THE AFRICA WE WANT

Very thankful to slave trade. Else, I would be in AFRICA, nakedly serving a name that does not exist, forcibly marrying a man older than my father and thinking to the conclusion of imperialism.

-A black American Senator in the USA-

     Africa Union is a continental union, consisting of all the 55 countries on the African Continent, extending slightly into Asia, via the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. It was established on 26th May, 2001 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and launched on 9th July, 2002 in South Africa , with the aim of replaying the Organization of African Unity(OAU) established on 25th may, 1963 in Addis Ababa, with 32 signatory governments. They have a motto which says, " A UNITED AND STRONG AFRICA". Today marks the celebration of Africa Union and my question here is, *”do we have the Africa we want"*?

    At its formation, the founding fathers saw the end of colonialism and white minority rule and the start of co-operation among African states as the imperative road to achieve a better life for the people of Africa. Among other aims, the AU also sought to defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of African States. Africa today resembles the past: The continent is still divided along regional borders and tribal and ethnic boundaries-creation of the colonial rulers.
Recently, in a presentation at the African Leadership series,  Prof. Oteino Lumumba lamented that, it was only Africa that was still being referred to by colonial labels based on the identity of the coloniser. Lumumba highlighted terms such as 'Anglophone' ,'Francophone' and 'Lusophone' to mean that Africa is still a sphere of our erstwhile colonisers.

     It is my prayer that, the leaders of this continent will see the need to change their character and find ways and means to see to the development of this continent. Civilization started from Africa, thus, Egypt, but now we should ask ourselves, how far has the civilization taken this continent? In the USA, they make fun on their dinner about Africa. We lost our respect so easily. This continent has been a dumping site/ground for the white men; anything bad for them will be imported here. A continent with high external trade and low internal trade. We are exposed to the highest sun shine, yet we find difficulties in our lighting system. A continent of disruption and corruption. Corruption is the misdemeanor when theft is a felony. The only continent with age barriers to leadership positions. A continent where a President's son alone can be richer than the whole nation; Zimbabwe, Equatorial Guinea and the rest. A continent where two countries hold almost 60% of cocoa distribution in the world, yet find it difficult to feed its own self. A continent where political parties think only of coming into power but not empowering their people. A continent where its people see themselves as inferior to the white men. Africa is a disgrace! There is nothing to celebrate about Africa if not pastors and over-Christianity. They say, a proud AFRICAN, but I say, a shameful AFRICAN! A continent where the future is dicey.

     "When given the chance, the black man is capable of managing his own affairs ".
-Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah-

Have we been able to manage our own affairs? That is the question our leaders should give answers to, as we celebrate this day. *African Union deserves no celebration*. I am deeply saddened by the state of this continent.  Africa is the richest continent with regards to natural resources, but poorest inhabitants. Africa is a disgrace believe it or not. How long should we be drawers of water? We struggle and struggle to make ends meet, but we still remain where we are. We try to scratch a honest living from our land, but continually they remind us never to forget our role as drawers of water.

   In economy, the AU's future goals include; the creation of a free trade area, a customs union, a single market, a central bank and a common currency. The new leadership has a task ahead of it: They should clearly outline where they are taking the iconic project of African emancipation started by our founding fathers. The emancipation project means total economic independence for Africa. How does the AU position itself to be a critical player in the global arena, rather than being subservient and a receiver of aid from the west and China?
Africa is our continent, the richest continent in the world. I love the black colour. We should stop undermining our culture and our nature and I believe we will all see the Africa we  want.


*I still remain an activist who believes that activism is the only tool that can change the status quo.*
  🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥