Globalization has both positive and negative sides (see J. Bayo Adekanye; 2003). But whether globalization has become a moral indicator in a social framework does not change the fact that it is an inevitable reality precipitated by the wave and tides of human civilization, anchored on science and technology. What is today christened “The Obama Phenomenon” is an effect of the Obama campaign strategy; an influence of his inspirational eloquence, a creed of change and the real “Audacity of Hope”. But how much hope do the Africa people have in this face of global realities…a continent whose people are forced out of their homes; many internally displaced, and others cross international borders becoming refugees and fugitives. A people under attack by their own government and living in an environment battered by the effect of armed conflicts and still exploited by the enigma of pseudo capitalism. Many scholars believe that some Africa states operate a capitalist economic system. But they fail to realize that capitalism entails a huge capital investment and massive industrial activities. What is observed in Africa is that the few investments christened “Private sector” are actually institutions funded with public finance but administered privately by the political elite. This system of economy is not capitalistic but pseudo- capitalism because of its exploitative tendency.

This essay starts with an analysis of globalization viewing it in two respects; as a process and as a global culture. it puts President Barrack Obama on the spotlight as he emerged on the America political stage and focused on its implication for Africa. It then examines the nature of sovereignty and the question of governance as two necessary dimensions of globalization in relation to the Africa refugee crisis. The definition of refugee as it concerns the UNHCR is ” a person under the 1951 United Nation (UN) convention relating to the status of Refugees or its 1967 Protocol, the 1969 Organization of Africa Unity (OAU) Governing the specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa, persons recognized as refugees in accordance with the UNHCR Statute, persons granted humanitarian or comparable status and those granted temporary protection. Though the status of an Internally Displaced Person (IDP) is not contained in this UN classification of a refugee, for the purpose this essay, the definition shall extend to such persons so identified. The significance of this assumption is predicated on the fact that the instances of refugee have become a passing face in Africa. But the reality of “natural disaster” will still remain, giving rise to a new dimension in situation of “Complex Emergencies.” And complex emergencies, whether induced by natural disaster or violent conflict, require the same instrumentality for management. Read the rest of this entry »