Regionalization for continental unity

Ideology is dead. Long live ideology. The post WWII world of polarization of East and West was a period fraught with the eminent risk of nuclear holocast. It is sobering that in many respects, there are voices who would wish for a return to that era in light of the uncertainties of the post-cold war disorder.
It was true that during the cold war years, the world was, if not a safer place then at least predictable. Countries were either in the ‘free world’ or in its orbit, or chose to be stationary satellites shackled to the bars of the Iron Curtain. True also that there was a so-called non-aligned movement led by ostensibly nuetral states the likes of Tito’s Yogoslavia and Indira Ghandi’s India but this movment was effectively compromised by ideology which was if not actually red, tinged with a fair amount of pink.
As it had been during the great Scramble for Africa, our continent was the ideological playground of the two superpowers by direct and indirect subjugation. Throughout the cold war, African leaders gravitated between East and West to please the whims of their puppet masters in Washington, Moscow, Paris, London, Beijing, Havana and other capitals of the big powers or those of their proxies.
The founding goal of the Organization of Africa Unity, OAU, so glaringly obvious in the name itself, was pushed aside as African leaders became obsessed about pleasing either the East or West. The price of asserting an independent ideology rooted in promoting African Unity and rejecting the good offices’ of a patron such as Moscow raised the risk of coups.
As far as Africa is concerned the post cold war world cannot be worse than prior epochs-even with all its baggage of terrorism, environmental catastrophe, aggressive globalization, unfair Chinese business practices, the avarice of petroleum barons, endemic corruption and bad governance. However, the continent is still not fully aware that it holds the keys to its own destiny- a classic symptom of being held hostage until one feels as if the handcuffs are still on even after they are taken off. Africa has a sort of Stockholm syndrome.
The second and perhaps more pertinent problem of Africa is the notion that it can jump on the globalization bandwagon without first creating regional integration. This was the path to continental unity envisioned by the OAU’s founding fathers 44 years ago. As we celebrate that historic day of May 25, 1963 as the birth of the African dream, let us pause to take stock.
Let us not delude ourselves into thinking that we can achieve unity without first solving the issue of regional co-operation.
Alone no African country stands a chance not even the mighty South Africa. The forces of globalization are too strong and Africa has lost out on previous opportunities to be able to counter it.
It is only when regional integration is a reality that the dream of continental unity will stop to seem like an impossible utopic vision. Let us come closer to practicality.
The recent summit of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, COMESA, has embarked upon an endeavor in uncharted waters. The fruits of partial regional integration are already apparent in those bolder member countries that have led the integration drive. It is a testament of the ideas worthiness that trade among these countries has eclipsed trade with non-African actors.
Ethiopia and its industries have nothing to lose and much to gain from joining COMESA whole heartedly. COMESA also needs the critical mass of a country of Ethiopia’s stature. To our local businesses, you are faced with your millennial challenge. Do not be fearful of regional competition as it is the least of possible threats. A collective effort by COMESA for regional integration is exactly the kind of impetus our country requires.
Ultimately, regional integration will be the inevitable and natural order of things. It is wise to promote regional ties before we rue the day we were beaten at our own game in our own backyard. Globalization is not as timid as regionalization.