Emmanuel Jal on the economic impact of silencing guns in Africa

A coalition of various African artists, community activists, academics, business leaders, and African youth has united under the African Union with a mission to end violence and conflicts in order to promote peace across the continent. Emmanuel Jal, a spokesperson for the coalition, recently discussed the economic impact of war and conflicts in Africa and the prospects for the future. He shed light on the detrimental effects of ongoing conflicts on African economies, highlighting the vicious cycle of violence and poverty that hinders progress and development. Jal emphasized the importance of peace, stability, and internal collaboration to drive economic growth and prosperity on the continent. Jal pointed out that the root of many conflicts in Africa lies in external influences that seek to exploit the continent's resources through instigating internal strife. Companies and entities with vested interests in African countries often fuel conflicts to manipulate resources at lower costs. By perpetuating violence and instability, these entities hinder economic growth and prevent African nations from fully harnessing their potential. Jal urged Africans to take charge in resolving conflicts and promoting peace, stressing that external interference is not the solution to internal issues. The economic ramifications of conflict are vast and deeply damaging to African nations. Jal provided the example of South Sudan, where ongoing violence has led to a situation where the country is heavily reliant on imports for basic food items like tomatoes, water, bananas, and mangoes, despite having the capacity to produce these goods domestically. The heavy reliance on imports drains the country's financial resources, as money flows out to other nations instead of circulating within the local economy. Investments are scarce, and citizens lack the confidence to invest in their own country, leading to a stagnant economy. Furthermore, Jal highlighted the brain drain effect caused by conflicts in African nations. Many skilled individuals, like himself, are forced to flee their home countries in search of safety and opportunity elsewhere. This exodus of talent further hampers economic development and innovation within the continent, as valuable resources leave to seek better prospects abroad. The loss of skilled professionals and entrepreneurs contributes to a lack of progress and growth in war-torn regions. In response to the challenges posed by conflicts and the economic fallout, the African Union has launched campaigns to achieve peace and stability on the continent. Leaders like the President of Tanzania and Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta have shown commitment to fostering peace and cooperation even in the face of past rivalries. Efforts to promote free trade, open borders, and facilitate business operations are being made to create a conducive environment for economic activities to thrive. Despite the internal conflicts that some countries prefer to handle independently, there is a growing recognition of the need for collaboration and unity in addressing the root causes of violence and promoting peace. Countries like Rwanda, which have made significant progress in rebuilding their nation post-conflict, serve as positive examples of the potential for internal solutions to drive stability and economic growth. As Africa strives to overcome the shadows of its turbulent past and build a brighter future, initiatives like the coalition led by Emmanuel Jal offer hope and a roadmap towards lasting peace and prosperity on the continent. By silencing the guns and prioritizing peace, Africa can unlock its full economic potential and pave the way for a more prosperous and stable future for its people.