Africans have become a tragic pawn in the historical process of independence by politicians and their enablers who were supposed to develop and protect; instead oppressed them at will. Africans can be productive only if the infrastructure of daily life is themselves changed, where the people are given real power to create a reality that allows for real connection and the potentials to actualize their human capabilities. However, this productive potential is strongly resisted by the politicians and the elites who stand to lose everything if the economy is radically restructured to serve the masses’ needs.
More Africans died because of corruption than in all the civil wars. Crimes buried with injustice must not hide from justice, be delayed, or forgiven. Hence, all current and past corrupt officials and their enablers that inhibited the development of Africa must face the full wrath of justice. They must be held accountable and charged with crimes against humanity. Similarly, all those that watched and stoodby in silence without intervention are equally guilty. Additionally, Africa should stop celebrating official’s criminalities and malfeasance.
Likewise, Africa must desist from foreign religions’ perceived efficacy of praise the Lord (it is solved-mentality) and fasting to rectify these enormous social challenges rather than embarking on empirical and practical home-grown solutions to correct these horrendous calamities. Until then, Africa will not be peaceful or prosperous and will once again be left behind due to self-inflicted paralysis gripping the continent. And, Africa must raise its expectations to meet the new challenges of the 21st century.
Africa must inner-direct and re-examine herself, a thorough examination, re-defining, re-engineering; in short, Africa necessitates a COMPREHENSIVE TOTAL CHECKUP, a complete physical and mental self-reflection. Despondently, Africa is broken, in a state of emergency that needs urgent care.
This task must continue until Africa wakes up to the new realities and challenges facing all Africans, both in Africa and the diaspora. The key test for Africa is whether or not she is self-correcting. And for Africa to be self-correcting, Africa must first be open and truthful about herself. However, Africa is a gift to the world that keeps giving; she must be cherished honorably by the comity of nations in spite of the devastating effects of colonization and imperialism (neo-colonialism).
Is Africa heading somewhere to change the dynamics of Africa’s future, or is Africa been led to nowhere? Is Africa a reflection of the new reality of the 21st century? These are the critical questions confronting Africa in the 21st century. And is Africa as earnest as she vaunts for change, and with the requirements for the desired change? When politics fails, the country pays, and the people suffer.
That is why I am a veteran advocate for Africa’s unity and development, both in Africa and in the diaspora, not because I was born in Africa, but because Africa runs in my veins. Moreover, Africa is the heart-beat of the world that keeps giving.
This is the moment when all of us — Africans must step out of the shadow of colonialization, ostracize its indoctrination, and refuse to be seduced by westernization. This is when we choose a different future for Africa. Greatness is not a function of circumstances. Greatness is principally a matter of conscious choice. Countries do not make great people. People make great countries. When will Africans make the conscious decisions to make Africa great and a success story?
Which future of Africa would you prefer?
God Bless Africa! and God Bless America!! America, the possibilities!
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Dr Bamidele Adeoye, DBA, is a research consultant based in the United States.