John Dramani Mahama urges African leaders to fund peace operations

President John Dramani Mahama has called on African nations to take full financial responsibility for the continent’s security, warning that reliance on external funding compromises political and security sovereignty. Speaking at the 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, the President emphasized that the African Union (AU) must bridge the significant funding gap in its Peace Fund to effectively manage missions like the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). He noted that the fund currently falls far short of the $190 million needed annually, leaving African security operations vulnerable to the political decisions of external partners.

Central to the President’s address was the introduction of "The Accra Reset," a strategic vision aimed at transforming Africa’s economic landscape from raw material dependency to domestic industrialization. This initiative focuses on four pillars: local processing of natural resources, building industrial capacity, and achieving food and energy sovereignty. Mahama asserted that economic exclusion is a primary driver of instability, warning that Africa must not be treated as a "chessboard" for foreign powers seeking strategic influence. He urged leaders to reclaim control over the continent's wealth to ensure that resource extraction benefits local communities rather than fueling conflict.

Furthermore, President Mahama identified deeper trade integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a vital tool for conflict prevention. He explained that integrated markets foster stronger ties between neighboring nations, reducing the likelihood of cross-border tensions. To support this, he encouraged wider adoption of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System and called for the ratification of protocols regarding the free movement of people. He also highlighted the emergence of new threats, such as the use of commercial drones by armed groups, which require enhanced regional cooperation and advanced security responses.

In his closing remarks, Mahama challenged African leaders to move beyond high-level declarations and focus on the execution of peace pledges. He cited ongoing conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as evidence that underlying political and economic interests must be confronted to achieve lasting stability. By fostering African-led solutions and strengthening domestic governance, the President concluded that the continent can transition from a state of dependency to a secure and self-reliant future.