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African Ministers Demand Unity Against Eroding Global Cooperation

African foreign ministers convened in Addis Ababa, warning that the erosion of multilateralism and global cooperation is adversely affecting peace and security on the continent. They highlighted fierce international competition for technology, minerals, and logistics routes as a dominant feature of current relations. The ministers stressed that true strength for Africa comes from unity and a robust African Union to defend against predatory moves. The meeting sets the stage for the upcoming Assembly of AU Heads of State and Government.

Key Points: African FMs Call for Continental Unity Amid Global Challenges

  • Eroding multilateralism harms peace
  • Competition for resources dominates relations
  • Unconstitutional government changes undermine AU
  • Call for true partnership, not charity
2 min read

African FMs call for continental unity amid eroding multilateralism

African foreign ministers urge robust unity as eroding multilateralism threatens peace and security. Ethiopia and Angola lead the call for a stronger AU.

"African unity must be real and the African Union must be strong if we are to defend our continent from predatory moves. - Gedion Timothewos"

Addis Ababa, Feb 11

African foreign ministers on Wednesday called for a robust continental unity and togetherness amid eroding multilateralism and global cooperation. The call was made during the opening session of the 48th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.

"The evolving geopolitical landscape, in which multilateralism and global cooperation are being eroded, is adversely affecting peace and security in our continent," said Ethiopian Minister of Foreign Affairs Gedion Timothewos, Xinhua News Agency reported.

He noted that "fierce competition" for technological supremacy, control of critical mineral resources, and major logistics routes are becoming a dominant feature of international relations, in which trade and economic cooperation are being subordinated to political and security considerations.

According to Timothewos, this existing global scenario is further exacerbated by peace and security challenges, as the continent grapples with incidents of unconstitutional changes of government, which is further undermining the AU's normative foundations.

"African unity must be real and the African Union must be strong if we are to defend our continent from predatory moves that might come from all corners," Timothewos said. "What we need is not mere charity or good will of others but true partnership and that more than anything requires true strength which emanates from unity."

Angolan Minister of External Relations and Chairperson of the Executive Council Tete Antonio highlighted the need to strengthen the institutional framework and operational capacity of the AU towards "building a more sustainable, united, and responsive AU capable of addressing the continent's priorities, in a spirit of shared responsibility and cooperation among member states."

The executive council meeting, attended by foreign ministers from AU members under the framework of the 39th AU Summit, is being held under the theme: "Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063."

The two-day meeting is expected to review the draft agenda and decisions for the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the AU, scheduled for February 14-15.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
"True partnership, not charity" – that line really hits home. It's the same sentiment many developing nations share. The world order is shifting, and blocs are forming. Africa's unity will determine if it becomes a maker or just a taker of global rules.
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Rohit P
Interesting to see the focus on water and sanitation in the theme. While they talk geopolitics, the real test of any union is delivering basic needs to its people. Hope the AU can walk the talk. India has its own challenges here, so we know it's not easy.
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Sarah B
As an expat living in Delhi, I see parallels with regional cooperation in South Asia. It's tough when political tensions override economic sense. Africa has immense potential if it can speak with one voice on trade and security. A strong AU benefits global stability.
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Vikram M
The point about "control of critical mineral resources" is key. Africa is resource-rich but often gets a raw deal. Unity in negotiating trade pacts is essential. India should look to build stronger, equitable partnerships with a united African bloc, not just bilateral deals with single countries.
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Karthik V
While the sentiment is good, I have to be respectfully critical. Speeches about unity are common, but on-ground action is what counts. The AU has often been slow to act during crises. They need a concrete, actionable plan, not just lofty ideals. Hope this summit delivers one.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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