Home front first: Africa's foreign policy must serve domestic priorities Home front first: Africa's foreign policy must serve domestic priorities
Mehari Taddele Maru
Part-time Professor and Academic Coordinator: School of Transnational Governance, Migration Policy Centre and European University Institute. Adjunct Professor: School of Advanced International Studies, JHU
Originally published on: African Futures
Co-authored Article:
By addressing internal challenges first, Africa can develop a stronger foundation from which to exercise meaningful influence in global affairs and protect its strategic interests. A more pragmatic and dynamic approach is needed, where the multitude of external engagements complements the pursuit of domestic African peace and development.
Africa should only commit to foreign policy support on matters where its interests are directly at stake. It should invest time and energy in pursuing common positions on issues that hinder the continent's ability to achieve peace and development—like meddling by external actors from the Gulf states.
Early prevention of new conflicts and timely response to ongoing wars in Sudan, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Libya and other conflict situations need to take pride of place in the Pan-African agenda. Reform of the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and operationalisation of the World Trade Organisation directly impact Africa's development priorities—so require continental action.
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Managing Editor, EJOSSAH/ PhD Cand., Center for African and Asian Studies, College of Social Sciences, Addis Ababa University
1moNice commentary. It is a worthy counsel for those willing to heed and act.
PhD Researcher | UCL | Southampton Uni | Nonprofit Founder Helping Disadvantaged Students Access Education | LSE Alumni Association | Edtech Founder
1moThanks for sharing, Mehari!
Head, of the regional branch office for Veterinary Drug and Feed Administration and control Authority. Tigrai, Ethiopia
2moCongratulations MTM. I am proud of you. Keep it up.
Adjunct Professor and researcher in Geopolitics, Regional Integration in Africa, African Politics
2moI have a problem with your concept of "Africa's diplomacy", because "Africa" is not an actor on the international scene. Even the AU's request for a permanent seat at the Security Council is unlikely to succeed. And there is unfortunately no solidarity between African countries. Example: Nigeria suffered terrible floods in the past months, more than 300 died. No African country sent rescuers to support Abuja. Sad