H.E. Cherif Mahamat Zene, Permanent Representative of Chad to the United Nations

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• published: 21 May 2014
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(New York, May 14, 2014) Ambassadors Series Africa Panel #3: African Solutions to African Problems aimed at serving as a platform to bring diplomats accredited to the United Nations together with academics, experts and civil society to engage with one another, and to discuss global issues and exchange multiple perspectives, was held at the Peace Islands Institute in partnership with the Journalists and Writers Foundation. H.E. Tunde Adetunji, President/CEO of the African Heritage Foundation, moderated the panel discussion. H.E Charles T. Ntwaagae, Permanent Representative of Botswana, H.E Cherif Mahamat Zene, Permanent Representative of Chad, and H.E Hermenegilde Niyonzima, Permanent Mission of the Republic of Burundi delivered the speeches respectively. Our distinguished panelists African Diaspora as the sixth region of Africa The panel began with the moderator discussing how far Africa has come in terms of its development. Africa has always been coveted by other nations in terms of its resources. Recently the focus had pivoted towards China and India, but Africa seems to be back in the headlines in terms of foreign direct investment, labor force capacity, in addition to its natural resources. Another focus was the educated African Diaspora known as the sixth region of Africa. The potential lost from the brain drain of Africans in pursuit of education, health, and opportunity, is a challenge for the continent. An initiative has been set to change the brain drain into a brain gain and bring back the Diaspora to help Africa move forward. Peace and Security An area that was mentioned repeatedly among the panelists was peace and security. This continues to be a major issue in the continent. A country afflicted by unstable and dangerous conditions cannot move forward to focus on other areas of development such as the case with the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Somalia and Sudan. Poverty, education, and youth unemployment also continue to be challenges for Africa. These are chronic problems that are based on past grievances dating back to countries' independence. Rebranding Africa's image in the world Speakers addressed the fact that Africa has suffered from a prolonged negative image, which negates the progress the continent has made since many countries' independence. Africa is seen as a war-filled, diseased and poverty ridden region, when in fact it has changed dramatically. In the political sphere many countries have gravitated towards liberal democracies. Economically many African countries have embraced a free market economy. Major improvements have been made in health, education, and overall living conditions. Budgets have been purposely redirected towards these areas and the positive effects can be seen. In particular, the example of Botswana's climb from its HIV epidemic that overran the country now provides medical aid to 95 percent of its citizens who need the treatment. In additional to political and social reform, financial aid also continues to be a hopeful area. The donor/recipient relationship has shifted to more of a partnership. This example of partnership can be seen among the public and private sector as well, known as PPP. Overall education, development, and the potential of the Diaspora in propelling Africa forward were the hopeful takeaway messages. Africa still has many challenges ahead of it, but it continues to grow in potential motivated largely by its vast youth and Diaspora populations.