Owusu on Africa: Every rising power defines its path but needs support – Africa will not be an exception

By Fidel Amakye Owusu

During the American Revolution, the disparate militia of the colonies sought backing from France and other sympathetic European powers to secure their independence and forge a shared destiny.

European powers engaged in complex alliances and counter-alliances to bolster their own ascendancy.

Despite its geographical separation from mainland Europe, Britain cultivated alliances to augment its power.

Similarly, the Soviet Union, despite its vast expanse, actively sought allies across Europe and globally to fortify its influence, forming a notable bond with distant Cuba.

The unprecedented visit by then-US president, Richard Nixon to the People’s Republic of China in 1972 preceded China’s eventual emergence as a formidable global player following economic reforms in the late 1970s.

Throughout history, the interdependence of nations has often been enforced through coercion, with dominant powers exploiting others for economic gain. Imperial Japan’s control over East Asia and the colonial exploits of European powers in Africa illustrate this dynamic.

But what does this mean for Africa?

In my examination of African security and development, I have encountered well-intentioned Africans who assert Africa’s capacity for self-sufficiency in development, politics, and conflict resolution. While this sentiment may not be entirely literal, it underscores a desire for autonomy. However, it’s crucial to recognize that Africa cannot achieve its aspirations for international prominence without external support.

What the continent requires is a clear definition of its objectives and the establishment of equitable rules for engagement with external actors. With 54 sovereign states, this clarity is currently lacking, with the African Union failing to articulate coherent continental goals. Consequently, external powers engage with individual states on unequal terms.

While external support is inevitable, the absence of defined paths leaves African states vulnerable to exploitation. Just as the Americans did not allow Paris to dictate their foreign policy post-independence, African nations must assert their own agendas.

Moreover, citizens must understand that not all external engagements serve their interests; some only serve the narrow agendas of their leaders.

Fidel Amakye Owusu is an International Relations and Security Analyst. He is an Associate at the Conflict Research Consortium for Africa and has previously hosted an International Affairs program with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC). He is passionate about Diplomacy and realizing Africa’s global potential and how the continent should be viewed as part of the global collective.