Diplomatic and security experts have called for stronger institutions and good governance to tackle insecurity, terrorism and Western interference in the African political and economic systems.
They made the call at the maiden edition of the International College for Diplomatic Affairs (ICDA), conference and induction for associates, full members and lifetime members in Lagos.
The conference themed, ‘curbing the prevailing challenges of integration in Africa’ had in attendance diplomats, security experts and members of the diplomatic corps from the West Africa region who dissect prevailing challenges hindering in political, socio-cultural and economic integration in Africa.
Director General of the International College for Diplomatic Affairs (ICDA), Amb. (Dr) Tasie Daniel submitted that despite Africa’s wealth and relevance, the continent has been plunged in darkness, poverty, terrorism and political instability.
He highlighted corruption, instability, ethno-religious and political instability and of course, internally-caused crisis fuelled by numerous reasons including overwhelming dependence on foreign nations as some of the challenges hindering integration among the nations of Africa.
He added, “Africa holds a very fundamental position in the world today. Africa is the world second largest and the second most populous Continent in the world. Africa holds the youngest and fastest growing population in the world. Africa has numerous resources to her name. Africa is the major exporter of human intelligence and human resources.
Despite Africa’s wealth and importance in the world, we see that Africa has been plunged in darkness and poverty. Africa is yet to become a stakeholder in the global decision making. We see that Nigeria is a major player in the political affairs in the West Africa region.
This and many other reasons are why the ICDA was birthed. The ICDA aims to become a major player in the world stage by addressing contemporary global issues bordering around foreign policy through partnership with high profile individuals, international organizations, corporate establishments, arms of government, government parastatals and
agencies and nation-states. ICDA aims to furnish students with the demanded information and tactics needed for diplomacy in the world right now and prepare them for the dynamisms that are inherent in the evolution of diplomacy.”
A security expert, Dr Patrick Onovo alleged that the West sponsored insecurity and terrorism in Africa to gain control of Africa resources and government.
He stated, “For Africa to come together and unite, it is going to affect the Western Countries including all the mineral resources they get from Africa. So, because of that they would always create crisis within the Africa region and ensure that Africans are not united.
About insecurity, the west would always want to hold grip to Africa because Africa is where they feed from. In terms of mineral resources, Africa is so blessed that if the West loses that grip, Africa will be seen as a regional threat to their development.
In term of the insecurity in Africa, my experience in the diplomatic sector opens some cans of worms. Big countries sponsor terrorism and disintegration of among Africans so that we will never unite. The current waves within the francophone region, they are beginning to realise that for the West to hold on to power, they are sponsoring terrorism and insecurity and other acts that will make the region not to be at peace. It is proper for Africa nations to tackle insecurity. They create crisis and, in the process, steal our resources.”
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