Zinsou: Africa must address security threats soonest

The Chairman of SouthBridge and former Prime Minister of Benin Republic, Lionel Zinsou, has emphasized the urgent need for Africa to prioritize addressing security threats across the continent. In an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa, Zinsou highlighted the importance of creating the necessary fiscal space and acting swiftly to combat various security challenges that continue to plague the region. According to Zinsou, Africa is currently facing a complex landscape of security issues, including health-related emergencies, terrorism, and the impact of climate change, particularly in the Sahel region. He stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle these threats effectively, drawing parallels between the lessons learned from pandemic responses and the ongoing fight against terrorism. Zinsou pointed out that debt management in Africa has made significant progress in recent years, thanks to collective efforts led by the African Union under President Hama Amadou. These initiatives have resulted in substantial financial support for development projects, with the distribution of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) amounting to $33 billion. The ongoing negotiations aim to increase this amount to $100 billion, providing a crucial financial boost for African countries in the wake of economic challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. When discussing the need for enhanced global economic governance and reforms, Zinsou echoed the sentiments expressed by President Macky Sall, emphasizing the importance of building data and implementing strategic reforms. He underscored the critical nature of the current security situation in Africa, highlighting the expanding threats of terrorism that have destabilized multiple countries across the continent. Zinsou warned that swift action is imperative, as the security landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with countries like Benin, Togo, and Ivory Coast increasingly vulnerable to attacks. While acknowledging that the solutions to address security threats are readily available, Zinsou emphasized the pressing need for international cooperation and rapid implementation of measures. He criticized the lack of awareness and political will in the international community to support African countries in equipping themselves against security challenges. Drawing parallels to his experience as a former businessman and Prime Minister, Zinsou stressed the importance of acting swiftly and decisively to prevent African countries from facing imminent peril. In conclusion, Zinsou urged for a collective effort to prioritize security as a critical agenda for Africa and called for immediate action to create the financial space necessary to combat security threats effectively. He emphasized that the tools and resources are available, and what is needed now is a sense of urgency and solidarity to address the security challenges facing the continent.