Why Africa’s legacy of peaceful power matters today

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✍️🏾 OPINION

By Sheikh Muhammad Abdulweli

At a time when global headlines are dominated by war and rising geopolitical tensions, it is important to reflect on the unfolding crisis in the Middle East. The ongoing Gaza war, alongside escalating tensions involving Israel, the United States, and Iran, has moved beyond a regional conflict into a global concern.

Recent developments underscore the fragility of the situation. A strained ceasefire, continued cross-border strikes, and rising tensions around key energy routes like the Strait of Hormuz highlight the risk of further escalation. At the same time, diplomatic efforts including paused  talks in Pakistan between U.S. and Iranian officials signal attempts to prevent a wider war.

Thousands of lives have been lost, millions displaced, and the humanitarian crisis continues to deepen. With growing risks to global energy supplies and economic stability, the Middle East crisis is increasingly shaping the future of global peace and security.

In such a moment, history offers us an important lesson that is often ignored. Africa, despite its vast wealth, strong empires, and strategic position, has largely been a continent that connected with the world rather than conquering it.

Take the example of Mansa Musa, the famous ruler of the Mali Empire in the 14th century. His influence reached far beyond West Africa into the Arab world. During his pilgrimage to Mecca in present-day Saudi Arabia, he travelled with an estimated 60,000 people and large amounts of gold.

In Cairo, his generosity was so great that it reportedly affected gold prices for years. Yet, this was not an act of dominance as it was a moment of connection, faith, and diplomacy. He built relationships, supported scholars, and strengthened ties across regions.

Ancient Egypt also played a key role in linking Africa to Asia. Through trade routes across the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, Egyptian and other African traders reached places as far as China and the Maldives. Goods like gold, ivory, spices, and textiles moved across continents. These exchanges were not forced through war as they were built on trust and mutual benefit.

Across Africa, powerful empires such as Mali, Songhai, and Axum had the resources and military strength to expand beyond their borders. Yet, there is little evidence of African armies crossing into Europe, Asia, or the Americas to conquer. Instead, Africa contributed to global civilization through trade networks, centers of learning like Timbuktu, and cultural exchange.

Today, the situation in the Middle East shows a different path which is driven by competition, control, and power. The destruction we are witnessing is a reminder of what happens when greed and dominance take priority over humanity. The Qur’an speaks clearly about this condition: “Corruption has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of people have earned…” (Qur’an 30:41)

This is not just a warning but it is a reality we are seeing unfold.

In contrast, the example of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) teaches us to pray for peace and stability, not control. He asked for safety and guidance, not power over others. Likewise, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) showed through the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah that peace, patience, and negotiation can achieve what war cannot.

Africa’s story reminds us that strength does not always mean conquest. A continent that held vast gold reserves, controlled major trade routes, and influenced global culture chose engagement over invasion.

As the world faces uncertainty from Gaza to the Gulf this lesson matters. Real power is not in how much you can destroy, but in how much peace you can build.

(The writer is the Resident Scholar and Imam of Tawhiid Islamic Center, Kisenyi, Kampala and the Director of Weli Travel | X: @MAbduweli)