Africa is being short-changed because we fail to negotiate well – Col Festus Aboagye

Retired Colonel Festus Aboagye has criticised African governments for failing to turn the continent’s vast natural and human resources into bargaining power, arguing that Africa is often short-changed because of weaknesses in its own negotiations.

The retired military officer also argued that Africa has an opportunity to improve its bargaining position because several major powers are competing for access to the continent’s resources, markets and strategic influence.

He also pointed to Africa’s limited influence in the United Nations Security Council, noting that despite longstanding efforts to reform the global system, the continent has not secured a permanent seat with veto power.