Former Ethiopian PM Advocates for Strategic African Unity on Global Stage
ADDIS ABABA: The former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn has emphasized the critical need for strategic dialogue among African nations to negotiate common positions that can boost Africa’s influence on the global stage.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the former leader spoke at the Africa Defense Ministers’ Conference, a three-day event held at the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum in Addis Ababa under the theme “Africa: United in Peace, Strong in Security.” The conference gathered African defense ministers, senior military officers, military attachés, and researchers to address the continent’s security challenges and strengthen collective defense strategies.
During his speech on the first day, Hailemariam presented a discussion paper on “the existing world order and its impact on Africa.” He argued for an African Renaissance, highlighting the necessity for Africa to claim a more significant position on the global stage. He noted the lack of a cohesive platform for Africa to address issues crit
ical to its development and prosperity.
“The post-World War order has never reflected Africa’s quest,” Hailemariam stated, emphasizing that historical global structures have often marginalized Africa. He pointed out that while globalization has driven cross-border trade and foreign investment, Africa has yet to reap substantial benefits, remaining dependent on foreign aid and extractive industries.
Drawing comparisons with other regions, Hailemariam remarked, “Countries like China and India have used globalization as an opportunity to transform their economies, whereas Africa has lagged behind.” He warned that without significant changes, Africa risks being left behind in the new global order.
Hailemariam called for unity among African nations, urging them to advocate for their collective interests with “one mind, one voice, and one energy.” He praised the Ethiopian Ministry of Defense for hosting the conference and stressed the importance of strategic dialogues to align policies and negotiate common posit
ions.
“This is an opportune moment for us Africans to assert ourselves,” he concluded, encouraging African nations to collaborate more closely to reshape Africa’s future in the evolving international landscape.