Mahama Warns Africa Against Becoming Battleground for Global Powers

President John Dramani Mahama cautioned Africa against becoming a battleground for global rivalries amid the intensifying competition between major powers over critical minerals, supply chains, and technological advancements. At the 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa, held in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia on October 24, 2026, Mahama urged African nations to play an active role in shaping the future global order instead of passively allowing decisions that could impact the continent's economic and security future.

The President highlighted the need for Africa to assert its strategic interests in the face of evolving geopolitical dynamics and mounting global competition for resources. This comes at a time when international interest in Africa's critical minerals, vital to emerging technologies, renewable energy systems, and advanced manufacturing, is on the rise.

Mahama emphasized economic sovereignty and justice as crucial foundations for enduring peace and sustainable security across the continent, citing the Accra Reset initiative as a framework to tackle structural economic challenges such as dependency, unsustainable debt, and inequalities within the international financial system.

In terms of continental security, Mahama underscored the importance of the Tana High-Level Forum as an African-led platform for addressing peace, governance, and security challenges. He emphasized the significance of African ownership of security and governance responses rather than excessive reliance on externally-driven interventions.

The forum offers a setting for African leaders and stakeholders to deliberate on pressing peace and security issues affecting the continent, with Mahama's remarks stressing the necessity for stronger continental cooperation, economic justice, and sustainable peace.