AFRICA, Dec. 28 -- Fundamental changes are taking place in the world: what are the implications for Africa?

A generation ago, newly appointed Organisation of African Unity (OAU) SecretaryGeneral Dr Salim Ahmed Salim posed that question under circumstances different from today, but of comparable significance.

Two strategic shifts marked the early 1990s. The first was the sudden collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War, with implications for Africa.

The second was the winding down of colonialism as white-minority rule came to an end in southern Africa. Today, Africa faces sudden changes in renewed tensions.

This has been crystalised by a number of developments. These include the war in Ukraine, a new Cold War and the ris...