Nigerian President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday, at the fifth mid-year coordination meeting (5thMYCM) of the African Union (AU), the regional economic communities (RECs), the regional mechanisms (RMs), and the AU member states, said Africa must advance towards peace and prosperity.
The president, while acknowledging the challenges faced by Africa including terrorism and unconstitutional changes in government, said the fullness of the integration sought will be impossible as long as several nations stand in the mist of violence and war.
He said, “We sit here in meaningful discussion of vital economic matters. Yet, it will be impossible to bring full meaning to what we attempt unless we give due consideration to the instability and conflict that now scar many of our nations,” he said.
“The trade and commerce we talk of today refers to valued goods and services that improve life. The trade and commerce these nations suffer is of destruction and disorder that takes lives and steals opportunity.
“We cannot integrate Africa and attain the prosperity we seek while our nearby brothers and sisters suffer in pain and anguish, they should not suffer.
“We must advance as one continent toward peace and prosperity.
“Otherwise, we risk the creation of two or more Africa, one a select group of nations moving steadily while the rest remain trapped in the age-old mire of poverty, conflict and lack of hope.
“It is very clear that in the area of peace, security, and stability, our region is confronted with the twin challenges of terrorism and reversal of democratic gains through undemocratic changes of government.”
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