EDITORIAL: Yes, Africans must emancipate themselves from mental slavery

Africa’s forefathers fought for the independence of the continent from colonial masters and won the battle, or so they thought. Ghana’s Nkwame Nkrumah and other freedom fighters of the time would realise sooner that it wasn’t just any semblance of ‘independence’ that Africa needed, but total liberation. More than six decades since the continent was ‘liberated’, it continues to aspire for liberation, or put another way, total liberation. Although the continent and its peoples seem to have given in to the idea that neocolonialism that partly manifests in the form of aid is an evil that is here to stay, there are other ‘smaller’ matters that can be put on the table and fought head-on. Among these is idealism and the mindset. Africa has over centuries lived with a dark coat of image that portrays the continent and the people as backward, of low race, inferior in all aspects, among others. Sadly, many Africans have, over the years, been contented with the negativity and live with the inferiority complex. From bleaching to the false belief that good life can only be lived in Europe or the Americas, Africans continue to nurse negative mindset about their own continent and race. A sad tale of mental slavery it is. It is as well that the Pan-African Movement that drove the spirit of African nationalism in the mid-20th Century is rising. Pan-Africanists are calling for African natives to de-colonise their mindset, saying it is what the continent needs to fully liberate itself. Africans need to reinvent their pride, the pride that would make them believe in themselves and the continent. Although modernity has compelled Africa to embrace so much of Western technology and culture, there is such a big room around that the African heritage can continue to be a beacon of pride. There are African billionaires who would choose to live away from the continent, but the likes of Nigeria’s Aliko Dangote and Egyptian Nassef Sawaris, among others, continue to cherish the continent knowing they became the successful personalities they are because of Africa. Banishing mental slavery and embracing a mindset that positions Africa and its people with dignity is the best way to liberate the continent. The battle to de-colonise the mindset should be a cause for all Africans to take up.

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EDITORIAL: Yes, Africans must emancipate themselves from mental slavery