CHALLENGES CONFRONTING STATES IN AFRICA IN FOCUS

 Africa is going through trying times.

Despite being blessed with vast mineral resources, human capital biodiversity and habitant, is still struggling to feed its people, cater for their health and social needs.

From Leaders trying to circumvent the constitution of their respective countries to extend their stay in Government beyond the specified time to ethno-religious mistrust and violence.

Others are; Corruption, nepotism, political vendetta, decayed infrastructure, non-performing budgets, clueless and inept leadership.

These problems were largely self inflicted with many respondents stating that the myriad of problems could be addressed through honesty, love, respect for rule of law, and the sanctity of human life,  as well as construed and implementable policies.

What went wrong, why did Africa, the cradle of civilization and human evolution, degenerated to inhuman fratricidal wars, low life expectancy and income per capita, kidnappings and bloody clashes.

Why is greed and financial recklessness the order of the day in African Politics, why is politics mainly seen by the corrupt  as an opportunity for stupendous wealth accumulation, instead of a means of ensuring  the wellbeing of people.

Why is fellowship in the continent so apolitical and mundane, that many are ready to mortgage their future for immediate peanuts.

What is the way out of all these challenges?  Chief Godwin Ogenyi, the President, Youth Resources Development, Education, Leadership and Transformation Centre for Africa, YORDEL, said that Africa needed re-orientation and attitudinal change.

For another respondent and Chairman Enugu State Branch of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators, Chief Uchenna Anioke, observance of the rule of law in African Societies is the way out.

On finding lasting solution to the ethno religious conflicts in the continent, a member of Civil Liberty Organization, Mr Chinwike Uba called on people to shun violence, embrace peace and uphold the sanctity of human life.

EMEFIENA OKONKWO