THE NEED FOR POLITICAL MATURITY IN THE GAMBIA'S POLITICAL SPACE

THE NEED FOR A UNITED AFRICA
BY: Sulayman Lecturer Darboe

sulaymandarboe010@gmail.com,  jingdibali.blogspot.com , (+2203867564)

The question of whether the unity of Africa is a sustainable solution to the numerous problems confronting the continent is rhetorical. This is because with a united Africa, Africans will be comforted with civilize and self-owned means of addressing challenges that continue to stuck the progress of a continent incomparable to none in the world. This will certainly be problems of: corruption, poverty, poor education and medical services, poor infrastructural development, bad leadership, lack of patriotism, greed, selfishness, poor investment in agricultural production and industries, customary begging, poor market system etc.

The champions of the negritude philosophy which started around 1930s by mostly Francophone intellectuals and politicians, is aimed at uplifting "Black consciousness" across Africa. They advocated for Africans to realize the continent’s resourcefulness both in human and natural resource capacity. They have sacrificed their lives and inspired Africans to develop huge regards for this blessed continent and to be aware of the White Man and his plans. Their struggles were to realize a united Africa where Africans will top ‘Africa first’ more than any other personal desire in life. Most of these great men went through horrible experiences just because they were anti-exploitation of Africans and their rich resources. They struggled with the colonial policies brought by the ‘white men’, aimed at the complete drainage of Africa at the expense of Europe. Since ‘injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere’- Martin Luther King, Black people in Africa and other part of the world agitated for the respect of the Black race as living beings with dignities and rights.

As portrayed by the quotes below, many Negros who championed and promoted the negritude philosophy were never silent in their pace. Some strived due to the marginalization of black communities like Luther in America. Others exalted the negritude philosophy during colonialism through the agitation of independence. The spirit continued post-independence. But specifically, all their struggles despite the diversities in locations and modalities; aimed for the glorification of the black people and their communities. The root for all black men is Africa and this must be accepted and conceived by every black person.

“We must learn to live united as brothers or perish as fools”- Martin Luther King
“Africa unite in purpose, commonalities of cultures and issues including solving our problems by ourselves”- Kwame Nkrumah.
“We are the ones to emancipate ourselves from mental slavery, for what good is it to emancipate the body when another holds our minds?”- Marcus Garvey
“Africans have the right to live in dignity for any acceptance of humiliation is indignity and acceptance of inferiority”- Mother Winnie Mandela

Africa is the wealthiest land mass on the face of planet earth. Africa has both mineral resources and agricultural potentials which can only best be meaningfully utilized when Africa is united. The agricultural potential of Africa is majorly untapped. Most countries have arable lands which when utilized, can optimally feed their respective citizens.
With a united Africa, large investment of resources can be pooled in the agricultural sector to boost productivity. Equally, industries can be aided to make raw materials into finish goods by Africans. This will be the beginning of an era for more export than import. It will also end the exploitative export of African raw materials to Europe, China and other places as we see in the timber industry.
A united Africa will enable and ensure that Africa has a protected market for the local producers and consumers. A more protected market for Africa means that tariffs, duties etc can be used.

Lastly, a united Africa will bring an end to the customary begging of African leaders for loans with high interests and numerous exploitative conditions from International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, and other donors. These institutions lay high interests and conditions that impoverished the African mind and communities.” He who controls you normally imposes his wills on you”- Thomas Sankara. Total emancipation from the shackles of mental slavery could fasten the realization of an impregnable united Africa.
Africa will rise. But before the rise comes, unity is a necessity.
Wake up!