I was born long after my country, Nigeria, and many other African countries gained independence. Therefore, my understanding of that time period is largely based on everything I have learned and read about the struggle for independence across the continent. It is important that we honour the struggles faced by those who fought and lost their lives as a result of fighting for our independence.
However, following independence, there was a hopeful image of the future many had for the continent. The aim of the independence movements was for the indigenous populations to take control of power away from the oppressive colonial regimes, who had been plundering the continent’s resources. What was to follow would be more representative, equitable, African governments that would lead our countries to prosperity. Those were the reasons why so many were willing to lay down their lives; they believed in that vision of an independent Africa.
However, in many cases, the immediate aftermath of independence was not the envisioned prosperity many had hoped for. In many cases, following the struggle for independence, came another struggle as a result of the nationalistic aspirations of different ethnic groups looking to break away from the colonial borders imposed by the European colonial governments. In Nigeria, for example, not long after independence, the Nigerian civil war had been fought between the government and the breakaway nation of Biafra.
These wars often had devastating effects on African populations; often brutal fighting would take place with massive loss of life as a result. I recall my mother describing her experiences of life in our state under a military government following the end of the Nigerian Civil War. In some cases, the ethnic tensions became so intense, genocides had taken place. As a result, even in the modern day, there are some ethnic tensions that loom in the background among different communities within the continent.
In addition to ethnic tensions that arose across the continent as a result of ethnic tensions, you also had power struggles between strongmen, taking power of countries, typically through Coups. Nigeria and Ghana are examples of such a phenomenon. Both countries have alternated between periods of democracy and military rule. As a result, both countries are currently in their fourth Republic, marking the fourth instance of democratic rule being restored. These turbulent periods of political instability had resulted in economic setbacks, social unrest, and erosion of public trust in governmental institutions. Moreover, the unpredictable nature of leadership changes had hindered long-term planning and investment.
As a result of the different challenges faced by many African governments following independence, many of the aspirations people had for the future of Africa are still yet to be met. There had been promises made towards African populations which we are yet to see come into fruition. That is in no way to say that things were better before independence, obviously not. However, it may be fair to say that based on the current course of things, it maybe hasn’t quite lived up to the hype so far. Here are some of the unmet promises of African independence:
- Africans will be free
While there are many of us on the continent who live with relative amounts of freedom, there are still many who lack any kind of ability to freely express themselves out of fear of reprisal, either from those in power or from their society at large.
- Our natural resources won’t be exploited
Colonial powers’ main aim was always to reap all the benefits of Africa’s natural resources. Independence was supposed to change that; the wealth generated from our natural resources was supposed to be used to the benefit of our indigenous populations. However, corruption and economic mismanagement have meant that much of that wealth has not been invested back into many of our communities, to the detriment of many of our populations.
- Equality and Justice for All
The advent of idependence was supposed to bring on an era of equality and justice for all people. However, there are many on the continent who still face discrimination and oppression based on factors like ethnicity, religion, or gender.
- Empowerment of Indigenous Communities
The narrative of independence included the empowerment of indigenous communities, ensuring that they would benefit from the wealth generated by their own lands. However, many communities are still being excluded from the decision-making processes regarding the utilization of their natural resources.
- Provision, Education, and Healthcare for All
One of the promises of independence was the provision of quality education and healthcare to all Africans. However, decades after independence, many regions still lack access to basic services, which serve to perpetuate cycles of poverty and inequality.
- Political Stability and Good Governance:
Independence was expected to bring about stable and accountable governance systems that would serve the interests of the people. Instead, many African nations have grappled with political instability, corruption, and authoritarian regimes, hindering progress and development. The coups taking place around the Sahel region over the last few years show this to still be a major issue.
- Cultural Revitalization and Preservation:
A feature of colonial regimes is the stripping away of the culture and language of the indigenous populations in favour of the language of the colonial power. Independence was also supposed to be a catalyst for the revitalization and preservation of African traditions and languages. However, the loss of Africa’s cultures and languages continues even until today.
In conclusion, the unmet promises of African independence serve as a stark reminder of the complex realities facing the continent. Despite the aspirations for freedom, prosperity, and self-determination, many African nations continue to grapple with systemic challenges that hinder progress and development. From unequal power dynamics in employment to barriers to entrepreneurship; the road to fulfilling the dreams of independence remains fraught with obstacles.
However, amidst these challenges lies an opportunity for collective action and meaningful change. By acknowledging the shortcomings of the past and committing to address them through bold reforms and inclusive policies, African nations can chart a path towards a future where the promises of independence are finally realized for all its citizens. It is only through concerted efforts, both at the national and international levels, that Africa can truly unlock its full potential and pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future.
