Should African countries form a political and economic union? |
African countries should unite.
African countries should not only unite politically and economically they should also unite militarily. Because no single country in Africa is capable of defending them selves but together, they are a force to reconcile with. If sub-Saharan Africa unite they will become the largest country, economy, richest, and largest ARMY in the world. So every single African country will be protected by the large African army. Every African will agree that there is a wave of economic army marching towards African oil , gas and natural resources. Without the cooperation between African countries , exploitation is inevitable and the same old history will keep on repeating itself over and over. The only thing the continents' leaders should do is to look beyond the speeches of foreign diplomats and they will understand. I think the African union is a ship full with enthusiastic passengers .
Posted by: AnonymousAfrica needs unity to progress in today's global economy, so they should unite to form both political and economic unions.
If African nations united to form political and economic unions, then Africa may be able to develop more efficiently in both sectors. There is already a lot of uncooperative parties in power. So instead of having all of the separate units of power, that do not seem to be accomplishing much, they should join together.
Posted by: BDanielleForming a political and economic union could greatly aid the African continent.
Africa has long been characterized by a wide array of politically and economically unstable countries, with few countries successfully achieving global relevance. There are many reasons for this, including a history of colonization and imperialism. However, the African continent has many valuable resources, and a large portion of the world's population. As such, a stronger organizing body could help form a viable economic and political force in the global market.
Posted by: MiIBootWhy Not?
What does being African have to do with not having equal rights? Oh yea, I forgot, just in America and South Africa.
Posted by: AnonymousI am supportive of the countries of Africa forming a political and economic union.
Most of the countries in Africa suffer from extreme poverty and disease. They fight for land, resources, and food. If the African nations came together and formed one cohesive political and economic union, like Europe did, perhaps it would set in motion an improvement in all facets of African life.
Posted by: 54ndDaviAbsolutely!
I am in support of African countries uniting. I think it is the best way forward. It will strengthen their negotiating power and bring about development to a wider spectrum of people. Although there are many languages and differing cultures, if the idea was broadcast and supported by leader, people would gradually warm to the idea; especially, if they could envisage a better way of living for themselves and their children as a result.
Posted by: FudgeCatSouth African countries should form political and economic union as their is strength in numbers.
The south African countries should form a sort of political and economic union to help lift many of their citizens from poverty. If they come together as a whole of nations instead of individual nations they will have much greater negotiating power. This could be implemented when dealing with trade issues. If a nation wants to trade with a South African nation they have to trade with all of the members of the union. This will give the South African countries much more power politically and economically throughout the world.
Posted by: AndreaSIn union there is strength.
The various countries of Africa seem to be working at cross-purposes. A political and economic union would help them focus on the important issues facing them, like feeding their people and providing good jobs for them. The relationships built through this process would also help overcome the various antagonisms found between the countries, and would work in the long term to lessen tensions and improve the people's way of life.
Posted by: laceymaryaAfrican countries should unionize, because the advantages of helping themselves outweigh the costs.
Africa is a turbulent, underdeveloped mess. If the countries there would band together, then they could stabilize their own continent. In bike races, if one bike starts leaning over, the riders around him will lend a hand to keep him stable, so they all don't go down. Dictators rise to power in many African countries because no one will do anything about it. But, if their neighbors all band together and surround them, trouble spots can be put out, before they erupt into wars and genocides.
Posted by: FlakyHerb64I agree that African countries should form a political and economic union, this union would bring developments in the African countries.
I agree that African countries should form a political and economic union. Africa is the world's second-largest and second most-populous continent, after Asia. Although it has abundant natural resources, Africa remains the world's poorest and most underdeveloped continent, due to a variety of causes. By forming a political and economic union, the African countries can help each other in many ways thus bringing developments for one and all.
Posted by: KiPPAPenguinThe current status of many member states of the African Union would be greatly improved if their combined resources were shared.
Africa is extremely rich in natural resources, but is politically and ethnically divided. There are also striking religious differences when considering the North and South. However, if they were able to somehow unite, as India did, despite many languages and beliefs, and cooperate economically, as Europe now does, then they would begin to see their material well-being improve. Europe is able to do this because the European Union makes the possibility of war diminish greatly with member states. In other words, it forces a kind of tolerance on the public.
Posted by: UpforPerce pluribus unum
Out of many one - one Africa - united in its diversity, to create a more powerful voice in global affairs. Many of the "no" arguments sound like the same arguments used by european powers to dissuade those who might believe in a european union. While not perfect, the EU has at least delivered in part what the AU sets out as its goal: peace, prosperity, and unity.
Posted by: AnonymousAfrican countries should definitely form a political and economic union because it will help Africa to prosper.
By forming a political and economic union, African nations will prosper. Working together will eliminate in-fighting between nations as well as give strength to economic negotiating with other nations.
Posted by: JeffP4ri5A political and economic African union could provide the strength and cohesiveness needed to solve Africa's many problems.
In order to overcome the negative effects of years of colonial rule and then corrupt and weak rule in post colonial years in so many African countries, an African Union could provide leaders and direction as well as economic benefits that could help these nations become what they would like to become in the 21st century. It may also provide the power that will help them resist modern colonial expansion by powerful western countries seeking primarily to take resources from less developed countries.
Posted by: 54IInfernoYes, because I think it's important to the advancement of their society to have some sort of structure.
I think African countries should form their own political and economic union. This will give them access to all of their collective resources to create a strong continent. I think that, currently, they are working against each other and hurting themselves. If they could work together, they will form a strong bond that will help everyone.
Posted by: InfamousLonny70African countries should unite.
The unity of Africa is crucial to the people of the continent. With the diverse deposit of natural resources and the recent discoveries of oil and gas, which will transform their economies, they are posed to become the richest continent in the world, with one of the strongest and largest militaries in the world, if they can unite. Without unity there will be no transparency. That is the Africa that no non-African wants to see. Africans are still waiting for their leaders, waiting for them to be ready to start Africa's engine and begin the slow acceleration of this great ship. But I think they are still sleeping while the African people are awake. Now that they have oil and gas being discovered in more than 28 African countries, all eyes are on them, like eagles waiting to take their chances. Only a united Africa can protect herself and watch her neighbours' backs. They are capable of getting TWO MEMBERS SEATS at the UN security council, and will have 53 members states in the general assembly, which is more than a third of the total members of the UN. It is of great disadvantage to Africa not to unite. My greatest fear is that history will repeat itself in this new age of hydrocarbon and gas blessings. While some people will wish to see it become a curse, it is a blessing. Africa and her children are rich. That is why the the economic, political, and military unity is essential to the survival of the African people in this new era.
Posted by: Legend
Africa is too diverse and undeveloped, so a political and economic union would not be feasible.
Africa is currently unified by very little. There are vast differences in the level of economic and political development. While some countries are relatively developed with democratic governments, others are in a state of civil war or have dictators. It is difficult to see how any meaningful union could work until Africa further develops.
Posted by: EminentBennett93I believe that African countries should not form a political and economic union due to the constant political unrest and upheaval throughout the continent.
I firmly believe that most African countries are not stable enough to form a political and economic union. Every year, there is news about a military coup or ethnic fighting on the continent. Moreover, there is the economic instability in certain countries like Zimbabwe, which are suffering from hyperinflation. Without this stability, it would be very difficult to reach any agreement for unification, not to mention the immense solidarity and cooperation that would be necessary to maintain such a union.
Posted by: CAndreasBefore they can form a political and economic union, they need to improve their own situations.
Unless a third party is there to help them in this endeavor, it seems like a big job for each country just to get their own country in an economically successful state. If these countries try to organize without that experience, it may just slow things down, and get them mired in corruption and bureaucracy.
Posted by: DisillusionedGilberto67No, because African countries are too different to form a solid unit.
Africa is made up of such a diverse group of countries, and it would not make sense for them to form a political or economic union. Some countries are advanced, while others are still third-world countries. Each function at their own pace, and one method should not be forced on to all. Background and tradition needs to be observed, and there is no way to blend all of this culture.
Posted by: TedieDelightAfrica is too diverse to form a political or economic union.
Africa is far too diverse to form either a political or economic union. Mauritania has nothing in common with Nigeria. Many African countries are unable to form strong internal political alliances, so, a continental alliance is unrealistic. A more realistic approach would be to form area alliances with common interests. North African interests are not the best interests of West Africa.
Posted by: jackprague94