Prof. Antwi-Danso Urges Mahama to Lead a United African Front Against External Influence

Introduction

In a compelling call for Pan-African solidarity, Professor Vladimir Antwi-Danso, a distinguished international relations expert and former Director of the Legon Centre for International Affairs (LCIA), has urged President John Dramani Mahama to spearhead a unified African diplomatic strategy. This appeal comes amidst growing concerns regarding the fragmentation of the continent’s political landscape and the subsequent vulnerability to external geopolitical maneuvering. Professor Antwi-Danso argues that a divided Africa risks a form of neo-colonialism, where global powers, including the United States, the European Union, and Russia, exploit internal divisions to advance their own strategic interests. This article analyzes the professor’s insights, the historical context of African foreign policy, and the practical implications of a unified African front.

Key Points

Background

Professor Vladimir Antwi-Danso’s Expertise

To understand the weight of these recommendations, one must consider the stature of Professor Vladimir Antwi-Danso. As a former Director of the Legon Centre for International Affairs (LCIA) at the University of Ghana, he is a leading voice in international relations and strategic studies within West Africa. His career has been dedicated to analyzing global power dynamics and their impact on the African continent. His interventions are rarely rhetorical; they are grounded in a deep understanding of diplomatic history and the shifting tides of global alliances.

The Mahama Administration and Foreign Policy

President John Dramani Mahama, during his previous tenure as President of Ghana (2012–2017), maintained a foreign policy that balanced traditional Western partnerships with engagement across the global South. However, in the complex arena of modern geopolitics, leaders often face scrutiny regarding their allegiances. The perception of leaning towards Eastern powers, such as Russia, has become a contentious point for many African leaders, particularly in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the shifting dynamics of global energy and security.

The Current African Diplomatic Landscape

The African continent currently finds itself at a crossroads. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) represents a significant step towards economic integration. However, political unity often lags behind economic ambitions. The proliferation of military coups in the Sahel, the war in Sudan, and the competing influence of the Wagner Group (now Africa Corps), China, and Western nations highlight a continent that is often manipulated through proxy conflicts. This fragmentation is what Professor Antwi-Danso seeks to address.

Analysis

The Dangers of External Geopolitical Suspicion

Professor Antwi-Danso highlights a critical challenge in modern diplomacy: the perception of allegiance. He notes that Western powers view President Mahama with “suspicion,” labeling him as potentially “closer to the Russians.” In the realm of international relations, perception often dictates policy. If Western nations believe an African leader is aligned with a rival power, they may withhold investment, exert diplomatic pressure, or support opposition forces. This creates a hostile environment for development. Antwi-Danso’s warning suggests that African leaders must navigate these perceptions carefully, not by capitulating to one side, but by presenting a united front that makes “divide and rule” tactics impossible.

Re-Colonization through Division

The professor’s assertion that “re-colonisation is already ongoing” is a stark assessment of current events. When African nations align individually with different global powers—some in the “American camp,” others in a “Russian camp” or “Chinese camp”—they lose collective bargaining power. This fragmented alignment allows external powers to secure resources and military basing rights in exchange for security guarantees, often to the detriment of the host nation’s sovereignty. A unified African bloc would force external powers to negotiate with the continent as a whole, ensuring that agreements benefit the African people rather than just the ruling elite or foreign interests.

Sudan: The Prototype of Proxy Warfare

Professor Antwi-Danso cites the Sudanese war as definitive proof of his thesis. The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) is not merely a civil war; it is widely analyzed as a proxy war involving regional and global powers vying for influence over the Red Sea corridor and natural resources. By stating that this is an “external war being fought on our soil,” Antwi-Danso underscores the reality that African conflicts are rarely isolated. They are often fueled by external arms, funding, and strategic interests. A united African diplomatic front could enforce arms embargoes and mediation processes that are genuinely African-led, rather than externally driven.

Practical Advice

For Policymakers: Adopting a Non-Aligned Stance

To heed Professor Antwi-Danso’s advice, African leaders, including President Mahama, should consider a modernized version of the Non-Aligned Movement. This involves:

1. Multilateral Engagement: Engaging with the US, EU, Russia, and China simultaneously on trade and security, without exclusive military alliances.
2. Regional Integration: Prioritizing ECOWAS and the African Union (AU) frameworks to resolve disputes internally, reducing the need for external intervention.
3. Transparent Diplomacy: Clearly communicating foreign policy objectives to reduce suspicion from any single global power.

For Civil Society and Media

The media plays a vital role in shaping the narrative. Instead of framing African foreign policy as “pro-West” or “pro-Russia,” journalists and analysts should focus on:

• National Interest: What specific benefits does a partnership bring to the average citizen?
• Historical Context: Educating the public on the history of neo-colonialism and how it manifests in modern loan agreements or security pacts.

FAQ

Conclusion

Professor Vladimir Antwi-Danso’s appeal to President John Mahama is more than a political suggestion; it is a strategic imperative for the survival of African sovereignty. The warning that divisions among African states could lead to “re-colonisation” is a call to action for a return to Pan-Africanism. By presenting a unified diplomatic and economic front, African nations can transform their geopolitical weight from a vulnerability into a strength. The path forward requires leaders who are willing to prioritize continental interests over partisan or personal gains, ensuring that Africa is a player in global politics, not merely the playing field.