Opinions
Africa Rises Against Centuries Of Oppression: The Fall Of Western Imperialism And Neocolonialism, By Buhari Olanrewaju Ahmed
It is time for African countries to take charge of their own destinies and build a new, united Africa
The lack of development and economic advancement in Africa can be directly attributed to the decades of exploitation and oppression by Western imperialists.
Through colonization, the West stripped Africa of its resources and left the continent in a state of poverty and dependency. This has paved the way for neocolonialism, which is the exploitation of African countries through economic, political, and cultural means.
One of the ways neocolonialism manifests in Africa is through the imposition of Western-style democracy on African countries.
Many African leaders have sought to implement Western models of governance, but these have often failed to address the root causes of poverty and underdevelopment. Instead, these models have only served to perpetuate the cycle of dependency, leading to the rise of coups and other forms of political instability.
The West has also used economic means to maintain their control over Africa. They have deliberately loaned African countries large sums of money, with the knowledge that these countries will never be able to pay off the debt. This has left many African countries in a constant state of debt, unable to develop their own economies and infrastructure due to the high levels of repayment they must make.
However, the West has imposed sanctions on African countries that are not seen as sufficiently submissive to their agenda, furthering the economic and political control they have over the continent. This limits the ability of African countries to fully exercise their sovereignty and promote their own growth.
The actions of Western imperialists and neocolonialists have had a devastating impact on Africa, limiting its potential and stifling its development. However, there is hope that African countries can break free from this cycle of oppression and take control of their own destinies.
African leaders must prioritize the well-being of their citizens over their own self-interest and seek to build a strong, independent African economy. This can be achieved through the embracing of indigenous knowledge and practices, and the empowerment of local communities to take charge of their own development.
Moreover, African countries must unite to form a strong political and economic bloc that can negotiate on equal terms with foreign powers. By doing this, they can ensure that their interests are represented on the global stage and that they are not subject to the whims of imperialist powers.
The fall of Western imperialism and neocolonialism in Africa is long overdue. The continent must fight against the repressive systems that have kept it in a state of dependency for centuries.
It is time for African countries to take charge of their own destinies and build a new, united Africa that can thrive without external oppression.
The unpredictability of power has once again manifested through the recent coup in Gabon led by the junta. This overthrow of power reflects the citizens’ weariness of the 53-year rule of Bongo and their desire for change.
Despite the democratically elected president being ousted, people have shown enthusiasm for the military’s intervention and this could serve as a message for Nigerian politicians.
Gabon is a country that had to endure 53 years of slavery and hardship under French rule. In contrast, Nigeria is grappling with issues like modern-day slavery despite gaining independence. This highlights the irony of Africa’s struggle for autonomy, even after many years of liberating itself from colonial rule.
While I do not endorse or promote coups, it is important to note that if they are deemed necessary to liberate Africa from modern-day slavery, the choice should be determined by the people.
Ultimately, the decision for change in Africa should rest on the shoulders of the African people themselves and not external forces.