The President of the Economic Community of West African States, Mohamed Ibn Chambas, has attributed Africa’s political instability to external influences originating from former colonial powers.

Chambas made this statement during the 13th Zik Annual Lecture Series held at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, the capital of Anambra State, on Saturday.

The annual Zik lecture series, held in honour of the late Nnamdi Azikiwe, serves as a platform for robust intellectual discussions led by prominent leaders, aimed at addressing challenges faced by Africa and the global community.

During the lecture, Chambas urged African nations to prioritise unity in the areas of security and socio-economic development, stressing that such collaboration could help curb escalating restiveness and social protests across the continent.

He said, “The great Zik of Africa, while alive, made it clear that without unity, Africa would be vulnerable to political instability and external intervention.

Chambas noted that without unity, Africa would remain vulnerable to political instability and external interference, perpetuating underdevelopment.

He stated that African youths had lost confidence in leadership due to the numerous challenges plaguing the continent.