January 13, 2020

Litmus test for African leaders, AU in 2020

topic:	Economic Fairness
editor:	Bob Koigi

With the last decade having produced a mixed bag of fortunes for Africa from conflicts, terrorism, diseases, a new breed of innovators, entrenched integration and the start of the journey to a one Africa, the new year and decade brings with it the greatest test for the African Union and African leaders as old and new challenges abound and opportunities presented by the last decade are set to be actualised.

The historic African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA that is set to open up the continent’s borders to allow free movement of goods and services will begin operations in July. The journey to the free trade pact has been long and tumultuous with mistrust and protectionism discouraging many countries from signing it. And while they eventually put pen to paper, the real test will be in commitment to implement the letter and spirit of the pact.

The African Union in its bid to tame the rise in gun violence that continues to claim tens of thousands of lives each year, has set 2020 as the year of silencing the guns. It plans to do this by pushing countries to take practical actions in ensuring that firearms that are in the wrong hands are surrendered to governments and that they make deliberate efforts at championing peace. It is an overly ambitious initiative to achieve by year end considering that the topic of the proliferation of arms and disarmament is always complex as various governments have themselves been accused of arming private militias to advance their cause. To get the same governments to commit to the cause of reclaiming the same guns will indeed be a tall order.

As the continent continues to be ravaged by droughts and floods with the impacts of the climate change hitting home now more than ever, disaster preparedness and response remain dismal. And with the weathermen predicting that the weather vagaries are set to become severe, the real test for the leaders and the apex body in the continent will be how fast and innovative they will be in saving lives and infrastructure.

The ultimate test lies in the commitment of the leaders to rise above the challenges and turn the opportunities into tangible outcomes that will be felt by over 1.2 billion Africans.

The prosperity of a nation, and in that case a continent is hinged on its leadership. Africa once again looks up to its leaders for answers, direction and hope. Will they rise to the occasion?

Image: Charles Nambasi / Pixabay 

Call to Action

Follow the link to take action against gun violence in Africa

Support now