Some countries in the global north counts Africa as a country; this leads to violating the sovereignty of the country among the continent. However, some argues this thought creates opportunity for African unity as well to endure diplomacy cooperation.
Many people often share their travel experiences by listing countries like Spain, Germany, the US, France, and London, yet when it comes to Africa, they simply say “Africa” without specifying a country.
Due to this inconsistency, many people or the global north mistakenly view Africa as a single entity rather than a diverse continent made up of 54 distinct countries, each with its own cultures, languages, and histories.
Not only has the tourist, some argues, various discussions held by global north with African nations often reinforced this mistaken continent of Africa as a single entity. For instance, the meetings like the United States’ call the Africa summit in New York and the dialogues between Russia and African, China with African representatives, illustrated how these engagements can unintentionally perpetuate the idea of Africa being a single unified country rather than a collection of distinct nations, according to experts.
Having a stay with The Ethiopian Herald scholars assumed the misconception often stems from historical factors, such as colonialism, that have contributed to a homogenized view of African nations, overshadowing their individuality. It can lead to oversimplified narratives that ignore the unique identities and contributions of African countries, ultimately limiting a broader appreciation for the continent’s diversity.
Bekele Habtamu, a researcher on African affairs at the Department of Political Science and International Studies at Wachemo University, stated, due to Africa’s abundant natural resources and strategic geopolitical position, the global north is increasingly identifying the necessity of aligning their futures with Africa.
Instead of approaching each African country separately, they advocate that addressing their needs within a unified framework rooted in the idea of entity will allow for more effective implementation of their interests and the policy on African, he added.
Furthermore, media portrayals frequently emphasize stereotypes and generalizations, which can spread the idea of Africa as a monolithic place rather than a rich tapestry of nations.
Director of Interaction for Change in Africa (ICA), an Independent Think Tank, Worku Yakob (PhD), argued that viewing Africa as a single country rather than a diverse continent is a significant misconception. The oversimplification often leads to misunderstandings about the continent’s complexities, cultures, and political dynamics.
He stated that this misinterpretation can have real consequences, particularly when it comes to diplomatic relations and negotiations. One of the serious issues, Worku highlighted is the exclusion of certain African countries from international meetings. When a global north organizes a conference, it may avoid specific African countries from participating.
As to him, this practice diminishes the ability of African nations to form cohesive relationships with developed countries, effectively violating the sovereignty of the excluded states. Such actions not only elevate some countries over others but also threaten the unity of the African continent, he said.
In this sense, these thought leads when the African Union (AU) issues statements or positions aimed at protecting the continent’s rights, these declarations are sometimes interpreted by the international community the continent as representing a single national viewpoint.
Worku elucidated that these concepts disrespects the continents nations and hinders them from functioning and independently entities. Also, the senses of inferiority among the continent nations are becoming more and more, which converts the cause of conflict between the one continent.
On the other hand, some scholars argue worku’s thought, the arguers believed that these narratives are a unique opportunity for Africa as a unified entity, which has fostered a sense of solidarity among African nations.
Researcher of African Studies, researcher center at Addis Ababa University, Dechasa Abebe (PhD), highlighted the significance of utilizing various forums and gatherings that occur throughout the year as platforms for strengthening unity. These arguments can serve as valuable opportunities for African countries to come together, share experiences, and tackle internal issues collaboratively.
In his part, Bekele mentioned that the concept of Africa as a cohesive entity fosters competition among developed countries to gain favor with its wealthier nations. This dynamic not only enhances demand for African resources but also opens up opportunities for multilateral collaboration. The resulting economic, political, and social benefits will greatly outweigh the drawbacks, he added.
He emphasized that dialogue between the global north and Africa is essential for strengthening diplomatic relations and ensuring that both individual and collective interests are adequately represented.
However, Worku stressed that the unity of Africa is not derived in this way, the nation’s stand along with the AU in making and implementing policies that promote the rights and interests of the continent as a whole, otherwise not archiving the unity.
Moreover, he calls for a collective effort among Africans to refrain from signing agreements or discussing policies on behalf of the continent without proper representation. He argued that such actions often serve individual interests rather than the collective good of African nations.
Dechasa noted that true African unity can be achieved when countries collaborate rather than confront one another individually. He believed that by prioritizing collective interests over nationalistic agendas, African nations can address common challenges more effectively, he said. Bekele shares the Dechasa’s concept.
He also stated that by using the forum that held global north with the continent, African nations can work towards a more cohesive future, ultimately enhancing their collective strength and resilience in the global arena.
Worku highlighted a critical issue regarding the insufficient inclusion of experts from various fields in Africa’s decision-making processes, both nationally and continentally that can be undermining governance and policy effectiveness. It’s also shaping the continent’s future and fostering an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives.
He underlined the AU should lead this initiative, respecting the unique identities of African nations and addressing the misconception of Africa as a single entity. These require collaborative efforts from African leaders and the international community to acknowledge the continent’s diversity and promote genuine representation.
BY FIKADU BELAY
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 8 OCTOBER 2024
