Ayanangsha Maitra, COGGS
The phenomenon of “state fragility” has become an urgent concern, especially within the Global South, Dr. Eghosa Emmanuel Osaghae, Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs asserted while addressing at the Yerevan Dialogue, held on September 9-11, 2024 in Yerevan, Armenia.
“The time has come for Global South solutions to Global South problems,” the Nigerian political scientist remarked.
This sentiment reflects a growing recognition that the challenges faced by fragile states cannot solely be addressed through external intervention or the influence of traditional superpowers. Instead, it is imperative for nations within the Global South to take charge of their own destinies and devise solutions tailored to their unique contexts.
Dr. Osaghae emphasized, “Opportunities that immediately present themselves highlight that state fragility is a global phenomenon, but it is also a shared responsibility. If we leave it to the so-called superpowers as we have known them, we will never find a solution.” This perspective underscores the importance of collective action and responsibility from the Global South. Many fragile states find themselves unable to address their issues independently, often relying on external assistance. However, as Dr. Osaghae cautioned, if such support devolves into new battlegrounds—echoing the historical patterns seen in various regions of Africa—then the Global South must awaken to the need for proactive measures.
A key aspect of this awakening is the strengthening of intra-Global South trading capacities. There is a pressing need for the Global South to create a strong network aimed at promoting industrialization and enhancing trade, he said at the dialogue. The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) presents a significant opportunity in this regard. Dr. Osaghae pointed out, “The Global South is not going to get the traction if all of its trade remains with unequal exchanges with the West and the rest of the world.”
To realize the potential of such initiatives, regional organizations within the Global South must take the lead in addressing issues that matter most to their constituents. “We cannot afford to wait for distant solutions from those who may manipulate us for their own agendas.”
Dr. Osaghae also highlighted healthcare as a critical priority, asserting that “COVID is not the last pandemic.” He emphasized the need for advanced preparedness in the face of emerging viruses, such as the recent incidents of monkeypox, which disproportionately affect populations in the Global South. He urged for solutions that encompass prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for upcoming epidemics and pandemics, advocating for effective management strategies.
Is Global South Insecure?
Security, Dr. Osaghae argued, is the overarching framework within which all these issues must be addressed. “The greatest problem, arguably in the Global South today, is the fact that people don’t have security,” he noted. This lack of security leads to displacement and migration, exposing vulnerable populations to numerous other challenges. “If you have a critical mass of poor people, there’s very little progress that can be made,” he explained. However, the Nigerian political scientist believes that with a secure environment, poverty can be more effectively addressed, as can health crises.
