Renowned Kenyan lawyer and Pan-Africanist, Prof Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba, has painted a sobering picture of Africa’s current state, warning that the continent cannot achieve prosperity or meaningful integration as long as conflict and instability persist.
Speaking at the 2026 African Prosperity Dialogues under the theme “Empowering SMEs, Women and Youth in Africa’s Single Market: Innovate, Collaborate, Trade,” Prof Lumumba said Africa’s political culture, coupled with lingering external influence, continues to slow the continent’s progress.
Education was meant to liberate us, but it has betrayed us – Professor Lumumba
He described organisations such as the Francophonie and the Commonwealth as a “new form of colonialism,” arguing that European powers still seek to regulate African affairs long after independence.
Prof Lumumba, known for his blunt style, said Africa is currently “bleeding,” pointing to the ongoing war in Sudan, the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and what he described as the marginalisation of Sahelian countries within African Union activities.
“As we sit here talking about a borderless Africa, we must be realistic, I am speaking to you at a time when Africa is bleeding. There is war in Sudan, war in eastern DR Congo and the Sahelian countries are excluded from the activities of the African Union. Africa is not at ease,” he said.
I strongly support the recent coups in Africa – Prof Lumumba
He cautioned that lofty conversations about free movement and open borders mean little without peace and security on the ground.
“You can have all the free borders you want, but if there is no peace, where will you move?
“The African Union once spoke about silencing the guns, but the guns are with us again” He added.
Prof Lumumba urged Africans not to romanticise integration but to confront the hard realities facing the continent. He stressed that true integration cannot succeed without peace, accountability, and strong, effective leadership.
He also challenged civil society groups, young people, and women entrepreneurs to hold leaders accountable, warning that free trade agreements, open borders, and ambitious policy frameworks alone will not deliver prosperity without good governance and security.
NA/AM
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