Africa must not be battleground for competing interests – Nandi-Ndaitwah

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says Africa should not be a battleground for competing interests amid changing global landscapes.

She said this at the 39th ordinary session of the African Union’s assembly segment for newly elected African presidents in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Saturday.

Nandi-Ndaitwah said the AU must rather be a platform for collective action.

“It must be a partner of choice, guided by principles, mutual respect, and shared prosperity,” she said.

The president called on heads of state to work closely with one another, as water availability contributes to the maintenance of peace and stability on the continent amid the battle against climate change.

“I look forward to working with all of you as we write the next chapter of Africa’s story together with renewed resolve,” she said.

Nandi-Ndaitwah said the AU is convening at a time of high global tension and fragmentation, escalating conflicts, deepening debt distress, and a growing climate crisis.

As a result, multilateralis is being attacked, she said.

Nandi-Ndaitwah said small states, especially from the global South, are asking hard questions about fairness, historical redress, and accountability within the international system, and the true essence of partnership while old alliances are being tested.

She cautioned that new power centres are emerging, and through Agenda 2063, Africa must be firmly positioned in a rapidly changing world.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.