President Tinubu Seeks Harmony Among African Countries

During a recent three-day official visit to Equatorial Guinea, President Bola Tinubu underscored the urgency of pursuing peace and unity across African countries to achieve collective sustainable growth. Speaking at a dinner in Malabo, hosted by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, Tinubu emphasized the need to move beyond the old legacies of nepotism, which have hindered Africa’s progress, and focus on building a unified and peaceful continent.

Tinubu argued that the challenges Africa faces are not due to a lack of understanding but rather a failure to act timely on known solutions. He stressed that peace and stability are prerequisites for development, urging African leaders to work together to foster these essential conditions. “We better roll our sleeves, put on our nickers, and move for peace, stability, and progress,” Tinubu stated, highlighting the need for a proactive approach to solving the continent’s issues.

The President addressed the significant brain drain from Africa, attributing it to poverty, outdated judicial systems, and persistent tribalism. He called for a concerted effort to address these root causes, advocating for a continent where professionals like doctors and nurses can find a supportive environment to thrive. “Tribalism has no place in Africa,” Tinubu declared, urging leaders to focus on collective progress, research, and development.

Tinubu also called on international organizations to invest more in African research and development, emphasizing the continent’s potential with its vast youth population. He reiterated the importance of Africa taking charge of its destiny, rejecting external influences that often lead to conflict and instability.

The discussions between Tinubu and Mbasogo also touched on the long-standing conflicts in the Congo and Sahel regions, with both leaders agreeing on the need for collective action to promote peace. Tinubu affirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace and stability across the continent, stressing that these are essential for Africa’s future.

In his remarks, President Mbasogo praised the strong relationship between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, highlighting the growing cooperation in areas such as education, mining, hydrocarbons, trade, and defense. He called for greater African solidarity and international cooperation to tackle challenges like maritime crime and security threats. Mbasogo also advocated for stronger constitutional institutions and greater African representation on the global stage, particularly within the United Nations Security Council.

The visit marked a significant milestone in the relations between the two nations, with both leaders expressing optimism about the future of their cooperation and its potential to benefit their peoples.