Experts have raised concerns as the development aspirations of Nigeria and Africa are threatened by the twin challenges of political instability and climate change.
They stressed that the continent faces a development crisis, exacerbated by the appearance of anthropocene, a new geological age characterized by humans induced climate change.
Speaking at the First International Conference on Political Instability and Development Crisis in Africa (Picda) on Thursday in Abuja, Prof. Mohammed Salih of the Institute of Social Studies, Hague, Netherlands, said that Africa is disproportionately affected by climate change, with the world organization that reports that African countries are losing 2-5% of their GDP due to climate discrete.
The conference, theme “Cultural pluralism and conflict, crisis of integration and development in Africa”, was organized by the Department of Political Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Bingham, Karu, State of Nasarawa.
The conference also brought together experts and interested parties from all over Nigeria and beyond, aimed at exploring the intersections between political instability and development crises, with an approach to finding sustainable solutions for the future of Africa.
Professor Salih also highlighted the prevalence of political instability throughout the continent, citing the 28 African countries affected by the conflict, including Nigeria, which are experiencing problems of legitimacy of the State, security deficits and severe economic inequality.
Salih argued that the conventional development model has failed to offer significant progress and that alternative approaches are needed to address the complexes that Africa faces.
Therefore, he emphasized the need for African solutions, backed by local policies and innovative thinking, instead of depending on external interventions.
“Our great objective should always be to provide alternative development policies, instead of playing with business solutions such as use. African universities, such as Bingham, should play a main role in showing the way to follow for Nigeria and the new Africa. “
“A raw general conclusion can suggest that there is a linear relationship between political instability and development crisis.”
“On the contrary, the other 56 active conflicts based on the state in Africa, Asia and Latin America are fought in the most underdeveloped areas of the world, where evidence is easily available to draw plausible conclusions about the relationship between political instability and the development crisis.”
“For example, the 28 African countries (half of the continent) where active conflicts based on the state are low -income countries with a gross national income (GNI) per capita of US $ 1,145 or less (2023).”
“In contrast, NATO countries involved in the Russian-Ukraine War are an exception. It takes place in Europe, one of the most advanced and economically developed regions of the world.
“These countries are national -higher income countries with a gross national income (GNI) per capita of between $ 4,516 and $ 14,005 and more (2023).”
“Russia is assisted by North Korean soldiers, Iranian drones and gold to burst the sanctions of the United States and the EU of Sudan and the Central Republic of Africa, and selling oil below the price of the world to China and India.
“The Ukraine War is on a global scale, launching Russia against 32 countries in the organization of the North Atlantic Treaty (NATO) of Europe and North America. He also divided the opinion of the world and created political loyalties, imitating the cold war. “
“There are other types of conflicts that lead to political instability that do not distinguish between industrially advanced countries and economic and developing development. For example, crime kills many more people than armed conflicts. “
Also speaking, the presenter of main documents, Professor Adebayo Olukoshi, of the Government Institute of the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, said that the world lives in an era in which the global economy faces unprecedented challenges.
“As Mohammed emphasized his speech, it is crucial to recognize that the market should be allowed to assign resources effectively. However, this can only happen if we avoid excessive dependence on external factors and focus on building our own capacities. “
“The current state of things presents a historical opportunity, particularly for the youngest generation, to reassess our approach to economic development.
“Instead of simply adopting solutions from other places, we must take advantage of our own creativity and innovation to address the unique challenges facing our society. In doing so, we can build a more united and safe future, driven by our own confidence and self -sufficiency. “
“As we sail in these complex times, it is essential to remember that our problems require their own harvest solutions. While we can inspire ourselves in others, we must ultimately find our own way to follow.
“By adopting this approach, we can create a brighter future for ourselves and the coming generations, one that is based on our own strengths and resilience.”
“To achieve this vision, we must prioritize education, innovation and entrepreneurship. By investing in these areas, we can unlock the potential of our youth and create a prosperous economy driven by local talent and ingenuity.
“In addition, we must encourage a culture of collaboration and exchange of knowledge, where people and organizations can work together to address common challenges.”
“Ultimately, embrace self -sufficiency is not only an economic imperative, but also a matter of national pride.
“By taking possession of our development trajectory, we can build a more prosperous and resistant nation, one that is able to resist the challenges of an increasingly complex and interconnected world.”
“As we move forward, we will inspire ourselves in our past achievements and strive to create a brighter future for ourselves and for coming generations.”
Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Bingham, Professor Haruna Kuje Ayuba, said that the issue of this conference is timely, since the intricate dynamics of the diversity of the continent and the need for inclusive strategies that promote unity, peace and sustainable development underline.
The Vice Chancellor also explained that in terms of cultural pluralism, Africa is home to a rich tapestry of cultures, languages and traditions.
“With more than 3,000 ethnic groups and a multitude of linguistic diversities, our continent is a melting pot of identities.
“Therefore, cultural pluralism should be our greatest strength, one that enriches our societies, promotes social cohesion and encourages creative and economic dynamism.”
“Unfortunately, the historical legacies of colonialism, governance challenges, weak institutions and corruption, among others, have contributed to political instability in the continent.”
“Postcolonial Africa continues to deal with arbitrary borders imposed by colonial powers, often ignoring indigenous identities and historical affinities. In some cases, political elites have exploited ethnic and/or religious differences to advance their personal ambitions. “
“The current instability in generalized protests, civil wars and coup d'etat illustrates the nuances and varied experiences throughout the African continent.”
Ayuba also said that all this suffocates human development, perpetuates the cycles of poverty, hinders economic growth and development, and exacerbates divisions that lead to high tensions, secessionist movements, prolonged conflicts and erosion of national cohesion.
He, however, said despite these challenges, is not lost all hope, since he praised the resilience and the agency of African nations.
“There are success stories and innovation in some African countries that inspire our hope of achieving political stability and sustainable development in Africa.”
“Some recommended pathways towards stability and development require the promotion of good governance, institutional reforms, promoting inclusive political processes, defending the rule of law, investing in education and infrastructure, and improving civic commitment to train local communities.”
“Others include regional collaboration and associations to create a more interconnected Africa. As academics, our role is to encourage interdisciplinary research, dialogue and collaborations that address the fundamental causes of conflicts. “
“It's time for us to work together to develop local solutions to Africa's challenges.”
In Ambassador Bulus Bulus Lolo Center, Ayuba said it is within the context of thought continuously, but acting locally, the University of Bingham has considered imperative to establish the center of diplomacy, conflict, security and plural studies of the ambassador Bulus Lolo.
He revealed that the Center of Excellence, when built and furnished, will serve as a center to train, research and archive policy materials in diplomacy, conflict, security and plural studies.
“It will be the nervous cable for international cultural diplomacy, conflict mediation, arbitration and resolution, and a home so that all diplomats in the country interact with academics on how to address and resolve local, national and international contestant crises in Africa,” he added.
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