUSION
Africans must reiterate their commitment to promoting African divinity at the global level. Africa deserves a seat at the United Nations Security Council for inclusivity, transparency, and justice. African states must work together to achieve this.
Nigeria, on the other hand, must stop daydreaming about change without working for it. Nigerians need change, but none of them need to be changed, and that's impossible.