While I am not standing brief for the African Union and ECOWAS, for even us have not put our house in order on many political issues within Africa, yet I do not agree with Africans who are condemning the two international organizations for issuing a statement on the current US-Venezuela impasse.
As diplomatic organizations, it is well within the ramifications of their duty to state their position on international issues. Whether or not, the position carries political weight in international affairs is another matter. And that boils down to the economic relevance of ECOWAS and Africa at large in global affairs. Even the US incursion into Venezuela being discussed is highly economic in nature. President Trump has openly attributed his interest in Venezuelan oil. Back to Africa.
The important lesson is that what will make your voice powerful is your economic prowess? In the immediate, African countries need to heavily focus on the entire value chain of products rather than just be interested in shipping out raw materials.
The 21st century world is a battlefield of economics, if you are not on the table eating, you are automatically on the menu being eaten.
#YeahMomentsWithYO!