Many member states of the United Nations, particularly in Africa, continue to cling to the comforting illusion of national sovereignty. Yet history has repeatedly exposed this belief as fragile and misleading. Sovereignty, in its truest and most practical sense, does not rest on flags, borders, or diplomatic recognition. It rests on economic power and military strength.
Across history and into the present day, powerful nations have consistently demonstrated this reality. The United States and Russia have invaded multiple countries with little consequence. France has carried out repeated military operations across Africa to protect its own strategic interests. Borders and international law have proven flexible when confronted by superior force. Yet, despite these lessons, many African nations still behave as though sovereignty alone guarantees protection.
The recent capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces on January 3, 2026, is a chilling modern example. In a swift operation, American special forces reportedly extracted Maduro from Caracas amid strikes on Venezuelan territory and flew him out to face U.S. charges related to drugs and weapons. There was no meaningful international backlash, nor any Venezuelan deterrent capable of preventing the operation. This event underscores a harsh truth: sovereignty evaporates when a state lacks economic and military power. The same vulnerabilities confront many African nations today.
For any country to be taken seriously, it must possess economic freedom and military capabilities strong enough to make potential aggressors think twice. Without these pillars, independence becomes a hollow symbol—easily shattered by external pressure, coercion, or intervention.
Unfortunately, African leaders continue to do the continent a great disservice by embracing a strict non-proliferation mindset while ignoring the realities of global power politics. The belief that the current world order will remain stable, benevolent, and non-threatening to Africa is dangerously naïve. Global politics is volatile, and power balances can shift suddenly and violently.
History reminds us that empires collapse, alliances fail, and democratic systems can give way to rogue regimes. International law only functions when backed by force. In a world where order can break down overnight, Africa remains dangerously exposed.
The COVID-19 pandemic delivered one of the clearest lessons of our time. When life and death were at stake, it was every nation for itself. Wealthy countries hoarded vaccines while African nations were left scrambling, begging for access. When the South African variant was identified, African countries were swiftly slapped with travel bans, deepening our isolation during a global crisis. If not for sheer luck—or divine mercy—the consequences could have been far worse. This experience should have ended any illusion that goodwill alone can protect us.
Despite being a continent of 55 countries, Africa still does not hold a single permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. Robert Mugabe fought fiercely for this recognition and died without seeing it realized. His successors continue the struggle, yet the question remains: what practical power would such a seat grant us today?
We lack the military capacity to confront serious global powers. We lack the economic weight to impose meaningful sanctions. We possess no credible deterrence. In this context, a permanent UNSC seat risks becoming a symbolic trophy rather than a tool of influence—an admission of our peripheral role in global decision-making.
What Africa truly needs is not symbolism, but strength. We need a new generation of leaders willing to reorganize the continent into a NATO-style military alliance, complete with a binding collective defense clause. Beyond that, we must confront the uncomfortable but necessary reality of nuclear deterrence.
Had Libya possessed nuclear weapons in 2011, no foreign power would have casually launched missiles from the air or sea against its territory. Nuclear capability fundamentally changes how a nation is treated. It forces caution, respect, and negotiation.
Nuclear weapons are not only tools of deterrence; they are tools of diplomacy. North Korea, despite its economic weaknesses, commands global attention because it possesses nuclear arms. No major power dares to ignore or casually invade it. This is the brutal logic of international relations: power creates leverage.
If Africa wants to be treated with respect, we must return to the drawing board and rethink our priorities. Self-reliance is not optional—it is existential.
We are living in an era dominated by artificial intelligence, drones, and advanced military technologies. Yet once again, Africa risks becoming nothing more than a consumer rather than a creator. We cannot continue to outsource innovation and expect sovereignty to follow. Investment in STEM education, innovation hubs, and strategic technological partnerships must become non-negotiable if we are to secure our future.
There is no true sovereignty in today’s world without economic freedom and a nuclear-armed military deterrent. Anything short of that is wishful thinking.
Moses Akurugu Ade-Ena
Entrepreneur and Author
Published by Africa Live News
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