The Director General of TrustAfrica, Dr. Abdullahi Janne, has called on African leaders especially Nigeria and institutions to urgently strengthen intra-continental cooperation and economic self-reliance in response to escalating global crises and the weakening of international governance systems.

Janne made the call at the 41st TrustAfrica Board Meeting held in Abuja alongside a public event organised in partnership with the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD–West Africa), on the theme:  “Africa and the Escalation of Global Crises: Impacts and Responses,”

He warned that Africa risks severe economic and security consequences if it fails to act collectively in the face of growing global instability. He described the current global order as increasingly fragile, noting that institutions established after World War II to guarantee justice and peace are rapidly losing relevance.

He specifically pointed to the declining effectiveness of the United Nations, stressing that its inability to decisively address ongoing conflicts has emboldened a dangerous shift toward power-driven international relations.

“What we are witnessing is a breakdown of global justice, where might now overrides established laws and norms. The silence by the international community in the face of aggression sets a troubling precedent for weaker regions, including Africa,” he stressed.

Dr. Janne noted that although many of the conflicts driving global instability are not of Africa’s making, their economic consequences on the continent are severe. He cited rising costs of essential commodities, disruptions in supply chains, and worsening living conditions as direct impacts already being felt across African countries.

He further warned that Africa’s vast reserves of critical minerals and natural resources could expose it to future external pressures or exploitation if global norms continue to erode without accountability.

On the security front, the TrustAfrica DG raised concerns over the resurgence of military takeovers in parts of West Africa, describing it as both a symptom of internal fragility and a reflection of weakening global democratic safeguards.

He questioned the role of defence institutions in safeguarding democracy, noting that recent developments in countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger highlight the urgent need for stronger governance systems within the continent.

To mitigate the impact of global shocks, Dr. Janne urged African countries to fully leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by prioritising trade in critical goods and services within the continent.

“I call on the African Union to take decisive steps in coordinating resource distribution among member states, particularly in areas such as fuel, food, and other essential commodities. Africa must look inward,” he said.

“Africa must prioritise trading among itself… we have the resources, we must use them to shield our continent,” he added.

He further stressed that countries like Nigeria with abundant resources  should prioritise supplying fellow African nations before exporting to external markets.

In his remarks, Senior Fellow at the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD–West Africa), Jibril Ibrahim, described the moment as the “end of empire,” warning that although imperialism may be weakening, it remains highly destructive.

He lamented what he described as the normalisation of mass suffering, noting that violence is now being “carried out in full view of the world,” however he maintained that resistance is possible.

“Imperialism is a paper tiger, but it has a huge capacity to do harm,” he said, citing the scale of global violence and loss of lives in recent conflicts. We now know this paper tiger can be fought… but you need to strategise and develop effective approaches.”

Another speaker, Hakeem, warned of severe economic fallout for Africa, particularly for already struggling economies, noting that over 30 African countries are already under debt stress.

He urged governments, civil society and social movements to work together in designing bold responses.

“It is time for innovation… time for new experimentation and new paths. This crisis is going to harm the continent, the difficulties countries are facing will accelerate economic stagnation and deepen structural challenges in key sectors” he said

Pan-African activist Mungile Mkabel called for a return to grassroots organising and stronger African institutions rooted in local realities, warning of a growing disconnect between African intellectuals and ordinary citizens.She stressed the need for intergenerational collaboration.

She urged Africans to think beyond colonial frameworks and plan for future generations.

“We cannot lose the capacity to organise. Young people cannot be our future if we don’t allow them to lead. Power concedes nothing without demand,” she said.

Marwa El-Daly of Cairo University framed the global crisis as both a structural and deeply personal challenge, marked by rising insecurity and uncertainty. She argued that beyond economic disruptions, the crisis exposes flaws in long-held global narratives about development and governance, particularly those rooted in Western models. Emphasising solidarity, she called on Africans to rethink inherited assumptions, reclaim their values, and respond collectively through unity and active civic engagement.

“The secret is unity… unity is power. We have to stand up for what we believe is right and call injustice what it is,” she stressed.

Other panelists warned that Africa risks becoming a global underdog as conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East disrupt food systems, trade routes and access to critical supplies.

They stressed that despite its vast resources, the continent remains vulnerable due to weak coordination and limited bargaining power, urging leaders to strengthen frameworks for trade, mining and regional cooperation.

“Africa has the instruments… but we have not used them effectively. Africa must move beyond rhetoric to decisive action, strengthening unity, mobilising citizens and asserting greater control over its economic future.” the panel noted.