In 1957 Ghana became the first African country to gain independence — that is political independence. That is more than six decades ago. Several African countries followed suit.
But how independent are we? Why have so many things remained the same? We cling to what colonial powers forced on us and emulate their ways, languages, cultures, and forms of government without shame. We mimic so much without much thought.
Where is our pride?
Here are some things that give me sleepless nights. Seriously.
When the African Union (AU) meets, in lavish headquarters bequeathed to us by the Chinese, why do we conduct business in our former colonial masters’ languages? And 40% of Member States don’t even pay their dues.
Why has South Africa not reclaimed its real name, Azania? And why are their cities, roads, and institutions still using apartheid-era Dutch names and symbols?
Why is ORANIA allowed to exist and maintain racial segregation, have its own rules, laws, and currency, and exhibit statues of apartheid historical figures?
Why do our Heads of State get summoned abroad and go sprinting? Really now.
Why is Paul Biya, 90, still President of Cameroon?
Angola’s president’s name is Joao Lourenco. Somebody, please explain this one to me.
Why is Liberia’s capital named after a dead American president, James Monroe?
The National Anthems of Uganda, Gabon, Guinea, Liberia, Namibia, and Zambia — to name a few — are sung in colonial languages.
South Sudan has five Vice Presidents. It does not make sense. You cannot make this stuff up.
Uganda’s lakes all have English names: Edward, Albert, and Victoria — why NOT Nalubare, its real name?
Nairobi’s upscale neighborhood, Karen is named after Karen Blixen, the Danish author of the colonial memoir – “OUT OF AFRICA”. The gods must be angry.
It is time to re-visit our independence journey of sixty plus years because as pointed out above the landscape is not looking good and does not reflect well on us a People. We may have obtained political independence, but until we control our economies and are captains of our ships our independence is a sham.
Until we completely discard the yoke of colonialism we are only independent on paper, and the big powers will continue to play us against each, and will continue to plunder our natural resources with impunity.
Time for Africa to Rise.