Africa day 2021: reflections on the imperative of unity for empowerment

Abstract

As we commemorate Africa liberation day on May 25, it is a stark reminder to Africa that instead of celebrating the day, it is a day of mourning as Africa is still a far cry from being liberated.

Africa is bleeding from neo-colonialism, endless wars and grinding poverty. Africa has become the Fanonian “wretched of the earth”. The economic system of capitalism is deeply entrenched and it is perpetuating oppression and exploitation of the motherland.

There are countries in Africa such as Rwanda and Namibia which are being celebrated as “good economic models” for Africa with impeccable GDP’s relative to the rest according to the World Bank and IMF reports. There had been reports that Africa is on the “rise” but the question is, in whose interests whilst the gap between the poor and the rich is yawning? Africa’s natural resources are being rapaciously plundered by multinational corporations for the benefit of their nations. China has joined the bandwagon of this exploitative crusade at the invitation and permission from African governments.