Dear African Leaders,

Africa stands at a crossroads.

We are a continent rich in culture, history, and natural resources.

Still, our challenges often define us more than our strengths.

The time has come for leadership that reimagines Africa’s place in the world, not as a recipient of pity, but as a force for progress and innovation.

The late Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere once said, “Unity will not make us rich, but it can make it difficult for Africa and the African peoples to be disregarded and humiliated.”

These words remain relevant.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a land full of potential, remains trapped in conflict.

This reality is a strong reminder that unity and collaboration across African nations are essential.

The conflict in the DRC, like many others across the continent, must be addressed by Africans.

We must move beyond the belief that our problems require foreign solutions.

The answers we seek lie in African values, knowledge, and determination.

Leadership goes beyond power.

It is about purpose, vision, and the ability to inspire.

As many African thinkers have said, “Africa is not poor; it is poorly managed.”

This truth is a challenge to all who lead.

The responsibility to manage our people, our resources, and our future lies in your hands.

It is not enough to govern.

You must govern well.

Integrity, accountability, and long-term thinking must guide your decisions.

Our continent has been blessed with resources, but our greatest strength is our people.

Africa is the youngest continent, with over 60 percent of its population under the age of 25.

This presents both a challenge and an opportunity.

How will you respond?

Will you create the conditions for innovation, entrepreneurship, and quality education to thrive?

Or will the next generation continue to face corruption, weak systems, and decisions made for short-term benefit?

Robert Dussey, Togo’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, once said, “Our generation belongs to the Africa that has decided to take its history into its own hands, to be itself on the great stage of universal history.”

This moment calls for leadership that sees the world as it is and prepares Africa to compete and thrive.

From the rise of artificial intelligence to the urgent realities of climate change, our leaders must think ahead and act boldly.

We seek leadership that learns from past missteps without being trapped by them.

We seek leadership that builds bridges where there has been division and chooses progress over comfort.

African leaders, the world is listening.

You have the opportunity to shape a new narrative.

One where Africa rises above its challenges, draws strength from its diversity, and walks confidently into its future.

This will require courage.

It will require action.

It will require a commitment to serve.

The conflict in the DRC is a test of our collective resolve.

This is a time to act in solidarity.

A peaceful and prosperous Congo strengthens the region and uplifts the entire continent.

This is not the burden of the DRC alone.

It is a responsibility shared by all African nations that seek stability and prosperity for all their people.

The decisions you make today will shape the future of this continent.

Africa is paying attention. And history will remember.

Lead with vision.

Lead with integrity.

Lead with the understanding that your role is to govern, transform, and inspire.

With hope and expectation,

Felix Tih