By Prof Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, Provost, Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria and Head of Contemporary China-Africa Research
The perspective given by Ambassador Yu Dunhai, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria on the commissioning of the “Eye of West Africa,” re-ignites hope between despair of West African Citizens and confidence, emanating from Military Coups within the region and secession of the Association of the Sahel States. When pundits question the stability of the region and durability of the West African integration system, which hitherto appeared to be the best integrating system, not only in Africa, but around the world, for its unmitigated characterization of economic, social and political integration, by creating a Single Market, Common Security architecture, one parliament, a Court of Justice, a formidable executive leadership, and with a plan to launch a single currency with the name “ECO.” This is what the Federalists recognise as “complete integration.”
It reminisces the official ratification of the Treaty of Lagos on the 28 May, 1975, by 15 West African States, with the clear vision of fostering economic cooperation, integration, and collective self-sufficiency. It is this vision that China strengthens in this difficult time, when people think of disintegration, but China spent “more than 1,200 days and nights of meticulous craftsmanship” to recreate hope for West Africa, deepen cooperation and assured sustainability.
The 70th anniversary of China-Africa diplomatic relations is palpable from the lens of an eagle eye. Seeing similar building in Addis Ababa, which symbolizes the unity of Africa (AU), China cherishes its diplomatic chemistry with Africa without trepidation, but further closely integrates with the government and people of Africa for a shared future. This showcases China as a “reliable partner in Africa’s pursuit of development and continental rejuvenation.”
If I may preemtively clear the minds of a common thinker, who believes in “no free lunch,” China is not a colinial power, but a victim of imperialism and colonialism, which it fought against the Japanese aggressors and invaders. China supports African independence, sovereignty and development, without politically interfering in the affairs of African governments, domestic politics or national plan. China recommends strict adherence to the principle of national conditions wich refers to looking inward with local characteristics, not necessarily copying what China does.
China is devoid of attaching political strings to its aid and averts empty promises. This guarantees China’s resolve in complementing Africa’s modernization and is commited to “supporting tangible actions for Africa’s revitalization.” fully funded by the Chinese government, the new ECOWAS structure has created a new image for the community, created jobs, strengthened cooperation, rejuvenates hope, builds a new atmosphere for growth and economic development. The new structure smiles along the Airport Road like a caring mother who returns a beautiful smile to the smile of her son. It depicts a mixture of China-Africa civilization, momentous development cooperation and unprecedented diplomatic craftsmanship like one never practiced even in the entirety of Wesphalian project.
The wholistic approach provided by Dunhai in his speech at the handing-over ceremony of the new ECOWAS building captured my imagination of historicization, intellectual system approach and diplomatic oratory. From his literary description of the rainy season to the philosophical composition of “one building carries shared hopes and one partnership writes a legacy,” there I gave, once more again, a gaze at the piece of his speech in open mouthed bewilderment looking at the imagery of a complex, but an austere and a revealing diplomatic crafting.
Ambassador Yu Dunhai succinctly captured the May 1st activation of China’s zero-tariff treatment for 100% of tariff lines to all African countries having diplomatic ties with China. What needs to be internalized to this effect is that when tariffs are eliminated, trade barriers are being removed, which brings about trade harmonization, motivation and liberalization against protectionism. This tariff policy will help Africa produce more and will enable China consume more from Africa there by producing mutual benefits. African exports will increase which signify more revenues for the continent, which also means the opportunity to finance infrstructure and development.
Finally what captivates me the most in Yu Dunhai’s speech, is the interdependence between promise and action, speech and sincerity of purpose which is fixated in Chinese culture and politics. Dunhai inferred that, China “will stay true to the principles of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith in its Africa policy…remain guided by the Ten Partnership Actions, the four Global Initiatives; focus on Africa’s actual needs…and build a high level China-Africa community with a shared future.”
