Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has drawn attention to the profound link between Africa’s security challenges and the continent’s widespread poverty.
Speaking at an international dialogue in Athens, Greece, which brought together former presidents and high-ranking officials from across the globe, Obi identified unemployment, corruption, inequality, and poverty as key drivers of insecurity across the continent.
In his remarks, Obi highlighted the dire reality that over 50 percent of Africa’s population lives in multidimensional poverty, a situation he believes is exacerbating the security crisis.
“Africa’s security problems are deeply intertwined with poverty, inequality, and unemployment,” he explained, calling for a comprehensive approach to tackle these issues.
Obi emphasised the need for African leaders to recognise the ongoing global and generational shifts and respond accordingly.
He argued that despite Africa’s wealth of human and material resources, essential needs, particularly in governance and development, remain unfulfilled.
“Collective security must be prioritised, along with initiatives aimed at lifting people out of poverty and addressing the deep-seated injustices and inequalities that plague the continent,” Obi urged during his presentation.
Obi further detailed the magnitude of Africa’s poverty crisis, noting that Sub-Saharan Africa is home to more than half of the world’s multidimensional poor.
Countries like Nigeria and Congo have some of the highest poverty rates, with over 60 percent of their populations living in poverty and facing extreme inequality.
He remarked, “The inequality gap in these nations is staggering, and it is no surprise that insecurity thrives where there is rampant poverty and social imbalance.”
Additionally, Obi warned of the increasing influence of non-state actors in several African nations, where they have taken control of security functions in the absence of effective governance. This, he said, is a dangerous trend that threatens the stability and peace of many African countries.
The former presidential candidate also criticised the underinvestment in crucial sectors such as education and healthcare across the continent.
According to Obi, neglecting these sectors not only hinders development but also fuels the cycle of poverty and insecurity. “Many African governments are failing to invest in the very sectors that can drive long-term security and prosperity,” Obi stated.
He concluded by stressing that addressing poverty, inequality, and corruption is key to solving Africa’s security issues, and he called on global leaders to support efforts aimed at sustainable development in the region.
