Bio urges coordinated African response to global crises
President Julius Maada Bio has called on African leaders to respond collectively to global instability through economic transformation, diplomatic coordination and stronger continental institutions.
President Julius Maada Bio has urged African leaders to use global instability as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation, economic resilience and Africa’s influence in international affairs.
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Bio made the call on 3 July 2026 while addressing the Extraordinary Conference of the African Political Alliance in Lomé, Togo. The meeting was held under the theme “Africa and the Middle East Crisis: Impacts, Challenges and Strategic Responses.”
He said Africa should play an active role in shaping the emerging global order rather than remain vulnerable to geopolitical developments elsewhere.
Economic pressures from conflict
Reflecting on the Middle East conflict, Bio said its effects were being felt across African economies through higher fuel prices, inflation, disrupted supply chains and reduced investment flows.
“The crisis in the Middle East is a stark reminder that, in today’s interconnected world, no region is insulated from the consequences of conflict,” he said.
Bio urged African countries to avoid becoming drawn into geopolitical rivalries and instead pursue peace, security and development through diplomacy, international law and negotiated settlements.
He also argued that Africa needs resilient economies capable of absorbing future external shocks. As part of that approach, he called for faster implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, stronger regional manufacturing, greater value addition and increased investment in domestic productive capacity.
His proposals also included climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy and improved infrastructure. He said African governments should invest in education, digital infrastructure, innovation, research and entrepreneurship to prepare for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Calls for stronger continental coordination
Bio proposed the creation of a permanent continental mechanism to assess geopolitical risks and provide early warning. He also called for a common African position on the Middle East crisis.
He said the continent needed more effective ways to harmonise its positions on global issues and advance solutions led by African countries. Bio commended Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé for establishing the African Political Alliance.
Drawing on Sierra Leone’s post-war experience, Bio said lasting peace depends on reconciliation, inclusive governance and political dialogue. He added that sustainable stability cannot be secured through military means alone.
Speaking as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Bio reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to peacebuilding, democratic governance, regional integration and sustainable development.
Security Council reform
Bio also renewed Africa’s call for reform of the United Nations Security Council in line with the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.
He said a continent representing nearly one-fifth of the world’s population deserved fair representation in global decision-making. He further described Africa’s youthful population as one of its major strategic advantages.
“No external crisis can define Africa’s future. Only Africa can define Africa’s future,” Bio said.
He concluded by warning that Africa must decide whether it will shape global change or be shaped by it.
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