Africa must re-evaluate its approach to diplomacy – Akinyemi

Former Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bolaji Akinyemi, has called on African countries to re-evaluate their approach to diplomacy.

Akinyemi made this call on Thursday, while responding to questions in an interview on Arise Television.

“I never liked the idea of all African leaders marching into a country for a conference. Japan summons us and we all go. China summons us and we all go. Turkey summons us and we all go. I have never liked it.

“I also believe that we must accept that diplomacy has become an art of specialists. Before nations like China attend a conference, they have already spent up to six months analysing their objectives.

“Sadly, in Africa, we don’t value experts; we hire people based on their connections and treat this matter in an entirely bureaucratic manner. To achieve our agenda, we must abandon bureaucratic diplomacy,” he said.

Africa must re-evaluate its approach to diplomacy – Akinyemi