Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has said African leaders are to be blamed for the high rate of poverty and underdevelopment in the continent.
The ex-Nigerian leader said the ill-conceived and poorly implemented policies in Africa are the cause of poverty.
He says the harsh economic realities on the continent have led to countless Africans dying while trying to flee their poverty-stricken countries in search of a better life.
Obasanjo said this in a keynote address at the 2017 African Leadership Forum in Boksburg on the East Rand, South Africa, where former heads of state discussed pertinent issues facing the continent.
He says human trafficking and migrant flows are now on the rise and that African countries should deal decisively with corruption to halt this.
Former African leaders gathered in Boksburg discussed ways to achieve sustainable peace and security on the continent.
Earlier former South African President Thabo Mbeki said too many people were killed daily in Africa over political issues.
His foundation hosted the event with Tanzania’s former President Benjamin Mkapa for the first time in South Africa.
Mbeki said African leaders need to do better.
“It’s an important topic, obviously, the issue of peace and security on our continent because of the challenges that we continue to face.”
Mbeki urged African leaders to remain alert as violence could erupt, adding that African leaders need to ensure the peace and stability of people.