The Institute of African Studies at the University of Ghana launched a book titled Hurdles and Prospects of African Integration: The Question of Western Sahara.
The book, written by Maximillian Julius Chuhila and James Zotto, both teach at the History department of the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, on the eastern coast of Africa.
It examines the long-standing aspiration for African integration aimed at fostering unity, economic growth, and political stability.
Despite numerous efforts, including the formation of regional blocs and the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU), seamless integration in Africa remains challenging due to various impediments.
During the book launch, Dr Maximillian Julius Chuhila discussed the complexities and hurdles facing African integration, focusing on the internal and external dynamics that have taken centre stage in the quest for African unity, with a particular emphasis on the Western Sahara crisis.
The book argues that resolving the Western Sahara crisis and similar issues across the continent would benefit more from committed local solutions rather than relying on prescriptions from the global north under the guise of the international community.
Challenged by numerous socio-economic and political issues, the international community has, for the past four decades, failed to provide a lasting solution to the Western Sahara conflict.
This failure underscores the need for internal arrangements that consider the interests of all parties involved to achieve a lasting resolution.
The challenge extends beyond Morocco, affecting neighbouring Algeria and Europe. Thus, resolving this crisis is essential for regional stability and enhanced political and socio-cultural harmony.
The book launch at the Institute of African Studies at the University of Ghana was attended by lecturers, hundreds of students, members of the general public, and representatives of civil society organizations.
Professor Opoku Aidoo, a political scientist and Pan-Africanist, chaired the book launch.
He challenged African leaders to be proactive in addressing and solving the issues confronting African citizens rather than shirking their responsibilities.
He highlighted the complexities of the Western Sahara and Moroccan disputes, which date back to 1975, and urged researchers to further examine the contradictions in the dispute.
Professor Aidoo also called on neighbouring countries to assist in resolving the longstanding crisis.
Also, Dr. Alhassan, who represented the Director of the Institute of African Studies, expressed his happiness about the book launch at the Institute.
He emphasized the importance of cooperation and collaboration among various African institutions to enhance research and publications on critical issues affecting the continent.
Several participants critiqued the African Union, describing it as a toothless organization that has not demonstrated a readiness to solve the continent’s problems.
The launch of Hurdles and Prospects of African Integration: The Question of Western Sahara at the University of Ghana’s Institute of African Studies marks a significant moment in addressing one of Africa’s most enduring conflicts.
The book underscores the necessity of local solutions over external interventions and calls for greater involvement from African leaders and neighbouring countries.
The event highlighted the critical need for proactive leadership and enhanced regional cooperation to achieve lasting peace and stability in Africa.
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