The president of the Cameroon Renaissance Movement Maurice Kamto, has called on Africa to break with what he describes as the “1+54” diplomatic model, arguing for deeper political and strategic integration across the continent.
In the latest edition of his publication MK’s Thought No. 109-2026, released on May 25, Kamto criticized the practice where a single foreign country hosts a summit for all 54 African states. He said the format reinforces a dependency mindset, with African leaders attending primarily to seek aid and subsidies.
“Africa must immediately break free from the 1+54 dynamic,” Kamto wrote. He argued that the continent can only move past this “shameful spectacle” by pursuing two levers: political integration through the creation of federal states leading to a continental federation, and power-building through coordinated efforts in the economy, security, and defense.
The goal, he said, is for Africa to be seen not merely as a source of economic opportunities but as a major player to be respected on the global stage.
In his publication, Kamto posed the question of which African region would be the first to take up this political and power-building challenge.
