The time is now for UN member states to demonstrate, with their actions, that they mean what they say regarding the crackdown on terrorism financing, economic sabotage, and illicit mineral and arms smuggling in the developing world, according to a firm and compelling declaration made by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu in his address to world leaders at the 78th United Nations General Assembly.
The President made the request on Tuesday in New York City, emphasizing that “protecting the continent’s mineral-rich areas from theft and conflict is the fourth important aspect of global trust and solidarity.”
Despite a significant UN presence there, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has allegedly endured this for decades.
He claimed that the DRC owes the world economy a lot but receives very little in return.
“Thousands of our people have been forced into servitude by foreign organizations that are assisted by local criminals with aspirations to become petty warlords in order to unlawfully extract gold and other minerals.
“Billions of cash intended to help the country are now funding myriad violent activities. They pose a serious threat to national security and the peace if left uncontrolled.
“Many Africans are speculating about whether this phenomenon is by mistake or on purpose given the severity of this injustice and the significant stakes involved.
“Member nations must respond by cooperating with us to stop this 21st-century plunder of the continent’s riches by their businesses and citizens. The poverty of nations must end in order to uphold the principles of this global organization and the theme of this year’s Assembly. The overreach of businesses and individuals from stronger nations in plundering the riches of one nation must now come to an end, the President proclaimed.
The President, according to Tinubu, may not see ease of doing business as the main barrier to large-scale investment, despite the fact that his strong diplomatic campaign for fresh investment has been effective in presenting Nigeria as business-ready.
African countries will combat climate change, but we must do so according to our own standards. This campaign must be in line with our broader economic initiatives in order to win the necessary popular consensus. In Nigeria, we will foster political unity by emphasizing corrective measures that also advance the greater benefit of the economy. ‘The Great Green Wall’-style initiatives to prevent desert expansion.
“Examples of initiatives that equally advance both economic and climate change aims simultaneously include preventing the destruction of our forests through the mass production and distribution of gas-burning stoves and the creation of employment through local water management and irrigation projects.
“Only if developed economies were more willing to provide public and private sector investment for Africa’s preferred climate solutions will continental efforts regarding climate change register significant victories,”
