At the Africa Defense Ministers’ Conference in Addis Ababa, former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn emphasized the pressing need for African nations to engage in strategic dialogue, according to local media reports.
He argued that aligning their policies and fostering consensus could enhance Africa’s influence on the global stage.
Hailemariam called for an African Renaissance, advocating for the continent to assert its rightful place in global affairs.
He also pointed out how past global frameworks have often neglected Africa, questioning the benefits of globalization, especially given the continent’s heavy reliance on foreign aid and raw material exports.
Drawing comparisons with emerging powers like China and India, he highlighted how these nations have successfully leveraged globalization for their growth.
Hailemariam urged African countries to unite with “one mind, one voice, and one energy” to advance their collective interests and reshape Africa’s global standing, warning that without significant reform, the continent risks remaining on the periphery.
Meanwhile, Bankole Adeoye, the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, noted that nearly every region of Africa faces the spread of armed groups, including rebels and terrorists, leading to large-scale displacement, human rights abuses, and unconstitutional changes in government.
