I love Muammar Gadaffi. Though I´ve never had the privilege of meeting him in person, I think of him as a Maverick, an African hero, a visionary leader, an African messiah of sorts. And even though he often inspires controversy and even hatred with his unconventional ideas and unorthodox ways, deep down, he is a very wise man.
Of all Gadaffi´s ideas, none of them appeals to my heart more than his proposal for a United States of Africa- a call for the 53 member states of the African Union to embrace a single African government, a single currency and a common foreign policy. His rational is that it will allow Africa as a whole, to be in a better position to compete in the globalized economy and negotiate on an equal footing with a united Europe, U.S.A., Japan and China. And he cannot be more right. Having a unified government will strengthen our forces and make us resistant to the manipulation, intimidation and oppression of the whites. A United States of Africa will place us in a better position to negotiate with international powers in business, commerce and politics.
African economies and natural resources are still under the control of colonial masters, old and new. Companies from foreign countries including the U.S.A, Canada and other Europeans countries continually cheating Africans of its riches, with little benefit or value added to the continent as a whole. Not to say that these countries haven´t been kind to Africa. The billions of dollars in aid which these countries throw our way have been quite beneficial to our continent- save for our corrupt leaders who siphon the funds to banks in Switzerland, Luxembourg and other European countries.
Our African economies and natural resources are still dominantly controlled by the West. We are still under colonialism, whether you like it or not. In Nigeria, where they are blessed with massive oil reserves, Americans and Europeans are harnessing their resources, owning their oil wells, and treating the Nigerian people like crap. These white people pay them poorly, treat them like servants and do all sorts of nasty things to them- in their own country! These foreigners come into our continent and employ us and treat us like crap. They do this in return for ´foreign aid.´
Already, various sections of Africa are already embracing the idea of a unified government, albeit in bits. Already, Kenyan, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda have already formed a coalition under the East African Community (E.A.C) and West African countries like Nigeria and Ghana among others are united under the Economic Organization of West African States (ECOWAS). That is a step in the right direction. The idea of smaller coalitions forming single economic units with the objectives of creating an economic and monetary union through free (and fair) trade policies, central banking system, a common currency and passport just might be the springboard for a future United Africa. While these coalitions are a step in the right direction, I believe that Africans must be bolder, still. We can amalgamate all these unions into a Unified African government.
A United States of Africa will gives us Africans control of our natural resources, and the ability to develop and set economic objectives, strategies and policies for our own benefit.
African governments need to let go of their eccentricities and ego, and embrace the idea of a unified Africa. It will unite us together as a nation, make us stronger economically and socially; but most important of all, it will help us get rid of these colonialists that are still roaming around Africa.
And so, Africans, let us all support Muammar Gadaffi, and advocate for a United States of Africa. We will be the better for it.
God bless Africa!
Please support my writing work. Donate through PayPal to hodderway@gmail.com
Leave Your Comments