52 African heads of state have confirmed their attendance of the 9th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union. High on the agenda is the creating of a single African Federation. Obviously, the issue is not whether Africa should unite political & economically or not. The issue is when? Now, or gradually?
Brother Qaddafi is one of those pushing for a unified Africa now, while South Africa amongst others prefer a gradual approach.
I’m now sure about the possibility of Africa uniting now. Why? ECOWAS (the West African regional block) has not worked well so far. All it has done well to some extent is to contain conflicts in the sub-region.
#1. ECO: a single currency for Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. Liberia, has expressed an interest in joining. The goal post of the day this currency will be used keeps shifting. This currency was announced during the days of General Sani Abacha of Nigeria (late 1990’s) and as of today 30th June 2009, launch date is 2009.
#2. Free movement of people, goods: This is the most ridiculous of it all. Travelling by road from Nigeria to Ghana, is hectic even more if you are a citizen of an ECOWAS country. Extortions, bribery, corruption are the order of the day at the borders. Movement across the borders is far from free!
So what are they talking about an African union government now? I am all for a unified Africa, but we have a long way to go.
Well, this is just my opinion. What do you think? Share your thoughts…
Popularity: 1% [?]
No related posts.
I have a similar post on Gaddafi as well…the problem with this man is that based on his antics – past and current – one is not so sure he’s balanced or afflicted with grandiose delusions. His body guards, massive entourage etc. If he is really serious, he should help broker some long-lasting peace in Darfur. This will be a good judgment of his sanity.
BTW- I saw yours from ChatterBox on AfricanLoft…Check it out.
I agree with you Imnakoya. I think he has some agenda of his own.
[...] David Ajao writes, “Obviously, the issue is not whether Africa should unite political & economically or not. The issue is when? Now, or gradually?”: I’m now sure about the possibility of Africa uniting now. Why? ECOWAS (the West African regional block) has not worked well so far. All it has done well to some extent is to contain conflicts in the sub-region. #1. ECO: a single currency for Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. Liberia, has expressed an interest in joining. The goal post of the day this currency will be used keeps shifting. This currency was announced during the days of General Sani Abacha of Nigeria (late 1990’s) and as of today 30th June 2009, launch date is 2009. #2. Free movement of people, goods: This is the most ridiculous of it all. Travelling by road from Nigeria to Ghana, is hectic even more if you are a citizen of an ECOWAS country. Extortions, bribery, corruption are the order of the day at the borders. Movement across the borders is far from free! So what are they talking about an African union government now? I am all for a unified Africa, but we have a long way to go. [...]
people are negative man the united states of africa was preposed 50 years ago way before gaddifi preposed it and i believe that its the best intrest for africans to unite then divided i support the UNITED STATES OF AFRICA I HOPE GOD BRINGS THIS TO LIGHT AND LET IT HAPPEN BECAUSE WHEN AFRICA COMES UNDER ONE MILLITR THEY DONT HAVE A REASON TO FIGHT AND THESE EUROPEANS WOULD FINALLY RESPECT THE UNITED STATES OF AFRICA AND LEAVE AFRICANS ALONE TO ACHIEVE THERE OWN DESTANY…..ITS THE ONLY OPTION WE HAVE……..GOD BLESS AFRICA AND THE WORLD