Timi Frank Advocates for Pragmatic Cooperation Among African Leaders to Ensure Continental Peace
In a significant policy statement, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has issued a compelling call to African leaders to adopt pragmatic cooperation as a fundamental pathway to achieving lasting peace, economic integration, and enhanced global relevance across the continent.
Drawing Lessons from the Abraham Accords for African Stability
Frank made this urgent appeal through a detailed policy brief titled "The Abraham Accords and Africa: Strategic Lessons for Peace, Integration, and Global Relevance." He emphasized that African leaders should draw valuable insights from the Middle East peace agreements initiated in 2020, known as the Abraham Accords. According to Frank, these accords represent a significant departure from traditional conflict resolution methods by prioritizing practical cooperation over the complete settlement of long-standing political disputes.
Frank explained that the Abraham Accords, brokered by the United States, normalized diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab states. This reshaping of regional diplomacy was achieved through incremental engagement rather than rigid preconditions. Although geographically distant from Africa, Frank asserted that the underlying principles of these accords offer crucial guidance for a continent grappling with protracted conflicts in regions such as the Sahel, the Great Lakes, and the Horn of Africa.
"Peace should be treated as an evolving process, not a final settlement," Frank stated. "Waiting for perfect political conditions before engagement often deepens conflict rather than resolves it." He argued that many African conflicts persist because dialogue is frequently tied to inflexible demands. Instead, he stressed that early engagement and cooperation in critical areas such as infrastructure, trade, and security can build trust and effectively reduce tensions.
Economic Integration as a Vital Tool for Stability
Highlighting the economic impact of the Abraham Accords, Frank pointed to the rapid expansion of trade and investment among the signatory states as a key outcome. He proposed that Africa could replicate this successful model through the accelerated implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). By doing so, economic integration can be positioned as a powerful tool for fostering peace and stability across the continent.
"Regional trade, shared infrastructure projects, and joint investments can reduce tensions by creating mutual benefits and lowering the incentives for conflict," Frank elaborated. He added that AfCFTA should be viewed not only as a commercial framework but also as a strategic instrument of stability that promotes continental unity and prosperity.
Call for Enhanced Africa-Led Security Cooperation
On the critical issue of security, Frank noted that instability in the Middle East has historically affected Africa through terrorism, arms trafficking, and migration pressures. He argued that reduced conflict in any region weakens extremist networks with transnational reach, thereby benefiting African nations. In response, he called for enhanced Africa-led security cooperation, which should include:
- Intelligence sharing among African states
- Joint operations to address cross-border threats
- Early warning systems to prevent conflicts
These measures, Frank emphasized, should align with the African Union Peace and Security Architecture to ensure a coordinated and effective approach. "Africa benefits from a multipolar world with fewer conflict flashpoints," he remarked, underscoring the importance of proactive security initiatives.
Urging Interest-Driven Diplomacy Over Ideological Alignment
Frank also urged African states to adopt interest-driven diplomacy rather than rigid ideological alignment, citing the Abraham Accords as a prime example of pragmatic engagement. He called for balanced, non-aligned foreign policies that prioritize practical benefits such as technology transfer, food security, water management, and renewable energy development.
"Africa must position itself as a pragmatic global actor, not a passive participant," Frank asserted. He encouraged leaders to pursue diplomatic strategies that serve the continent's specific interests while engaging constructively with international partners.
Balancing Pragmatism with Justice and Inclusion
While acknowledging the gains of the Abraham Accords, Frank cautioned that unresolved political grievances remain and warned against allowing economic cooperation to replace inclusive political dialogue. "Africa must balance pragmatism with its historic commitment to justice, self-determination, and international law," he advised.
He outlined three key policy directions for African leaders to follow:
- Prioritizing early engagement over prolonged stalemates
- Using economic integration as a peace-building tool
- Pursuing interest-driven diplomacy while upholding fairness and inclusion
Frank, who serves as the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East and Senior Adviser to the Global Friendship City Association (GFCA) in the USA, concluded that the Abraham Accords offer Africa a strategic lesson rather than a rigid template. "With political will, practical cooperation, and inclusive dialogue, African leaders can reduce conflict, strengthen unity, and position the continent as a confident and credible global actor," he affirmed.
He stressed that peace can begin even under imperfect conditions if leaders choose cooperation over prolonged stalemates, offering a hopeful vision for Africa's future based on pragmatic and collaborative efforts.
