The history of Africa spans further than colonialism, and as such it is very unfair to judge the continent based on her modern history. For young political students and analysts, we must understand and learn from our veterans. Africa has evolved, having passed through many phases among them slavery, colonialism, apartheid, inter-state wars and now ethnic wars and poverty. Some of these seemed like permanent features and many thought they will never be overcome just like you may be tempted to think about the continents development, unity and poverty. Many have thought of quick fixes that cant hold in the long run. Firstly, we have to as a people note the structures and institutions that form our governance system. what is the role of the state? What is the role of government? what is the role of the institutions of our society? For me the immediate challenge is the adoption of oppressive structures and institutions of our former Colonisers. How can these that were meant to oppress the majority be used to benefit many? No way. The day we are going to find and agree on the suitable, friendly and acceptable system to adopt for governing our societies, will our aspirations be realised. Consider the issues we have been arguing among ourselves, powerful constitutions, if institutions are weaker what will become of that document? Britain has an unwritten constitution very stable, and has anyone thought of the reason as to why even people like Cecil Rhodes could come to Africa do his business legally or illegally but still believed in Britain? Africans you go and test ubulaya, you even forget your home and heavily criticise what made you...shame. Who among our Leaders can we point to as the best in Africa? Are they all bad and what makes them that way? We have existed dreaming, but dreams whether sweet ones or nightmares they are all not real. It is only when you wake up that you realise you were dreaming...and what do you do, you go back to sleep to continue your dreaming or you thank God you were dreaming...unreal? No one will grant Africa the future she seeks, unless Africans. WE have identified various challenges that face us, WHAT do we do after waking up? continue pointing fingers at our leaders, or continue changing them politically both democratically or coups? Egypt did it, Libya did it, Tunisia did it, not mentioning those formerly colonised by the French, what is happening there now? It is easier to say they are corrupt, the regime is dictatorial, since almost all African countries seem the same at various levels should we do away with state, government or politics? Economists think economics can solve societal challenges, politicians think politics can do, citizens think civil society & religion can do, what is the way forward? Who among them has got their countrys interests at heart and its their agenda? Throughout Africa for example, all the opposition political parties, civil society organisations are calling for the resignation of the ruling governments, is it human beings in those positions that have failed or its something else? Russia became a superpower because of a dictator Stalin (Man of Steel), France because of Richelieu, provided one has countrys & peoples interests at heart... voila! Civil societys role and application is misunderstood in our setup. what is it suppose to do? we choose governments to represent us under the apparatus of the state. If it is a representative of the people, and government is, should the two be at war? No. Instead what do we see? kafwafwa. Am not saying they have no role to play but how they play it makes some to think and question where it draws its authority and legitimacy from. Dialogue has proved a challenge as it (civil society), like a cloud, can appear today and in a moment its no longer, while government is ever present. Africa, Africa, Africaaa if slavery,colonialism and apartheid was in this era, we were going to still be enjoying it until now. Anyway, Iam just one of you reflecting and thinking deeply. Do not hang me...Àbientôt.
Posted on: Sun, 09 Mar 2014 22:21:53 +0000
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