10 African leaders addressed the 72nd regular session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) held in New York this September.
On the agenda were many topics that could have a direct impact on the future of the African continent, including social development, global trade and environmental conventions. Sentiments over reforms at the UN also featured prominently, as African leaders in attendance held nothing back when it came to expressing the continent’s concerns.
How effective was the meeting at addressing Africa’s concerns?
Dr Mustafa Yusuf Ali, Co-founder of the Horn Institute of African Studies remarks that “they”( African leaders) , while addressing the assembly “spoke to the issues that are affecting the security of the world”.
On the UN however, Dr Ali is quick to point out the necessity for Africa to have permanent seats at the table of the UN security council for a firm articulation and action on the continents’ issues. Ali also notes the UN’s particular failure in addressing challenges of security “as it should in the 21st century”, adding that reforms at the UN are “overdue”. “The organisation has been there since 1946 but remained has largely remained the same”
South Africa’s president Jacob Zuma was among the speakers who addressed the assembly, where he decried the current structure of the global economic system as being rigged to deepen the divide between the global north & the global south. South Africa has itself struggled through an economic recession in 2016-2017, but recovered into the second half of 2017 .
Michael Sudarkasa, CEO of the Africa Business Group reflecting on the UN general assembly week however foresees an optimistic future for the continents’ economy. “The effort of Donald Trump in particular to carry favor and show some knowledge with African Leaders- although he misspoke about ‘Nambia’- shows a general shift that there is business opportunity in Africa.”
He adds that Africa is going to have to play a greater role in its own economic development even as “the trend towards less aid is there”.
Dr Oladiran Bello, Executive Director of Good Governance Africa-Nigeria, cites more expectations on the part of African leaders and their presence at the UN.”In terms of platitude & looking good in front of the cameras, I think they’ve done well, but much of the work would need to now take place after the UN general assembly week. ”
“I would like to see a bit more forthrightness and direct pronouncement on the part of African leaders” in addressing Africa’s agenda at the United Nations.
