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In Africa, the post independence period has often been characterized by a certain neo-colonialism. Obviously, the truly volcanic world is this twenty first century of ours is very evident. While Asian countries have won their independence, the process of emancipation in Africa keeps our continent in a state of ferment; western domination continues almost in every facet of our life. In recent times, there have been upsurges of different forms of revolutions: industrial, technological, religious and political and so on and so forth.
In the face of all these, it remains that western civilization has not been halted in its tracks. And so, with these spectacular revolutions and movements, what the colonized countries are now experiencing are their way of advancing further with their initiative, still along a path which western movement had formally forced them to tread. We must x-ray the nature of this modern colonization, while addressing adequately its impacts on Africans and the true independence of African nations.
While still basking under the euphoria of independence, the nations in Africa find themselves in economic bondage, dependant on western countries for survival. We naturally resent this, and there is a certain mistrust that led to continuing power struggle between ethnic groups, struggles that are centuries old. Let me believe we are struggling to avoid this mentality among ourselves, and it is important that we continue to do more.
Now, the challenges facing every African are many and varied; for never before have foreign domination and penetration of new cultural influence taken so firm a hold upon the life of peoples here in Africa and the governments. Transfer of western civilizations has never in the past been so loosely interconnected, as is the case in our times with the expansion of technology and speed of modern globalization.
Africa as a continent in its present evolution is marked by a growing complexity and thus tagged by many “a terrain of woes.” Superficial or rather justifiable as the assertion my be, it makes for a place where persons and personalities, and even youths are also to battle with this poverty in a practical level, irrespective of education.
No one can deny the urgency of a change and radical transformation that is needed today in Africa. With the historical tension among Africans, one could be geared towards making some indigenous contributions without any devastating inferiority complex. We seem to be grossly irresponsible. And with this grafting of the countries of Africa on the ideological contours of the West, the unspeakable result is that of grave consequences against autonomy, culture and responsibility. In fact, it is a mirage of the African nations’ independence!
The inception of human literacy has unfolded the classic concept of history as “a teacher of life.” And since history is known to repeat itself, the wise person is one “who learns the lessons of history and applies them in recurrent life situations.” Today in Africa, it is true that there are independent states governed by indigenous people, but it is no less true that African governments are still largely foreign both in ethos and in pathos. To this end therefore, we must evolve a truly African people who will build true African nations, if we are to be the “future of Africa and the nations of the future.”
Therefore, let us stand up for the right time is now. Let our people learn to become our people, adhering to our cultures and traditions and also build governments of our own in the face of the various challenges and obstacles that we face. Let Africa be!
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Henry Ekwuruke
Henry Ekwuruke is Executive Director of the Development Generation Africa International.
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