As African leaders attend the UN General Assembly, Phapano Phasha argues that historical injustices must be acknowledged, but they do not excuse present-day governance failures. The piece says that while the legacies of colonialism and exploitation remain relevant to debates about justice and development, current political and administrative problems require accountability at home.
The commentary frames corruption, authoritarianism, and weak public institutions as central challenges that governments across the region must confront. It contends that blaming external actors, including Western states, can distract from policy choices and enforcement gaps. In this view, addressing structural inequality and injustice should proceed alongside reforms that improve transparency, the rule of law, and democratic accountability.
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