Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has attributed Africa’s growing insecurity to widespread poverty, noting that over 50% of the continent’s population suffers from multidimensional poverty. Obi made this statement during a global leadership dialogue held in Athens, Greece, where former presidents, prime ministers, and senior government officials gathered to discuss governance challenges, including security and economic issues.
In a statement released by his spokesman, Ibrahim Umar, Obi highlighted factors such as unemployment, corruption, and inequality as key contributors to Africa’s security challenges. He stressed the need for bold leadership to address these pressing concerns.
“Africa faces high levels of insecurity, alarming corruption, worsening poverty, huge youth unemployment, and gross inequality. Many African countries, including Nigeria and Congo, are home to over 60% of their populations living in poverty. This situation allows non-state actors to exploit the region’s fragility, worsening insecurity,” Obi said.
He urged future African leaders to invest in critical areas such as health, education, and social infrastructure to alleviate poverty and inequality. Obi also called for a strong commitment to tackling corruption and ensuring that governments prioritize development in these sectors.
Speaking on Nigeria’s potential, the former Anambra governor stated, “Nigeria has all the resources necessary to move in the right direction. If we are committed to placing the nation on the right path, we can address these challenges head-on.”
Obi also advocated for leadership that enhances collective security, reduces injustice, and ensures that citizens trust the state’s ability to maintain order. He emphasized the urgent need for transformative action across Africa to build sustainable, people-centered development that lifts citizens out of poverty.