Recent International Events: A Focus on Africa
By Kazembe Batts
IG: @Kazbatts
Recently, two prominent international events converged: the 62nd Munich Security Conference (MSC) in Germany and the 39th African Union Summit (AUS) in Ethiopia. Both gatherings attracted leaders and influential figures from around the globe, but only the MSC garnered significant attention in American media. Notable participants included U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former Secretary Hillary Clinton, U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and California Governor Gavin Newsom, all in attendance to discuss pressing international issues from a distinctly European perspective. In contrast, Africa was relegated to side discussions, with Rubio declaring, “We gather here today as members of a historic alliance, an alliance that saved and changed the world.”
The Need for African Focus
To prioritize our mental and spiritual well-being, it’s essential to shift our discourse towards Africa and the African Union (AU). Established in 2002, the AU comprises 55 member states often divided by competing interests. Its current chairman, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, a seasoned Djiboutian diplomat, has found himself expressing mere “deep concern” over ongoing crises, ranging from wars in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo to various insurgencies across the Sahel region. This limited authority to intervene raises questions about the impact and effectiveness of the AU at a time when its input is most crucial.
The Struggles of the AU
The International Crisis Group (ICG) recently noted that the AU is arguably experiencing its weakest phase since its inception. The organization relies heavily on external funding, with 64 percent of its annual budget coming from the United States and European Union. As these funding sources shrink, the AU sits underfunded, missing deadlines for financial self-sufficiency that were aimed for 2020 and 2025. Moreover, member state leaders frequently block initiatives to empower the AU with enforcement capabilities, fearing a loss of sovereignty over their domestic governance.
A Global Gathering in Addis Ababa
The 39th AU summit in Addis Ababa drew a diverse array of representatives, including U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, who highlighted the essential partnership between the AU and the UN in fostering peace and sustainable development. U.S. representation included Senior Bureau Official Nick Checker and Deputy Chief of the U.S. Mission to the AU, Walter Parrs, though conspicuously absent were high-profile African American leaders. This lack of representation speaks volumes, particularly when contrasted with previous remarks from the Trump administration that left a stain on U.S.-Africa relations.
Historical Context: America’s Position on Africa
Reflecting on the importance of Black History Month, it’s striking to recall the U.S. administration’s derogatory descriptions of Africa during the Trump years, including comments that demeaned entire nations. As the U.S. continues to neglect meaningful engagement with Africa, shifting trade and visa policies to the detriment of African nations, countries such as China are eagerly establishing deeper ties.
China’s Strategic Moves
During the summit, Chinese leader Xi Jinping unveiled plans to abolish tariffs on imports from 53 African countries, further solidifying a strategic alliance that has already reached a remarkable $222 billion in trade by early 2025. This policy expands upon an existing zero-tariff arrangement for 33 African nations, excluding only Eswatini. In contrast, U.S.-Africa trade stands at a relatively modest $75 billion, underscoring the difference in commitment and engagement levels between these two global powers.
Italy’s Strategic Engagement
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s visit to Addis Ababa for the Italy-Africa Summit reflects Rome’s renewed commitment to investment-led cooperation with Africa, embodied in the Mattei Plan. With nearly 100 ongoing projects across 14 African nations, the plan targets sectors crucial for fostering economic growth and stability, such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and digital development, all designed to stem the tide of irregular migration.
Key Agreements from the AU Summit
Outcomes from the AU summit included three pivotal agreements demonstrating the continent’s determination to address core issues:
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Sustainable Water and Sanitation Commitment: Member states reinforced their dedication to improving water security and sanitation, aligning efforts with the AU’s Agenda 2063. They emphasized the importance of integrated water management, climate resilience, and infrastructure development while promoting national accountability and safe water access.
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Peace, Security, and Constitutional Governance: Leaders reiterated their zero-tolerance stance on unconstitutional government changes, committing to prevent and resolve conflicts. Enhanced coordination of African-led peace operations was endorsed, emphasizing governance, the rule of law, and institutional legitimacy as foundational elements for lasting peace.
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Global Governance Reform: Heads of state unified in calling for reforms within the United Nations Security Council to ensure equitable representation and to establish permanent seats for African states. This reflects a collective push for structural adjustments in global institutions to acknowledge Africa’s growing demographic and economic significance on the world stage.
A Day of Remembrance
The summit culminated in a resolution that categorizes slavery, deportation, and colonialism as genocidal acts against the African populace. Furthermore, November 30 has been designated as the “African Day of Tribute to African Martyrs and Victims of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, Colonization, and Apartheid.” While summits and resolutions provide a framework for progress, the pivotal question remains: Do African people, including those in the U.S., possess the power to implement these initiatives effectively?
Echoing the sentiment of the late Rev. Jesse Jackson, with powerful intent and direction, “Now is the Time!” It is essential for individuals and societies to take tangible steps toward empowering communities and improving the quality of life for all.
