Eswatini Prime Minister to PAP members: The era of believing that solutions to Africa’s problems must come from abroad is gone

The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini, His Excellency the Honourable Russel Mmiso Dlamini, has expressed confidence in Africa's ability to overcome her challenges and rise to its true potential, stressing that the era of believing that solutions to Africa’s problems must come from abroad is gone.

H.E. Russel Mmiso Dlamini stated this on Monday during his presentation on “Unpacking the issue of Pan-Africanism” the role of the Pan-African Parliament at the plenary session of the Pan-African Parliament during the 3rd Ordinary Session of the 6th Legislature.

 His call to unity and collective effort resonated with the session's theme, emphasizing that Africa's future is bright and cannot be dimmed by adversity.

African Potential Amid Crises

Prime Minister Dlamini began by acknowledging the multitude of crises facing Africa, including high debt levels, climate change, natural and man-made disasters, armed insurgencies, high youth unemployment, economic instability, public health emergencies, and political instability. Despite these challenges, he emphasized Africa's immense potential, underscored by its rich natural resources, fertile soils, favorable climate, and a youthful population. Dlamini called for the protection and responsible utilization of these resources, advocating for value addition and beneficiation to end the export of raw materials and the accompanying export of jobs and wealth.

Education and the 21st Century African

The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of education under the theme "Educate an African fit for the 21st Century." He stressed the need for the youth to acquire not only job skills but also critical thinking and a mindset geared towards innovation. This approach, he argued, is crucial for solving Africa's problems with homegrown solutions. He called for a belief in African solutions and a rejection of the notion that the best answers to Africa's challenges must come from abroad.

Pan-Africanism and Democracy

Dlamini reflected on the dominant form of democracy promoted globally, noting its mixed results in Africa. He pointed out that this system has often led to frequent leadership changes and political instability. In contrast, he presented Eswatini's Tinkhundla system of democracy, which merges western democratic principles with traditional governance. This unique system, rooted in local culture and values, has provided stability and continuity, which Dlamini argued are essential for business and development.

Non-Alignment and Sovereignty

The Prime Minister reaffirmed Eswatini's commitment to the Non-Aligned Movement, emphasizing the country's role in fostering dialogue and peace. He called for an end to stockpiling arms and a focus on agricultural productivity and food security. Citing leaders like Julius Nyerere and Nelson Mandela, Dlamini advocated for Africa to align as one continent with a common goal of peace and stability before choosing strategic partners based on equality and mutual benefit.

Preserving African Values

Dlamini stressed the importance of preserving Africa's core social values, such as family, faith, and respect for human dignity, against foreign concepts that do not align with African traditions. He criticized global financial systems that have historically disadvantaged Africa and called for the establishment of locally owned banks to provide affordable finance for development.

In concluding his presentation, Prime Minister Dlamini used the metaphor of the Comrades Marathon to inspire perseverance and resilience. He expressed confidence in Africa's ability to overcome challenges and rise to its true potential. His call to unity and collective effort resonated with the session's theme, emphasizing that Africa's future is bright and cannot be dimmed by adversity.

Prime Minister Dlamini's address to the Pan-African Parliament was therefore a clarion call for African unity, self-reliance, and the preservation of cultural values, setting a visionary agenda for the continent's future development and prosperity.