President Bola Tinubu has emphasized that peace, stability, and democracy are essential for Africa’s progress and development, warning that without peace, progress will be impossible.
Tinubu made these remarks during a dinner hosted in his honor by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea on Wednesday.
Addressing African leaders, Tinubu urged them to take control of the continent’s challenges and reject external expectations of conflict and instability. He stressed that the time for action is now, highlighting the importance of peace as the foundation for development.
“The time is now to roll up our sleeves and work for peace, stability, and progress,” Tinubu said.
He pointed out the significant brain drain and loss of talent Africa faces due to poverty, outdated judicial systems, and tribalism.
“Tribalism has no place in Africa,” he asserted, calling for unity and collective efforts to develop the continent’s resources.
Tinubu also called on international organizations to increase investment in African research and development, emphasizing the need for these efforts to focus on the continent’s youth and future.
“We have to make peace the focus of our development to truly progress,” Tinubu stated.
He also highlighted the ongoing conflicts in regions such as the Congo Republic and the Sahel, stressing the need for collective action to resolve these crises.
Earlier in the day, Tinubu and President Mbasogo held talks and signed agreements on various areas, including petroleum and security. Tinubu praised the strong relationship between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea and expressed his commitment to promoting peace and stability across the continent.
In his remarks, President Mbasogo expressed gratitude for Tinubu’s visit and praised Nigeria’s extensive experience in agriculture, trade, and economic development. He called for stronger African solidarity and regional cooperation to address challenges like maritime crime, security threats, and economic diversification. Mbasogo also emphasized the importance of strengthening constitutional institutions and advocating for greater African representation on the global stage, particularly in the UN Security Council.
