Botswana and Nigeria Foreign Ministers Advocate for African Collaboration
Botswana and Nigeria’s Foreign Ministers call for strengthened collaboration among African countries to find unique solutions to their challenges. They highlight the need for intra-African trade, resource value addition, and leadership reform within the African Union during the ongoing 46th Executive Council Session.
On February 13, 2025, in Addis Ababa, the Foreign Ministers of Botswana and Nigeria called for enhanced collaboration among African nations to devise solutions tailored to their unique challenges. Minister Phenyo Butale of Botswana and Minister Yusuf Tuggar of Nigeria emphasized the significance of unity and concerted action during their participation in the 46th Ordinary Session of the African Union’s Executive Council.
Minister Butale articulated that African nations must engage cooperatively to develop homegrown solutions to their problems, asserting, “We believe African countries should work closely together to come up with African solutions to African problems.” He highlighted the necessity of practicing agreed-upon initiatives, particularly in promoting intra-African trade.
Additionally, Butale stressed the need for Africa to enhance its resource value by producing finished goods rather than exporting raw materials. He expressed optimism about African leaders operationalizing the vision of “The Africa We Want,” ensuring that the aspirations of past leaders materialize into reality.
Minister Tuggar shared insights on the discussions within the AU, focusing on facilitating reform based on the Permanent Representatives Committee’s report. He indicated that the executive council addressed the theme of reparations and the systematic approach required for its realization, aiming for the benefit of the populace.
Moreover, Tuggar voiced the importance of reforming the global financial architecture and the United Nations, particularly the Security Council, to serve Africa’s interests better. He affirmed, “If we at the African Union move forward with one voice, we will be able to push for reforms in the global financial and political structures for Africa’s benefit.”
The Nigerian minister also highlighted the necessity for new leadership within the African Union, advocating for commissioners who would adhere to reform recommendations to enhance efficiency in resource and time utilization within the organization. The ongoing session in Addis Ababa will culminate in a Heads of State and Government meeting scheduled for February 15-16, 2025.
In summary, the Foreign Ministers of Botswana and Nigeria are advocating for greater collaboration among African nations to address challenges with homegrown solutions. Their discussions emphasize the importance of intra-African trade, the need for resource value addition, and AU reforms. They express hope for the realization of Africa’s vision and the establishment of efficient leadership within the African Union to facilitate these goals.
Original Source: www.ena.et
