Former presidential candidate Peter Obi, has described a recent engagement in South Africa as a significant moment of continental reflection on governance, unity, and Africa’s evolving political challenges, following meetings with two former African heads of state and other senior political figures.

Obi said the engagement took place during his movement between Cape Town and Johannesburg, where he met former Botswana President Ian Khama and former South African President Thabo Mbeki.

According to him, the discussions provided an opportunity to exchange views on pressing regional issues, particularly immigration dynamics, peacebuilding, and the broader need for stronger cooperation among African nations.

He noted that both Khama and Mbeki remain influential figures in African political thought, even after leaving office, adding that their continued engagement in continental discourse reflects their long-standing commitment to stability and development across the region. Obi emphasized that he expressed appreciation to both leaders for their public reflections on recent migration-related tensions in parts of Africa, as well as their consistent advocacy for unity and diplomatic solutions.

During the interaction, Obi also reconnected with former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, who played a prominent role at the Thabo Mbeki Africa Day lecture organized by the Thabo Mbeki Foundation. Fayemi delivered a keynote address centered on the urgent need to rebuild African unity, strengthen democratic institutions, and promote policy coherence across the continent.

The lecture, which brought together scholars, policymakers, and political leaders, focused on the broader theme of Africa’s institutional resilience and the role of leadership in shaping sustainable development outcomes.

According to Obi, the discussions at the event reinforced the importance of intellectual and political collaboration in addressing Africa’s long-standing governance and economic challenges.

Obi further stated that the interactions underscored a shared understanding among African leaders and thinkers that the continent’s progress depends heavily on cooperation, mutual respect, and consistent dialogue across political and ideological lines. He observed that while African nations continue to face diverse internal and external pressures, sustained engagement among past and present leaders remains critical to building stronger institutions.

He also highlighted that such meetings serve as a reminder of the value of experience and historical perspective in shaping current policy directions. According to him, the insights shared by former leaders like Khama and Mbeki contribute meaningfully to ongoing conversations about peace, migration management, and regional integration.

Obi concluded that the engagement was not merely ceremonial but reflective of a deeper commitment among African leaders to work toward a more stable, united, and prosperous continent. He added that continued dialogue of this nature is essential for addressing shared challenges and advancing collective progress across Africa. (The Guardian)