Opinion
Africa: Why Addis Still Matters More Than Davos
In his speech at the opening session of the Executive Council of the 22nd African Union (AU) summit, which is being held in Addis Ababa this week, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Tedros Adhanom said the situation in South Sudan is ‘a reflection of the challenges that face a post-conflict state,’ and called on the South Sudanese political actors to ‘rise above their individual interest to save the country from falling into the precipice.’
Not only has the situation in South Sudan cost the lives of thousands of people and destroyed valuable infrastructure, it has also been bringing the economy to its knees. Researcher Luke Patey says the oil output has dropped from a potential 350 000 barrels per day (bpd) to only 50 000 bpd – exports that were meant to be ‘the lifeblood of the new nation.’ This affects not only South Sudan, but also Sudan and the region.
Adhanom, addressing the AU foreign ministers, also spoke about the situation in the CAR. ‘The international community should remain fully committed to support this fragile state in its herculean task of stabilising itself and organising elections to ensure a successful political transition,’ he said. AU Commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma also spoke of the conflicts on the continent, saying in her speech on 27 January: ‘If we want to silence all the guns by 2020, we must build inclusive and tolerant societies, manage our diversity, ensure forgiveness and reconciliation and respect for human rights.’
Many, of course, ask whether the AU is able to do anything about these crises. The continental organisation has failed so often in the past to prevent conflicts from escalating and to ensure effective peacekeeping. Many are disappointed that the much-talked-about African Standby Force is still not operational, while the United Nations (UN) and France have to intervene to save the lives of ordinary Africans who get caught up in the fighting.
However, increasingly, the AU is improving its institutions and upping its game. Following the Executive Council meeting, which is made up of foreign ministers, African heads of state are to meet tomorrow and on Friday for the bi-annual Assembly meeting.
This will be one of the few occasions where leaders have to meet face to face to discuss issues such as agriculture and food security – the theme of this year’s summit. But, more importantly, one-on-one meetings between leaders and mediators are usually held over burning issues that are plaguing the continent. The UN, an important player in peace efforts, foreign dignitaries and civil society is also present in Addis.
The AU summit is ultimately also a ‘talk-shop’ event, like Davos, but pressure is on the organisation to deliver on the peace and security that are so badly needed on the continent. It is also tasked with overseeing democracy and ensuring that free and fair elections take place – a major stumbling block towards stability in many places. Business cannot thrive if there is war, and continued instability will drive away investors.
