In a world grappling with escalating crises and a fragmented international order, Africa emerges as a pivotal player in shaping the future of multilateralism. During his recent address to the United Nations General Assembly, Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo highlighted a critical observation: \"We do not seem to have any common values on which we can all agree, nor common goals to which we all aspire.\" This sentiment underscores the urgent need for a unified direction in global governance.
To uncover the path forward, the Open Society Foundations conducted one of the largest global public opinion studies ever, surveying over 36,000 individuals across 30 countries, encompassing approximately two-thirds of the world's population. The findings reveal that while faith in democracy remains strong, there is a pressing demand for it to translate into tangible improvements in people's lives.
Africa's responses were particularly telling. Out of the eight African nations surveyed—Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia—there were significant variations in views on governance. For instance, 63% of Egyptians support military rule, contrasted by 40% of Ethiopians and only 20% of Senegalese. Simultaneously, a higher proportion of Egyptians desire democracy, reflecting uncertainty about their democratic experiences.
The survey also highlighted pervasive feelings of insecurity and inequality, most pronounced in Africa. Concerns about climate change's impact were especially acute, with 83% of respondents in Kenya and Ethiopia expressing anxiety over its effects on their lives and livelihoods. These insights emphasize Africa's critical role and the urgent need to address these challenges to foster a resilient multilateral framework.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
