New World Oder a stumbling block for Afro-Arabic economic stability: ASSECAA

By Phathizwe Zulu

ZULWINI, Eswatini (AA) - The secretary-general of the Association of Senates, Shoora and Equivalent Councils in Africa and the Arab World (ASSECAA) called on Africa and the Arab world Thursday to resist elements that undermine their interests.

Abdulwasie Yusuf Ali was speaking during the 10th Retreat hosted by Eswatini, Africa’s last absolute kingdom.

"The experience of Ethiopia, where I come from, is a clear example that the New World Order does not want to see developing countries stand for their development interests. Standing for our regional interests is what we aim at and we are ready to struggle for," he said.

“We must disregard efforts from hostile partners that fight against us. We should prove that we are confident enough to determine our future. This can be achieved by a sincere commitment to stand for our common interests, for which we need to adopt as our slogan ‘Afro-Arab interests first,’” he added.

Ali said that considering the prevailing global crises, the two regions should consider the importance of the green economy in supporting the development of Africa and the Arab world.

“In this platform, we’ll digest, discuss, and enrich one another. It is a well-known fact that these excessive global economic crises and geopolitical tensions and instability currently being witnessed destroy the future of our economies,” he said.

According to Ali, his conviction is that the green economy will provide a faster recovery pathway of the two regions’ economies.

“Let us all embrace the green economy, which will reduce the level of emissions there by sustaining our environment for the future,” he said.

He said there are indications that ASSECAA members shall prosper and its objectives will give members the stamina to withstand temporary difficulties that they will face.

The secretary-general noted that members occupy sources of wisdom in their respective countries to harness the energy of their youth to accelerate economic and social development. He urged members to work hard to liberate the two regions from the yoke of the invisible hands that work hard day and night to under-develop them.

“May I call on all of you to make history and utilize our common interest. We ought to stand together and hold hands as Arabs and Africans to help us gain our rightful place globally,” he said.

Ali urged Africa and the Arab world to reach a consensus that fosters commitment for a joint Afro-Arabic cause.

The retreat was officially opened by Eswatini’s Prime Minister Cleopas Dlamini, who expressed hope about the possible end of the Russia-Ukraine war.

“We are also positive that the Russia-Ukraine war will come to end,” said Dlamini.

“The climate change challenge presents itself as long term. The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Report shows that we still have a long way to go to get where we need to be. The United Nations Secretary-General has indicated that the report is coded red for humanity,” he added.