In a maiden speech at the Fifth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting (5thMYCM) of the African Union (AU) held in Nairobi, President Bola Tinubu reiterated Africa’s unity and strength while firmly rejecting the notion of a new scramble for the continent. He called for the past plundering and exploitation of Africa to remain in the past and never be repeated.
As the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government Chairperson, President Tinubu highlighted the progress made by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in various sectors of its integration process. These sectors include trade, free movement of persons, investment promotion, infrastructure development, and security.
Addressing the participants, President Tinubu announced plans to bolster the ECOWAS Standby Force to deter coups and combat terrorism in the sub-region. He emphasized the need for Africa to overcome its challenges and work towards a prosperous future, focusing on inclusive growth, good governance, and leveraging the opportunities provided by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
President Tinubu firmly rejected the notion of a new scramble for Africa, emphasizing that the continent’s spirit is strong and resilient. He underscored the importance of visionary good governance and cautioned against the exploitation that plagued the continent in the past, vowing that it shall never be repeated.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by the sub-region, particularly terrorism and anti-constitutional changes in government, President Tinubu called for a comprehensive approach to peace, security, and stability. He emphasized that Africa cannot achieve full integration and prosperity while some nations remain trapped in violence and conflict.
To address these challenges, the ECOWAS Authority has directed the enhancement of the ECOWAS Standby Force’s role in fighting terrorism and undemocratic changes in government. President Tinubu also appealed to international partners to provide support in restoring democratic order in affected Member-States.
On the economic front, President Tinubu noted that while ECOWAS has achieved the Free Trade Area and is working on establishing the Customs Union and Common Market, intra-community trade among member-states remains low. He highlighted efforts made by ECOWAS to consolidate the gains of its trade liberalization scheme and support the implementation of the AfCFTA.
President Tinubu also discussed initiatives in other areas such as the free movement of persons, regional infrastructure development, and energy projects. He underscored the importance of these initiatives in promoting economic activities, integration, and cooperation among West African nations.
In conclusion, President Tinubu expressed his honor to participate in the Mid-Year Meeting of the AU for the first time. He commended the AU for its efforts in strengthening collaboration and coordination between the continental and regional bodies. Furthermore, he expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Kenya for hosting the meeting and providing excellent facilities for the participants.
President Tinubu’s speech at the AU highlighted his commitment to Africa’s unity, the rejection of any new exploitation, and the determination to overcome challenges through regional cooperation and integration.