Global Cooperation Bloc (GCB): Rethinking Global Unity and Moderation for a Fractured World

The Global Cooperation Bloc (GCB) could be the fresh structure we need to make multilateralism effective again—not to replace the United Nations (UN), but to complement and improve it. Rooted in the same foundational principles like sovereignty, peace, and mutual respect, the GCB would offer a platform for agile, inclusive, and practical action.

What sets the GCB apart is its ability to moderate the extreme fringes of today’s global discourse. In a world where ideological divides have tilted dangerously toward the far left or right, the GCB could become a space for balanced, evidence-based dialogue—one that embraces nuance, respects national contexts, and doesn't force uniformity.

Take climate change, for instance. The GCB could facilitate a pragmatic conversation between two opposing but valid perspectives: those who remain skeptical—especially in countries that depend on coal or petrol and fear economic collapse if forced to transition—and those who see the undeniable impact of climate change on weather patterns, food security, and human life. It would also critically assess instruments like the Green Climate Fund (GCF), which—while helpful—could become tools of influence if not equitably governed.

The GCB could operate as a global lab: transparent, people-centered, and solution-driven. It would draw on governments, the private sector, civil society, and youth voices. Sovereignty would be respected, but responsibility would be shared. This is multilateralism made practical, relevant, and inclusive—for today and tomorrow.

Africa United? Exploring the Feasibility of a Continental Nation-State

The vision of a unified Africa under one central government—“The United States of Africa”—has long been romanticized by Pan-Africanists like Kwame Nkrumah and Muammar Gaddafi. But what would this look like in reality? A continental capital, perhaps Addis Ababa (most likely since it is the city which also hosts the continental regional bloc, the African Union (AU) and would act as the political hub. Other contenders could be Bangui in the Central African Republic due to its central location. However it will be disqualified as it is not as developed as other African cities. Nairobi in Kenya can also be another contender due to the Kenyan capital hosting many international organizations and other agencies that give it the necessary political infrastructure to be a potential "capital of Africa". Lastly Johannesburg in South Africa due to being the most developed city in Africa, and it also hosts the Pan African parliament and has a good air connectivity to most of Africa, but Addis Ababa through Ethiopian Airlines still would give the Ethiopian capital a lead as its national airline flies to most African countries more than any other African airline, thus giving its airline a pan african flavour and again supporting the narrative of Addis Ababa being the best setting for a future capital of continental Africa. 

The existing 50+ states would become provinces or federated regions, similar to how U.S. states operate under a federal constitution. 

However, the challenge lies in harmonizing vastly different political systems. Some African nations operate full democracies (e.g., Ghana, Botswana), while others are under authoritarian rule (e.g., Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea), with varying degrees of corruption, governance, and press freedom. Implementing continent-wide democracy would require constitutional conventions, robust institutions, transitional justice systems, and a framework for decentralization. Historical parallels include the formation of the European Union, post-Civil War U.S. federalism, and post-Apartheid South Africa’s inclusive constitution-building.

Authoritarian regimes may resist ceding power. To address this, a phased integration model could be employed: starting with economic and infrastructural unity (as seen in AfCFTA), followed by judicial harmonization and political reform incentives. Ensuring buy-in from citizens requires inclusive representation, public dialogue, and pan-African civic education.

Though complex, a unified Africa is not impossible. With visionary leadership, generational change, and citizen-driven movements, it could become a long-term reality—a powerful, democratic voice on the global stage.

Smart Diplomacy: How AI is Transforming International Relations and Foreign Policy

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping global diplomacy by enhancing data analysis, forecasting crises such as an AI model by the World Bank to forecast refugee arrivals several months in advance, and improving negotiation strategies. Through predictive analytics, AI enables countries to anticipate geopolitical shifts and respond swiftly. AI can equip diplomats with greater knowledge on a topic in a shorter space of time which will make the field of diplomacy more efficient and make diplomats more informed. Virtual diplomacy platforms powered by AI streamline communication, especially during global emergencies. Nations like the U.S. and China are investing in AI-driven foreign policy tools, signaling a shift toward tech-centric diplomacy. For Africa and the Global South, AI offers an opportunity to level the playing field—if strategically adopted. However, ethical concerns and digital inequality must be addressed to ensure balanced global engagement.

Empowering Africa's Youth: Building Wealth, Confidence, and Opportunity

Africa's youth unemployment crisis demands more than job creation; it requires fostering environments where young people can build wealth, gain confidence, and access opportunities. Thriving sectors like agriculture, digital technology, and creative industries offer promising avenues. For instance, agribusiness has been identified as a transformative sector for sustainable youth employment in Sub-Saharan Africa. Similarly, social media entrepreneurship has enabled Nigerian youths to engage in self-employment, creating jobs and reducing unemployment.

However, challenges persist. In Ethiopia and many other African countries, youth entrepreneurs face constraints such as limited access to finance and inadequate training. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive strategies, including entrepreneurship education, skill acquisition programs, and supportive policies. In Zimbabwe there are initiatives that have been created to empower the youth such as digital skills projects to empower the youth to be digitally skilled and the skills include  web design and development, and digital marketing so as to ensure the youth are equipped for the modern job market. This will have a positive impact on Zimbabwe’s economic development and other African countries that support and implement such programs in the long run as more initiatives like this are vigorously implemented as they contribute towards equipping young people with appropriate skills which can contribute to higher employment prospects and as a result lower the high youth unemployment rate that currently plagues Africa.

Empowering youth through inclusive economic development not only addresses unemployment but also promotes social cohesion and sustainable growth. By investing in education, infrastructure, and supportive policies, African nations can harness the potential of their youth, transforming them into drivers of economic prosperity.

“From Struggle to Strength: What Africa Can Learn from Asia’s Rise Out of Poverty”

Africa’s path to poverty reduction must be bold, practical, and rooted in lessons from successful models. China lifted over 800 million people out of poverty through rural industrialization, better known as "rural revitalization", long-term planning, and infrastructure-led growth—Africa can adopt similar strategies through AfCFTA and agricultural value chains. Singapore and the UAE leveraged smart governance, human capital, and strategic investment to build global hubs. Their emphasis on meritocracy, anti-corruption, and digital economies is crucial for Africa’s transformation. Malaysia used education, SMEs, and export diversification—lessons easily adaptable to African economies. Japan’s model of discipline, innovation, and community-driven development shows that social cohesion and national consensus matter. While Africa faces different historical and structural challenges, contextualizing these models—by tailoring policies to local needs, strengthening institutions, and fostering accountability—can make the “impossible” workable. With political will, investment in youth, and continental cooperation, Africa can leap beyond poverty into shared prosperity.

Conclusion 

What stood out for me from an economic point of view is "export diversification" and for African countries to move away from solely relying on exporting agrarian products and moving towards high tech exports such as electronics and other manufactured goods which are finished products as studies show such economic policies have the potential to ensure a steady GDP growth which Africa desperately needs to see occurring across the continent. This falls under one of the 7 aspirations of the African Union’s (AU) Agenda 2063 blueprint and master plan which is titled: 

Aspiration 1: A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development

And can be accessed on this hyperlink for more details on this aspiration. 

Revive or Rust: Why the African Union Must Reinvent Itself for Africa’s Youth

As a young African, I strongly believe the African Union (AU) must undergo serious reform—or risk becoming irrelevant. Many youth across the continent view it as a distant, outdated institution that doesn't reflect their aspirations or realities. To remain fit for purpose, the AU must streamline its bureaucracy, become more responsive to crises (like in Sudan or the Sahel), and take a firmer stance on unconstitutional power grabs. It should also embrace digital transformation and youth inclusion—not just in rhetoric but in action. 

Finally, the AU must push harder for free movement and economic integration under AfCFTA. Without these changes, Africa’s next generation may look elsewhere for leadership that truly represents them.

Beyond Borders: Is a United, Borderless Africa Within Reach?

The idea of a borderless Africa is no longer a distant dream, but a growing conversation driven by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The African Union’s Agenda 2063 envisions seamless movement of people, goods, and services. Countries like Rwanda are pioneering visa-free travel for all Africans, while Kenya and Ghana support regional integration efforts throught their respective regional blocs to foster greater cooperation beyond their national boundaries. However, progress is uneven. Bureaucratic red tape, corruption at border posts, and nationalistic mindsets slow down implementation.

Mindset change remains crucial—Africans must begin to see themselves as one people across artificial colonial borders. This is a difficult task that has to be implemented as opposed to just talking about it and writing policy papers and doing actual concrete measures that are visible that people can actually see as a way of challenging the notions of colonial drawn borders. However this should be done with respect to national sovereignty so as to avoid conflicts perhaps by implementing more gradual means such as through regional blocs as a way to deal with colonial boundaries and then further implementing other continental policies as is already taking place such as encouraging the full implementation of the AfCFTA. Trade-wise, South Africa leads in intra-African trade volumes, showing the potential of regional economic hubs. Yet, without full political will and infrastructure investment, the dream of a truly borderless Africa risks stalling. A unified Africa is possible—but only with cooperation, trust, and a shared vision that goes beyond paper commitments.

Breaking Barriers: Tackling the High Cost of Intra-Africa Trade

Intra-African trade remains costly due to fragmented logistics, high tariffs, and limited air and rail connectivity. A flight from Lagos to Nairobi, for instance, can cost more than some trips to Europe. Overland transport faces delays from inefficient customs and poor infrastructure making moving goods within the continent difficult with corruption making intra-Africa trade more difficult as studies have shown corruption to be a barrier to economic growth as it can hinder foreign investment and cause unnecessary delays at ports of entry. To reduce these costs and barriers, Africa must streamline border procedures, invest in continental infrastructure, and fully implement the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

One Region, One Route: Integrating Southern Africa’s Transport Corridors

Integrating Southern Africa’s transport network is vital for unlocking regional trade, mobility, and economic growth. This is a key feature of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and is part of the SADCs economic blueprint, the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020-2030 strategic priorities. This is a heavily neglected area in my opinion which the region has to act upon as this will unlock business opportunities across the region. No one country can operate in isolation with the artificially drawn borders which act as barriers of entry and barriers to innovation particular on the local population. Hence the encouragment for business that have the ability to scale to expand to other African countries as alluded to by Zimbabwean businessman Shingai Mtasa. 

A harmonized system—linking road, rail, air, and port infrastructure—can enhance efficiency and reduce costs. Corridors like the North-South and Maputo Development Corridors are key examples already advancing integration. Aligning transport policies with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and its Protocol on Free Movement ensures legal and institutional support. Countries like South Africa, Mozambique, and Zambia and Zimbabwe must invest in cross-border infrastructure and unified customs systems more rapidly that are world class standard. A truly connected Southern Africa will not only boost intra-African trade but also deepen regional unity and global competitiveness. This will increase the regions ability to be competitive and integrated as the EU and dare I say even better if all member states work together very hard and smart on this vital area.

"AI: Africa’s Fast-Track to the Future – Leaping Ahead, Not Catching Up"

Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents Africa with a rare chance to leapfrog traditional stages of development and establish itself as a global innovation hub. Rather than following the path of industrialized nations, Africa can adopt AI solutions to transform healthcare, agriculture, governance, and education—sectors critical to its development.

Countries like Rwanda are deploying AI in drone technology for medical supply delivery; Kenya is using AI in fintech to expand access to financial services through mobile platforms like M-Pesa. South Africa has seen rapid growth in AI research and startups, while Nigeria is becoming a key AI hub through data science training initiatives and health-tech innovations.

With the right policies, investments in infrastructure, and ethical data governance, AI can empower African countries to compete globally. The future isn’t about catching up—it’s about setting the pace. AI could be Africa’s defining leap into a smarter, more inclusive 21st century.

“Ruling the People: Why Democracy Still Outruns the Alternatives"

Democracy is often hailed as the ideal system of governance, with its roots in ancient Greece, built on the principles of representation, accountability, and popular participation. Winston Churchill famously said in 1947 that, “Democracy is the worst form of government—except for all the others.” This statement captures the sentiment that while democracy has flaws, alternative systems tend to be more oppressive or unsustainable. 

Communism, for instance, promotes classless society according to Marxism and state-controlled resources, yet often leads to authoritarian regimes as seen in Stalinist USSR. Monarchy centralises power in a royal family, offering stability but little citizen input as seen in Eswatini. Theocracy places religious leaders in control, blending divine law with governance, often limiting pluralism, like in Iran. Autocracy, where power lies with one leader, may offer quick decision-making but suppresses dissent—as seen in North Korea.

Democracy has several flaws as noted by Andrew Heywood, in his book titled Politics and notes that there is disharmony in democracy as its competitive nature can fuel conflict and disharmony such as in electoral battles better known as elections. It can deepen tribal and regional tensions and could breed the very concept it is against which is authoritarianism. 

While democracy is imperfect as this article notes, its flexibility, openness, and emphasis on human rights make it the most broadly accepted—if not flawless—system today.

Power in Balance – The Global Importance of Semi-Autonomous Regions

Semi-autonomous regions represent a unique middle ground in governance—allowing for localized self-rule while remaining under the broader sovereignty of a central government. This concept emerged historically from the need to accommodate ethnic, linguistic, or cultural diversity, often as a result of colonial legacies or negotiated peace settlements. Semi-autonomy offers a compromise: local identity is preserved, and conflict is often reduced without full independence.

Prominent examples include Catalonia (Spain), Hong Kong (China), Kurdistan Region of Northern Iraq (Iraq), Scotland (UK), and Zanzibar (Tanzania). These regions possess varying degrees of legislative or administrative power. Their existence reflects how states manage internal diversity while maintaining national unity. 

While autonomy can promote stability and cultural protection, it also raises challenges—such as calls for full secession, for example the Catalan independence movement in Spain which reached its climax in 2017 with the Spanish constitution court blocking calls for a referedum . In a world where identity and governance are increasingly complex, semi-autonomous regions offer flexible, context-sensitive solutions to managing sovereignty.

Global Governance – The “Ultimate Unity” or a Dangerous Illusion?

The concept of a one world government raises both hope and concern. Academically, it promises unified responses to global crises like climate change, echoing structures like the United Nations which is the closest we have to a form of a world government. Politically, while such governance could reduce war and inequality, it risks authoritarianism, centralising power and eroding national sovereignty.

Religiously, views differ—some see it as a path to peace, others link it to apocalyptic prophecy. Historical examples like the European Union show both potential and fragility. These fragilities in such concepts include Brexit which has come to challenge such forms of centralisation of power. Feasibility depends on balancing sovereignty, ethics, and global consensus which has proven to be a formidable challenge.

Rethinking Borders: Should More African Countries Be Created?

The idea of forming new African countries may seem controversial, yet in specific contexts, it could offer viable solutions to long-standing conflicts and governance challenges. Historically, colonial-era boundaries ignored ethnic, cultural, and regional identities—resulting in marginalization and unrest. Where autonomy or federalism has failed, new statehood may present a peaceful and democratic alternative, giving voice to regions that feel excluded from national decision-making.

Potential new nations include Azawad (Mali), Ambazonia (Cameroon), Barotseland (Zambia), Somaliland (Somalia), and Caprivi (Namibia)—each with unique histories of self-determination movements. While secession is delicate, if handled legally and diplomatically, it could contribute to greater regional stability and inclusive development.

The legalities involved in creating new states is complex and involves a number of factors before their eventual creation and the importance of being recognised by many countries strengthens that country's legitimacy and sovereignty, particularly and most importantly by United Nations member states with a country's highest form of recognition being a member of the United Nations. 

Africa's missing strategy: Effective leadership and why it matters

'Effective leadership'

Africa’s development journey is often hindered not by a lack of resources, but by a deficit in effective, visionary leadership. Effective leadership is the missing link between Africa’s vast potential and its sustainable development. From a Pan-Africanist lens, leadership should prioritize unity, self-determination, and people-centered governance. Yet, many leaders have failed to deliver on these ideals, resulting in persistent poverty, conflict, and external dependence as is evidenced in Africa’s geopolitical climate. 

On the ground, citizens face failing infrastructure, unemployment, and weak institutions due to mismanagement or corruption with young people being the most vulnerable and affected. However, leaders like Paul Kagame of Rwanda have been praised for stability and economic transformation and the late John Magufuli of Tanzania focused on curbing corruption and improving public services. 

'Ethical leadership'

Additionally, global African voices like Strive Masiyiwa, a telecoms entrepreneur and philanthropist, and Mo Ibrahim, a governance advocate and founder of the Ibrahim Index, are shaping Africa’s global image by promoting ethical leadership, accountability, and innovation.  

Their paths prove Africa's potential thrives under strong, ethical leadership.

Africa’s future depends on leaders who combine integrity, vision, and a commitment to the continent’s collective upliftment. Leadership must move from rhetoric to results.

Biya Wins Again: World's oldest President and Cameroon’s Longest-Serving Leader Pushes Toward Half a Century Rule

"7 more years"

In a move that has drawn both concern and admiration, Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, now 92 years old, has secured an eighth term in office. As the world’s oldest sitting head of state, Biya is poised to extend his rule from 43 to an unprecedented 50 years as the next elections will only be held in 2032 when he will be 99 years old. His continued leadership raises pressing questions about political longevity, democratic processes, and the future of Cameroon.

"Yet another election"

In a highly contested election, Paul Biya, the 92-year-old president of Cameroon, has been declared the winner, marking another term in office. The October 12, 2025, presidential election saw Biya secure 53.66% of the vote, while his main challenger, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, garnered 35.19%. This victory extends Biya's rule, which began in 1982, further solidifying his position as one of the longest-serving leaders in Africa.

The election was marred by allegations of electoral fraud, with opposition parties and civil society groups denouncing the outcome as unfair. Tchiroma, who declared himself the winner despite official results not being released, has vowed to continue fighting for what he believes is his rightful victory. His supporters took to the streets, clashing with security forces and blocking roads in several cities, including the commercial capital, Douala.

The aftermath of the election saw violent protests and repression by security forces, resulting in at least 23 deaths according to a civil society group. 

Biya's presidency has been characterized by authoritarian tendencies, with the ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM) dominating the country's politics. The opposition has accused Biya of using state institutions to cling to power, and the recent election has done little to alleviate these concerns.

The international community has been cautious in its response, with some governments expressing concern over the election's legitimacy. The European Union has urged "restraint" following violent clashes, while the Cameroonian government has maintained that the election was fair with the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji urging the population to move on from the election. 

This election has also highlighted the country's deep-seated divisions, particularly between the Francophone and Anglophone regions. The Anglophone regions, which have been embroiled in a separatist conflict since 2017, have been particularly critical of Biya's rule. The election results showed Biya winning a significant majority in these regions, a outcome that has been disputed by opposition parties.

As Biya begins another term in office, Cameroonians face an uncertain future. The country's economic and security challenges, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in the Anglophone regions and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, require strong and effective leadership. Whether Biya's government can deliver on these challenges remains to be seen. He is hardly involved in the governing of his own country with allegations of extended stays at the Intercontinental Hotel in Geneva and the Prime Minister suspected of taking key decisions leaving a cloud of uncertainty over the goals of his administration and lack of political vision.

In my previous blog post, "Opinion: Paul Biya is still Cameroon's President but for how much longer," I discussed the challenges facing Biya's rule and the potential for democratic reforms in the country. You can read it here (Link).

As I concluded then, the question remains whether Biya's government will implement meaningful reforms to address the country's pressing issues or continue down a path of authoritarianism. One thing is certain: Cameroon's future hangs in the balance as Biya's rule enters a likely final phase.

The ANC's Future in Question: Will it Remain in Power by 2029?

The ANC, although still the dominant party, is no longer in the majority as its support has slipped well below 50%. Its performance in recent elections, where it garnered less than 40% in the 2024 elections, has forced it to join a Government of National Unity (GNU) with several other parties, such as the Democratic Alliance (DA), Patriotic Alliance (PA), and Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), to form a majority. Some analysts argue that it is not a Government of National Unity per se, but rather a coalition government, given that other parties are not part of it.

The ANC has governed South Africa since 1994 and has been at the helm for the last 31 years. However, it is now starting to wilt as the electorate becomes impatient and disillusioned by some of the myriad problems, such as the high crime rate, inequality, unemployment, and corruption scandals, to name but a few. The government of President Cyril Ramaphosa has attempted to engage these problems by forming commissions of inquiries, hosting meetings to hear the people's concerns, and has made great strides to spruce up its international image, following what some felt was tainted by some of the scandals of former President Jacob Zuma, who has since formed his own party, the Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party, which has shaken South African politics and came a surprising number three in the 2024 elections.

These new entrants, such as the MK party and the recently formed Mayibuye iAfrika party by the former Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Deputy President and former Secretary-General of the MK party, Floyd Shivambu, have threatened the dominance of the ANC further, as it already has to deal with its coalition partner, the DA under its leader John Steenhuisen, which is the second-largest party in the country. Helen Zille is largely pulling the strings behind the scenes in the DA as the Federal Chairperson, and its successes in the Western Cape and local government have even been acknowledged by President Ramaphosa as something the ANC should admire and implement, which sparked amusement in the country and seemed like an indirect admission of some of the ANC's shortcomings.

Then there is the battered but resilient EFF under Julius Malema, who is determined to recover his party's footing following a string of defections and resignations and wants to show that his party is still a force to be reckoned with in South Africa's political space. Other parties punching above their weight include Gayton McKenzie's PA and the Freedom Front Plus under Pieter Groenewald, both of whom are in the current GNU and serve as Ministers.

All these factors have led to the ANC not only being unable to make a comeback but have also made a retreat inevitable from more voters unless it gets its house in order. Some desperate measures have been floated, such as roping in Patrice Motsepe, a wealthy businessman and one of the country's richest men, to the national stage, but Motsepe has since responded that this is not the case. However, this remains to be seen, as the next ANC congress to choose a new leader is two years away, and a lot can happen before then.

Come 2029, with the ANC's popularity declining and other parties coming onto the national stage, this analytical piece argues that the ANC will still be a major player but not a dominant player, as it has been up to now, and that GNU's and coalition governments will become the norm in South African politics going forward.

Artificial Intelligence: The great equalizer?

AI is an amazing technological advancement. It was almost science fiction just a few years ago and this shows the amazing way we as humans always seem to adapt and eventually adjust to the changes. The internet as we no it today is now a normal part of our lives and not anything to be moved or shocked by. This was not the case when it became mainstream around three decades ago with websites such as google taking the world by storm which shows the ability for man to adjust to technological advancements. The Y2K scare did not result in any doomsday scenario many considered or crazy disruption and this should not be viewed any differently with AI although with each advancement comes disruption of some sort to the system such as certain jobs going under as AI is largely viewed on replacing humans in some sectors as it continues to advance. Countries around the world have advocated for some framework to keep AI from causing major disruptions but others have argued the horse has already long left the stable. The amazing way AI can interpret questions, provide answers,  down to suggesting how to approach any situation it can be asked. It still largely gets its information from what is already online so it's not getting information from "nowhere" so to speak but it's ability to reason and even think beyond human comprehension and intelligence is remarkable and to some frightening. The world as we know it will become different because of it and by 2030 the world as we know it today will look different from where it is today at the time of this article in 2025 as many technological advances occur with AI playing a leading role in this advancement. All AI needs is a good internet connection and it's services are at a click of a button anywhere in the world. Every country in the world rich and poor is now connected to the internet in some format. Some of course have more restrictions than others but this does not reduce its global reach and ability to influence all corners of the globe. This makes AI have a greater potential to uplift the lives of those in poorer regions while making richer ones more successful as it spearheads advancements in a variety of fields from medical advancements to coming up with ways of how to reduce global inequality. The list is endless and as people use it appropriately it can be a force of good towards a brighter future so long as it operates in the right hands.

Impact Beyond Borders: Pope Francis and Raila Odinga's Enduring Influence

2025 has been marked by the passing of significant individuals who played key roles in shaping their spheres of influence in a number of ways and one can argue even in the world at large. This article will focus specifically on two key players; Pope Francis and Raila Odinga. The focus on these two individuals is due to their diverse backgrounds as a way of showing leadership geopolitically from vast corners of the world and arenas and not solely focusing on one specific region, hemisphere or continent which is what I am interested in focusing on in my blog posts.

These two individuals although have their origins from different parts of the world, it is notable that they share several tenets, one of them being the focus on uplifting the poorer members of society as was evident during Pope Francis time as head of the catholic church and although he lacked geographic sovereignty over a specific area as this was only confined to the Vatican city which is very small in area, what the Vatican lacked in geography was met with the great influence of the Catholic faith with over one billion global followers has made the Catholic church a force to be reckoned with and has played important roles in the geopolitical landscape globally. Mr Odinga in Kenya on the other hand like his counterpart in the Vatican lacked that full sovereign control over an area as he never became President of Kenya which he attempted to do 5 times and although he never became President ( he came close in 2007 and will be discussed) his influence over Kenyan politics is without question unmatched and this was evident as soon as his body was repatriated from India with scores coming to see his body returned at the airport and at the stadium in Nairobi. Both Pope Francis and Raila Odinga continued in their known roles right up to the day they died which although some may criticize as lack of not knowing when to step down due to age and health issues, it is admirable by their sense of duty to serve in their roles despite the frailties they experienced. Let's first look at Pope Francis time as leader of the Catholic faith from his base at the Vatican.

Pope Francis: From the streets of Buenos Aires to the heart of Rome

Pope Francis was born in Argentina in 1936 and was the Archbishop of Buenos Aires when he was selected at the conclave to become the Pope and the first outside of Europe in the Catholic Churches history in March 2013 at the age of 76. He brought his dynamic personal connection and hands on approach to dealing with societal challenges and was seen as being in touch with reality and focused on uplifting the poor and marginalized. His outlook was to the left of the political spectrum and was not afraid to travel to dangerous regions in the world such as visiting Iraq in 2021 and was also an advocate for peace such as pleading with rival parties in South Sudan to end the conflict. He also wanted to reform the Church and make it more inclusive and was not seen as materialistic and chose to stay in a simple dwelling rather than the more grand Pope residence and even travelled in simple fashion such as in ordinary vehicles rather than lavish ones which earned him a lot of supporters globally. He did have his critics such as some in the Vatican not comfortable with his reformist agendas. In his final years he maintained his role with dignity and even in ill health chose to still be involved in church business and even attended an Easter mass on Sunday April 20, 2025 despite being visibly ill a day before he passed away on April 21, 2025 at the age of 88. He was in charge of the Vatican for 12 years and his funeral was attended by many global dignitaries from the US President Donald Trump to Zimbabwe's Vice President Constantino Chiwenga which showed his influence all the way to the vast number of crowds that filled St Peter's Square in the Vatican.

Raila Odinga: The President Kenya never had

Raila Odinga was born in 1945. His father was independent Kenya's first Vice President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. This likely shaped his political views and his political activism attracted global attention when he was accused of plotting a coup against the country's authoritarian leader Daniel Arap Moi in 1982 that led to his incarceration for most of the decade that made him Kenya's longest serving political prisoner. Upon his release he played a key role in bringing multiparty democracy to the country and ran for President five times in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017 and 2022.
In 2007 the race was particularly close and turned violent with over 1000 killed leading to a string of negotiations to bring about a peaceful political environment which led to a powersharing agreement between Raila Odinga and the incumbent President Mwai Kibaki that led Odinga to become the Prime Minister until the next elections in 2013 when he lost to the son of the country's founding father Uhuru Kenyatta whose father was Jomo Kenyatta which sparked interest of a continued rivalry between the two as their fathers also at some point were also rivals. In 2017 the country's court came to a dramatic decision and made the elections null and void and said another election should be held that's more acceptable. Odinga decided not to run in that election arguing certain conditions were not met and scores did not turn up which yet again show cased his political might. He later made what was called a "golden handshake" agreement with Uhuru Kenyatta, something he often did with his rivals which critics argue was to save his political career which could be true but also a stroke of political genius to keep his movement going and also his lack of not keeping grudges which was mentioned during his funeral. In 2022 he ran yet again at the age of 77 and in dramatic fashion was backed by the incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta but lost to Deputy President William Ruto. He later also had a working relationship with Ruto as well which showcased yet again his political strategy to work with his former opponents. In 2024 aged 79 he ran for the highest continental office as Chairperson of the African Union but also lost that race. Despite that set back he continued to lead his movement and remain active and relevant in the political arena up to the end of his life when he passed away in Kerala India on October 15, 2025 at the age of 80 with no signs of him slowing down. His huge popularity in the country was evident by the huge crowds that came to receive his body at the main Airport in Nairobi on a Kenya Airways flight all the way to the stadium. Like Pope Francis his influence had global reach as he was seen as a champion of democracy and many paid tribute to him such as human rights activists, Presidents in the region and beyond.

The parallels between Pope Francis and Kenya's veteran opposition leader and former Prime Minister is astonishing as both wanted to serve until the very end with no talk of retiring. Both advocated for policies to improve the lives of the poor and downtrodden and although they definitely had their critics continued to run with their agendas right up to the end of their lives.

2025: A glimmer of hope?

The year 2025 is almost coming to a close but one cannot help but ponder on the extraordinary events that have shaped the global discourse. The decade of the 2020s began with a pandemic that shook the nation's to their core and as soon as the pandemic started to come to an end no sooner was Europe faced with a war situation in the East as Ukraine and Russia's simmering tensions over the years, led to the outbreak of a full fledged conflict which Russia calls a "special military operation", which however is viewed by Ukraine as Russian aggression. The US President hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska this year, the first time a Russian leader had visited the US in many years as US President Donald Trump used his influence and personal diplomacy to solve the conflict. The conflict is still ongoing but Trump is determined to find solutions to end it as he has just played a key role to cease the conflict between Israel and Palestine which has been seen as a major breakthrough in international relations with Trump been applauded in bringing the war to an end. It is undeniable that ending such a conflict does not happen over night and many hurdles need to be overcome which is by no means an easy feat and only can be achieved with strong and committed leadership and bringing different sides to the negotiating table just as President Trump did with the Israeli leadership, the Arab world, most prominently Egypt and Qatar as well as Turkey and is an ongoing peace process to make the Middle East region safer as the goal. Conflict continues to plague many parts of the world and there is an effort by global leaders to halt these conflicts with some occurring such as between India and Pakistan as well as Rwanda and the DRC. It is by no means an easy task and often times skirmishes will occur but with diplomacy taking centre stage in geo politics away from hard power tactics 2025 is fast becoming a year of the beginning of diplomacy being given a greater chance than ever before and it is encouraged and hoped for that more conflicts can be resolved by end of the year.