Timi Frank Calls for Realistic Peace Frameworks Across Africa
Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Comrade Timi Frank, has issued a compelling appeal to African leaders, urging them to embrace peace models grounded in realism, fairness, and people-centered engagement. Speaking in response to global developments in conflict resolution, Frank emphasized that idealistic approaches often lead to unnecessary delays in achieving sustainable peace across the continent.
The Abraham Accords as a Pragmatic Blueprint
Frank highlighted the Abraham Accords, adopted by former United States President Donald Trump's administration, as a significant example of how dialogue, trade, and security cooperation can transform long-standing hostilities between former adversaries. He described this agreement as reflecting a crucial shift toward engagement driven by practical cooperation rather than prolonged stalemates.
"One of the strongest ideas behind the Abraham Accords is that peace can grow from shared interests," Frank stated. "When countries trade together, invest together, and solve problems together, the cost of conflict becomes higher than the benefits."
Economic Cooperation as a Stabilizing Force
Frank argued that economic collaboration plays a vital stabilizing role by creating opportunities that reduce incentives for violence. He pointed out that unemployment, poverty, and isolation continue to drive unrest across many African states, making economic integration essential for lasting peace.
"This lesson is especially important for Africa," Frank emphasized. "Poverty, unemployment, and isolation continue to fuel conflict across the continent. Where people see opportunity, hope grows."
He advocated for open borders for trade and the exchange of ideas, noting that such measures often reduce tension and reinforce the need for stronger regional integration across Africa.
The Imperative of Fairness and Inclusion
While championing practical engagement, Frank cautioned that peace efforts must not ignore justice and inclusion. He reminded that Africa's colonial history has heightened sensitivity to exclusion and unresolved grievances, making fairness a non-negotiable component of any sustainable peace framework.
"At the same time, Africans cannot ignore questions of fairness and justice," Frank warned. "Any peace effort that ignores legitimate grievances risks being fragile and unsustainable."
Drawing Inspiration from Resilience and Dialogue
Frank, who also serves as Senior Adviser to the Global Friendship City Association in the United States and ULMWP Ambassador for East Africa and the Middle East, suggested that African leaders should draw inspiration from the spirit rather than the structure of the Abraham Accords. He noted that these accords demonstrate how even deeply entrenched conflicts can change through courage and sustained dialogue.
"Peace does not always begin with perfect solutions," Frank concluded. "Sometimes, it begins with a decision to talk, to trade, and to coexist. Africa must build on its own history of resilience and reconciliation by embracing peace models that are realistic, fair, and people-centered. Imperfect peace remains better than unending conflict."
Frank's call comes at a time when African nations continue to grapple with various internal and cross-border conflicts, making his advocacy for practical, inclusive peace frameworks particularly relevant for regional stability and development.
