Addis Ababa: Foreign Ministers of Botswana and Nigeria have urged African countries to work more closely together and come up with African solutions to African problems. The ministers are in Addis Ababa, attending the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Botswana’s International Relations Minister Phenyo Butale, and Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar emphasized the importance of collaboration among member countries to effectively realize the principle of African solutions to African problems. They expressed optimism about fulfilling the unimplemented aspects of the continental agenda.
Botswana’s International Relations Minister stated the necessity for African countries to work closely together, highlighting intra-Africa trade as a key initiative. He emphasized the need for Africa to stop exporting raw materials and start producing finished goods within the continent. Butale also expressed hope for the operationalization and implementation of “The Africa We Want” vision, aiming to transform the unfulfilled ideas of Africa’s forefathers into reality.
On his part, Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar shared insights on the AU deliberations, focusing on African Union reform and this year’s theme, particularly reparations. He highlighted the need for systematic approaches to global financial architecture reform, including changes to the United Nations and its Security Council. Tuggar stressed the importance of a unified African voice to push for these global reforms.
Finally, Tuggar pointed out the necessity for new leadership within the AU to ensure adherence to reform recommendations, aiming for increased efficiency in utilizing resources and time. The 46th Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council, followed by the Heads of State and Government meeting from February 15-16, 2025, is underway in Addis Ababa.