The Labour Party’s Presidential Candidate for the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has expressed grave concerns about the security challenges impacting Africa, stating, “Non-state actors have now taken over security in some African nations.”
Speaking at an international leadership dialogue in Athens, Greece, Obi urged global leaders to engage in discussions focused on governance. This event brought together former presidents and senior officials, highlighting the urgent need for collective solutions.
Obi identified key issues such as unemployment, corruption, poverty, and inequality as critical factors undermining security and peaceful coexistence in Africa. He noted that over 50% of the continent’s population is affected by multidimensional poverty.
During his address, Obi emphasized the necessity for leaders to recognize the significant global and generational shifts facing society. He highlighted that despite Africa’s abundant resources, many critical needs in governance remain unmet.
He called for immediate action to enhance collective security, alleviate poverty, and address injustice and inequality. “In Africa, we face alarming levels of insecurity, entrenched corruption, rising poverty, high youth unemployment, and severe inequality,” he stated.
Obi pointed out that countries like Nigeria and Congo have over 60% of their populations living in poverty amid unacceptable levels of inequality. He underscored the need for African nations to invest more significantly in essential sectors like health and education.
He urged future African leaders to adopt bold, transformative strategies for sustainable, people-centered development, confronting insecurity and reaffirming citizens’ trust in governance.
Obi concluded by affirming that Nigeria possesses the resources needed for progress and remains committed to achieving a “New Nigeria.”
