AFRICA

Nothing in the entire universe is as unique and diverse and so full of meaning as Africa. Our search for a better understanding of such a great continent and its institutions will go a long way towards our process of self discovery. If there’s one thing however that Africa tries to project to us, it is the plea for recognition as the life source of mankind.

The second largest continent in the world, it boasts the most resources whether mineral, natural or human, arguably the most cultural diversity and inarguably and most important, boasts of been the resting place of mankind’s past. However,
exploitation, has taken so much of a toll on this great place that it seems to be buried under a huge burden of hopelessness.

If great books were determined by titles, then anyone who authored Africa would command the envy of William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens and all the other great authors that have trod the surface of the earth. The name “Africa” tells a story of its own. Derived from the terms “Afri” and “ca”, both together meaning land of the Afris, its entire history has been characterized by subjugation and exploitation. It was named by the Romans after they subjugated the people, trying to prevent the up rise of a major power. Colonized by the Western world in order for its resources to be exploited and presently it’s been exploited by its own children.

Can people be forgiven for their exploitation of Africa? For if it is the cradle of mankind, and then it means all mankind has a right to its resources. The situation is hopeless anyway; why not apportion the resources to other places that will use them to develop the human community? I can be sympathetic to people who think this way, for they do not realize this simple and self evident truth, that there is no mankind without Africa. It does not only hold true for the past, but it holds the key to the future of all humankind.

What about the bright spots? Does Africa have any? Or has hope been eternally lost to this continent. Questions like this are been asked more frequently now, because people realize that Africa is a burden to the world. Whereas the Western Economy was trying to exploit the African economy by giving out loans with substantial interest rates, it is now trying to cancel the debt of African nations. It does this, not because it suddenly has a conscience attack, but because it realizes that the best way to profit from the African economy is to use the African market instead of destroying it. The Western Economy cannot keep up supporting the African Economy because this act is like pouring water into a bottomless jar. It only keeps the developed Western Market from developing further.

Gradually also, people are starting to realize that Africa cannot be subjugated for long. Not because it is strong, but because an attempt to break the will of its people only serves as a reminder of the link between all humanity, but because the attempt at subjugation requires as much sacrifice on the part of the servant, as it does vigilance on the part of the master.

It is time we realize that Africa is the bane of our existence. We cannot keep on feeding off our life source without any provision for its replenishment. The past century has been characterized by the law of the jungle, with the strong feeding off anything it can lay its hands on in order to maintain its position of strength. Africa now is whispering to us a silent plea. It has given of itself freely, with no questions asked; all it requires of us is that we take care of it in return. Its sweet melody of the benefits of such actions goes unheeded. Beware, it seems to be saying, “I brought you into this world and I sustain you, I also have the propensity to take away my gift of life”.