External interference fuelling conflicts in Africa, says Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has identified the funding and arming of proxy groups by foreign actors as a major barrier to lasting peace across Africa.

Obasanjo made the remarks on Thursday at the Mashariki Cooperation Conference held in Diani, Kwale County, Kenya, where discussions focused on evolving geopolitical dynamics and the continent’s security architecture.

Drawing from decades of involvement in conflict resolution, he cautioned that military intervention without a credible political process often fails to resolve crises, noting that it can either temporarily halt violence or prolong instability.

He also addressed the growing wave of coups in the Sahel, urging African institutions to confront leaders who exploit anti-colonial rhetoric to justify actions that undermine citizens’ rights and livelihoods.

While acknowledging that public dissatisfaction has contributed to support for military takeovers, Obasanjo stressed that such regimes have not delivered sustainable development or genuine security across the continent.

The former president further highlighted the importance of intelligence in preventing conflicts, noting that warning signs are often visible long before violence erupts, but are frequently ignored due to a lack of political will. “In nearly every conflict I have helped to mediate, the warning signs were visible months or years before the first shot was fired,” he said.

He called for stronger intelligence systems and better coordination among African institutions, urging that early warning mechanisms be adequately resourced and linked to decision-makers willing to act.

Obasanjo also pointed to examples in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan and Libya, where external involvement has worsened conflicts, and urged African intelligence agencies to expose such interventions to international bodies.