Nigeria’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, has warned of the dangers of a new Cold War that threatens to divide African nations along global geopolitical lines.
At a recent Realnews Conference in Lagos, Gambari stressed Africa’s precarious position amid ongoing global power realignments. He urged Africans to “take a step back and reflect on the contours of change” to understand the implications for its future.
Mr Gambari, also once a United Nations Under Secretary, pointed to the ongoing militarization by global powers investing in advanced weaponry, space, and cyberspace. “A relentless militarization is taking place” worldwide, he warned, with Africa becoming a focal point due to its rich natural resources and strategic locations.
These attributes, he reasons, have made the continent a battleground for nations seeking military bases.
Gambari cited examples like Djibouti, which hosts the United States’ only permanent base in Africa and China’s first overseas installation. “The entire seaboard of Africa is already dotted with military bases,” this indicated a renewed scramble for influence on the continuing escalating “new Cold War”.
Foreign military bases are not just about security; they seek to control Africa’s natural wealth and arable land – the reechos of colonial ambitions. Countries such as France, Germany, India, and the UK are growing their military presence, along with China and Russia, who are becoming central players in this competition.
All Hope Not Lost
Despite these challenges, Africa has a significant demographic advantage with its young population. Gambari argued, “With well over a billion people and an overwhelmingly youthful population,” the continent is set to play a crucial role globally, especially as other regions face declining and aging demographics.
He believes Africa must “build national and regional strategies” that capitalize on its youth’s energy and innovative spirit to leverage this potential. He urged leaders to harness Africa’s human resources to drive development.
Gambari concluded, “The outcomes of the ongoing geopolitical shifts are not necessarily destined to be at the expense of our people.” He called for readiness to utilize Africa’s abundant resources to achieve much-needed structural transformation.
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