Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) has expressed disappointment towards the lack of unity among African states when it comes to International affairs.
He made the remarks during the fireside chat on the second day of the ongoing 2024 Global Security Forum being held in Doha, Qatar (from May 20 – 22).
“We need real efforts to unite, to speak with one voice to strengthen the position of Africa in the international arena. It is a real challenge also for us,” said Moussa Faki.
The AU commission chairperson added, “We are not as united as we want and sometimes, we feel that members of some states don’t follow what has been decided at the level of the continent.”
During the same fireside chat, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda noted that investment in human capital galvanises unity efforts and builds African self-reliance.
“The foundation for us is unity and we are building on that foundation by investing in people,” President Kagame said.
This year’s Forum, organized by the Qatar International Academy For Security Studies (QIASS) and The Soufan Center, is addressing the theme of ‘Strategic Competition: The Complexity of Interdependence.’
The gathering has convened international leaders, security experts, and policymakers to explore the intricate dynamics of global security and address the multifaceted challenges of an interconnected world.
Ambassador Ahmed Abubakar, Nigeria’s Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, emphasized the delicate balance required for global security and the imperative of maintaining momentum for safety.
“Today, we are witnessing how existing and new actors, major and medium powers, are gradually playing key roles in shaping global and regional security issues and situations, expanding their influence, and advancing their strategic interests across the globe, using all elements of national power,” he said.
Continuing the focus on Africa, a discussion on ‘The Current Geopolitical Landscape in Africa’ examined the increasing involvement of external actors in African geopolitics and highlighted the importance of internal dialogue for addressing issues.
Robert Dussey, Togo’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration, and Togolese Abroad emphasized the significance of African countries engaging in self-dialogue for sustainable solutions.
“The African continent is changing. When we talk about geopolitical issues in the world, and particularly in Africa, we have right now new leadership in Africa,” he added.
Throughout the day, various high-level remarks, fireside chats, and panel discussions also addressed critical issues including countering terrorism and the proliferation of non-state actors.
The Global Security Forum is an annual international gathering which has brought together, for several years, an international network of senior officials and experts and consistently included heads of state and government, ministers, heads of security agencies, prominent experts, academics, journalists, and thousands of attendees.
This is an invitation-only event which provides a unique dynamic platform for international stakeholders to convene and address the international community’s leading security challenges.
