The message of Pan-Africanism is simple, it is a message of Unity, yet one will wonder why it continues to face stiff opposition from people - especially those of African descent. Except when it is geared towards the wrong direction, there has never been a time when unity has led to chaos. Little wonder the words "United we Stand, Divided we Fall" has been adopted in every part of the world. The case of Africa is no different, it is either we unite to stand or continue in our division to fall! The decision is ours to make and the cards are right before us!
Neo-Colonialism is right at our doorsteps and it is disheartening that we have been caught off guard despite the warnings of Kwame Nkrumah and other Pan-African advocates. Even the greatest critics of Pan-Africanism would not deny that Africa would have been better off now if we had hearkened to the warnings of Nkrumah.
A united Africa with one capital, one currency, one army, regional integration et al would have better stood against neo-Colonialism and the countless number of Comprador Bourgeoisie - agents and puppets of the erstwhile colonial masters who continue to stroll the corridor of power in every African country today. It is these Bourgeois who have sold Africa and continue to sell our future to their masters - to whom they have become toothless puppies, boot-lickers and 'yes men'.
In the olden days, our traditional leaders sold slaves to the European slave traders in return for gunpowder and mirrors; today, our leaders sell us for flats in Europe and exotic cars. The colonial masters never lost interest in Africa; in fact, they are even more interested now more than ever before.
When David Dacko of the Central African Republic during his Independence speech in appreciation to Kwame Nkrumah and support for Pan-Africanism said the colonial masters did not leave willingly and when they return, what will the little the Central African Republic do to stop them? He wasn't speaking of the Central African Republic alone, he was speaking of the fate of every independent African nation. Without unity, Africa is sheep without a Shepard and easy prey for these colonial vampires who will stop at nothing but to suck Africa dry of her resources and potentials.
In the wake of Brexit, one can vividly see the true colors of Europe and Britain as regards their pernicious interests in Africa. Within a space of one week, British Prime minister, Theresa May and the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel led high-level diplomats and trade delegates to Africa as they battle to dominate Africa. China on the other hand like a venomous viper is employing a subtle but shrewd approach in its dealings with Africa. Under the pretense of investments, they have penetrated and taken over the economies of many African countries like Ethiopia. Within a space of one year, Nigeria has gotten loans from China totaling over $10bn and the Nigerian president like many other African leaders in their lack of wisdom and greed jump at these opportunities which are baits to further open the African borders to substandard Chinese products and human exploitation.
Representatives from 50 African countries were in Beijing, China from June 26 to July 12, 2018 for a Security forum and in September, the 2018 Forum for China-Africa Congress Summit in Beijing which was attended by virtually all the African presidents saw African leaders smiling as they signed agreements with China after the country promised to invest 60 Billion US Dollars to improve the economy in Africa and enhance development in the Continent.
It is late but not too late. The time has come when Africans must demand Pan-Africanism and we must no longer wait for our leaders to make the decision for us.
We must also demand an explanation for every foreign agreement our governments' sign, and request transparency in the terms of Memorandum of Understanding before loans, aids and grants are received from foreign countries, the World Bank and IMF.
We should adopt Pan-Africanism now if we are interested in the progress of Africa.
Header Image Credit: Tales of History (Youtube)