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VICTOR Borges, a consultant, trainer and lecturer was one of the speakers in the just ended eight Atlantic Dialogues conference in Marrakesh, Morocco. Borges coordinates the leadership and development management training programme at Pedro Pires Institute for Leadership.
Previously, he was minister of foreign affairs of Cape Verde (2004-2008) and also served as minister of education, culture, sports and human resources development (2001-2004).
Borges was the president of the Council of Ministers of ACP Group, member of the executive board of UNESCO among other international organizations. A visiting-fellow at the Bureau of European Policy Advisers, diplomat in residence at Bridgewater State University and South African Institute of International Affairs, he is also a visiting-professor in two Cape Verdean Universities.
A holder of D.E.A. in Education Policy, a Master degree in Psychology in France, he also has attended various training on international affairs cooperation and development. On the margins of the Atlantic Dialogues, Borges made out time to respond to questions from Maureen Chigbo, Realnews Editor, regarding “The South in the Time of Turmoil”, which is the theme of the three-day conference which ended on Saturday, December 14. Excerpts.
Realnews: Can you please give me your views on the theme of the first plenary of the conference – The South in the Time of Turmoil?
Borges: First of all, allow me a comment on session´s title. I can understand it. The South is confronted with growing complex challenges and constraints to development, security, governance that is shaking and redefining personal, social, cultural and political order. Yet this title may be deceptive. It unwillingly conveys a false idea of the past as harmonious, peaceful or even serene. And we know it is not true. Each time has its own turmoil and it can be hard to compare them. The so called “Cold War” time which was in fact a scorching one in the South characterized by proxy real wars, rebellions, secession, coup d´état, murder of political leaders and elected presidents, social strife and other fomented upheavals. And we went through lots of turmoil to be here today discussing the present situation freely and without putting our personal life at risk. And we discuss these challenges here and there; speak about them on the media, etc. Perhaps this contributes to the feeling of exceptionality of our time. I understand the title as strong reminder about the global world we live in and the growing complex challenges it represents for the global South. In this sense, perhaps, the authors of this title were trapped by the media fashionable way of using exaggeration to draw attention, emphasising the uniqueness and gravity of the situation.
Realnews: How can the South benefit from the new world order?
Borges: To benefit from the world order, the South needs to focus and prioritise development, from relevant education and training, modernisation of agriculture, infrastructure, industrialisation and mastering of natural resources. Concerning natural resources, African raw material exporting countries are challenged to stop being distant observers and passive receivers of revenues, bonus, kindness or even bribe. They are challenged to master natural resources exploitation in terms of scientific knowledge, technology, technique and management.
To achieve this, we need strong capacity in all domains and levels of social life, from science and technology to development management. And sure enough, we need a new leadership with sound and strengthened political commitment.
The remaining issue is how to forge the capacity and leadership African countries need. The democratic promise that elections would allow the best to be in charge has been disavowed by facts. There is no democracy without elections, but elections alone are not enough. And therefore, political actors and elected officials must be aware that the essence of democracy, particularly in development context, transcends elections and “conventional legitimacy”. We need to calmly assess the recent experience of “electoral democracy” that has failed to deliver basic services to the population. The electoral system that some argue has been captured by unscrupulous and anti-democratic actors need to be revamped and protected.
Realnews: Do you think the war between China and US will lead to a new world order where US will cede its power to China? What will be the impact of such new order on African countries?
Borges: I think you are speaking of trade war and not real war. My wish is that the US and China will find a peaceful way to live together, to trade and cooperate, in spite of their political differences. One thing Africa should do is to avoid choosing one or another superpower. Africa should not become, once again, the terrain for superpower competition. African countries should draw lessons from the so called “Cold War” and smartly manage the two superpowers for its development, security and good governance agenda. Once again we are reminded of the importance of national capacity and far-sighted and committed leadership. It is also paramount that other countries in Africa and other regions, emerge to balance forces and influences in the international affairs, beyond the two superpowers gaming. The prospect of growing rivalry between the US and China is a strong reminder for African leaders to reinforce their commitment to development. Without economic and social development, it will be hopeless for Africa to claim for international acknowledgement. Its voice will continue to be ignored in international arena, particularly in the Security Council.
– Dec. 16, 2019 @ 17:29 GMT |
Tags: Ex-Cape Verde foreign Affairs minister defines new role for Africa in new world order
