I often ask why Europeans colonized Africa and keep calling the shots till this day. How come a continent as fertile and rich as Africa, abject poverty, penury and hunger reign. Even after granting independence to its colonies, they still run the show systematically. But Africans offer themselves as conduits in the exploitation of the continent. An African proverb says “If a snake does not act like one, women will use it to tie up firewood.” Africans let down themselves so autocrats and neocolonialists take them for a ride.
Prosperity comes mostly through trade and commerce, so why are African countries not trading enough? It is unfortunate that a continent of 54 countries and hundreds of cities awash with mineral and human resources are still depending on borrowing. More so, the current crop of leaders loves borrowing to stupor even at the detriment of their people.
The current philosophy many Africans share is disgraceful, especially when it affects to organized religion. Black Africans are loyal to religious sects and preachers who never stand up for them. In my last editorial, I wrote against the interest in Palestine when conflicts worse that it occur on the continent. It is so unfortunate. We can never be respected if our allegiance is to those who care less about us.
One of the tools oppressors use is the divide and rule tactics, which imposes mediocrity against meritocracy. The system keeps resurfacing in our daily lives, from our countries to societies where we dwell. We are easily used to undermine those championing our emancipation. As a result of deprivations, a plate of porridge becomes a big deal to many.
The mentality must change for progress. The oppressor remains great because we fail to challenge the status quo for progress. The moment you do it, an oppressor panic. Africans must resist letting down the continent.
Ukachukwu Okorie, Editor-in-Chief
