In a world where international affairs are dominated by leading diplomats such as Wang Yi of China, Sergey Lavrov of Russia, and Antony Blinken of the United States, Africa’s place on the global diplomatic stage remains crucial. These three personalities represent the finest in global diplomacy, each mastering complex geopolitical dynamics that shape global equilibrium. However, in this global arena, Africa must be represented by a figure who is both experienced, influential, and capable of defending African interests while navigating international tensions. For this role, Olusegun Obasanjo stands out as the ideal candidate to lead African diplomacy, surpassing even prominent figures like Naledi Pandor and Moussa Faki Mahamat. The following lines justifie the choice of OBASANJO as the head of African diplomacy in the face of the three global leaders, while illustrating why he stands out as the undisputed leader.
1. Olusegun Obasanjo’s Experience and International Stature
Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria and veteran of international diplomacy, possesses unmatched experience that places him above many other African diplomats. Obasanjo led Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, through critical periods of political and economic development, allowing him to forge strong ties with world leaders and international organizations.
As an international mediator, Obasanjo played a decisive role in resolving several African crises. For instance, he was instrumental in pacifying Liberia after years of civil war, where his diplomatic intervention led to lasting peace agreements. More recently, he was appointed as the African Union’s special envoy for the conflict in Tigray (Ethiopia). His status as a respected figure helped bring warring factions to the negotiation table, demonstrating his ability to resolve complex conflicts.
On the international stage, Obasanjo strengthened Africa’s ties with world powers such as China and the United States. As president, he played a key role in developing Sino-African cooperation, especially in infrastructure and energy sectors. His international stature and extensive diplomatic network make him one of the few African leaders capable of sitting at the same table as Wang Yi, Lavrov, and Blinken while effectively representing the continent’s interests.
2. Naledi Pandor’s Advocacy and Leadership
In second place, Naledi Pandor, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, stands out for her strong defense of human rights and international justice. Pandor has repeatedly demonstrated her ability to take firm positions, even on sensitive issues, such as her condemnation of Israeli actions in Gaza. In August 2022, she publicly criticized Israeli bombings and called for international solidarity with the Palestinians, reflecting her commitment to humanitarian causes.
Furthermore, Pandor is a fervent advocate of African interests in international forums such as the BRICS and the G20, where she calls for greater integration of developing countries and reforms within global institutions like the United Nations Security Council. However, despite her commitment and dynamism, Pandor ranks second behind Obasanjo due to her relatively lesser experience in managing large-scale international crises and her less extensive diplomatic network globally.
3. Moussa Faki Mahamat and African Unity
In third place, Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, has demonstrated his commitment to African integration, notably through promoting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This economic initiative is one of the most ambitious for the continent and reflects his concern for strengthening intra-African cooperation.
Faki has also played a significant role in managing African conflicts, particularly in Libya and Ethiopia, where he has sought to facilitate African solutions to internal crises. However, Faki is less prominent on the global diplomatic stage than his counterparts. His actions are primarily focused on the continent, and he has less direct influence in international diplomatic circles than figures like Obasanjo or even Pandor. He remains a key actor for African unity, but his impact beyond the continent is more limited.
4. Olusegun Obasanjo Compared to Wang Yi, Lavrov, and Blinken
Compared to the three global diplomatic leaders, Olusegun Obasanjo stands out for his mediation-driven approach to diplomacy and international cooperation, while firmly defending African interests. For example, much like Wang Yi, who has extended China’s influence through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative, Obasanjo has also sought to strengthen economic ties between Africa and world powers. He was one of the key promoters of Chinese investments in Africa, while maintaining balanced relations with the United States and Europe.
Unlike Sergey Lavrov, whose influence is heavily concentrated on East-West relations, Obasanjo has always maintained a more global approach, seeking to resolve crises across the African continent and develop strategic partnerships with multiple regions of the world. Lastly, in contrast to Blinken, who has recently shifted American diplomacy after a period of retreat, Obasanjo has been consistently active in international affairs, representing Africa in international forums and advocating for a more equitable global governance.
In conclusion, if Africa must choose a leader to spearhead its diplomacy in the face of global figures such as Wang Yi, Sergey Lavrov, and Antony Blinken, Olusegun Obasanjo is undoubtedly the most qualified candidate. His vast experience, international stature, and ability to navigate complex diplomatic contexts place him above his African counterparts. While Naledi Pandor and Moussa Faki Mahamat are influential figures, Obasanjo remains the only African diplomat capable of effectively representing the continent’s interests on the global stage while competing with the best diplomatic strategists of the 21st century.
PR JIMMY YAB
Jimmy Yab 