In a recent address to media houses in Ethiopia, Dr. Segun Adebayo, the Executive Director of the Center for African Policy Research and Advocacy (CAfPRA), issued a clarion call for African nations to reclaim their sovereignty by rigorously scrutinizing the origin and long-term intent of foreign-backed policies.
During his presentation, Dr. Adebayo highlighted what he describes as “designed fragmentation” across the continent, noting that the linguistic and borders-based divisions imposed by colonial powers endure today, hampering regional integration. “The division and fragmentation of Africa were put even in communication,” he stated, arguing that these barriers are intentional and make regional unity difficult to achieve.
The Dangers of “Climate-Smart” GMO Policies
A primary focus of Dr. Adebayo’s critique was the influx of Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) initiatives, which he characterized as a threat to food sovereignty. While promoters often market these seeds as “climate-smart” and “pest-resistant” solutions to hunger, Dr. Adebayo warned of a deeper, destructive reality.
“That seed cannot regenerate itself,” he explained, noting that farmers become trapped in a cycle of dependency, forced to return to corporations for patented seeds each season at rising costs. Furthermore, he raised alarms regarding the chemical requirements of these GMO crops, asserting that they involve the use of herbicides that soil and crops absorb, which may lead to significant long-term health complications for consumers. In his view, the corporations providing these seeds and chemicals are often the same entities profiting from the subsequent medical treatment required for health issues emerging years later.
A Call for Investigative Journalism
Dr. Adebayo challenged the African media to move beyond passive reporting. He emphasized that the media must act as a bridge to the people by conducting independent research into the origin of policies and the character of those pushing them.
“If the media is not reporting it, nobody will know,” he said, using the underreported toxic waste incident in Zambia—involving the spill of 238 million gallons of waste into vital rivers—as a case study of how corporate interests suppress news that damages their public image. He urged local journalists to take their cues from global experts who are already questioning harmful practices like the fluoridation of water and the long-term impact of various medical mandates.
Rethinking Ideology and Governance
Addressing the broader political climate, Dr. Adebayo challenged the continent’s reliance on rigid, externally influenced governance models. He praised the decolonization efforts seen in countries like Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali, arguing that true sovereignty is measured by a nation’s control over its own resources.
He also called for an urgent revision of the African Union’s “Agenda 2063,” arguing that the document, developed 11 years ago, is already obsolete in the face of rapid technological changes—particularly in Artificial Intelligence (AI).
“We have to begin to drop the walls of division,” Dr. Adebayo concluded. “We must integrate to survive. We cannot go up against global economic powers if we are not consolidated as one people.”
Dr. Adebayo stated that his organization will continue to provide research documentation to media houses across Africa to empower journalists to hold powers to account and ensure that the value of African life remains at the forefront of all policy decisions.