Eurocentric Hegemony and African Recolonisation

Abstract

• Argument: Africa attained only nominal independence (flag, national anthem) amidst enduring Eurocentric hegemony.

• Goal of Imperialism: To create political and economic chaos in Africa for exploitation by the USA and European powers.

• State of Africa: Current independence and sovereignty face threats of economic recolonization due to Eurocentric influences.

Introduction

• Colonization Overview: Out of 54 African nations, only Ethiopia and Liberia escaped classical colonization.

• Liberia as Neo-colony: Controlled by African descendants of American settlers in a structure mimicking the USA.

• Ethiopia's History: Despite historical victories against colonizers, Ethiopia now faces global imperialism.

Eurocentric Hegemony in Africa

• Historical Context:

  • Africa's history marked by exploitation and violence from both indigenous and external forces.

  • European exploration led to the discovery and documentation of African wealth and resources by figures like Herodotus and Sallust.

  • Historical distortion has resulted in a conquest of not just territory, but minds.

• Impact of European Actions:

  • Exploitation initiated the enslavement of Africans leading to social and economic turmoil.

  • The triangular slave trade significantly impacted African society and its development, resulting in weakened structures.

• Resistance Movements:

  • African people have continually resisted oppression using various strategies leading to a push for sovereignty and independence.

  • Acknowledgment that true independence surpasses symbolic gestures (flags, anthems).

Neo-Colonialism and Capitalism in Africa

• Current State of Affairs:

  • Africa has formal independence without genuine power due to ongoing imperialism and neocolonialism.

  • Neo-colonialism defined as a continual exploitation of resources, serving Western capitalist interests.

• US Role in Colonization:

  • Historical participation at events like the Berlin Conference carving up Africa.

  • US involvement in assassinations of leaders who opposed exploitation (e.g. Patrice Lumumba).

Cultural Imperialism and Media Influence

• European Narrative:

  • Projection of Europeans as superior, promoting a "civilizing mission".

  • Use of media to reshape African identity and undermine traditional values.

• Ingrained Racial Superiority:

  • European notions deemed African cultures as inferior, justifying colonial rule.

Legacy of Colonialism

• Cultural Erasure:

  • European colonialism sought to eliminate or discredit African cultures and institutions.

  • The imposition of dysfunctional governance models aiding in Western narrative control.

Continued Resistance and Struggles

• Historical Leaders: Mention of African leaders (Nkrumah, Cabral, Nyerere) who spearheaded independence movements.

• Nkrumah's Influence: Established infrastructure for military aspects of African liberation efforts, particularly in Ghana.

Contemporary Challenges

• Impediments to True Independence:

  • Asserted that gains since the 1950s were shallow, emphasizing the need for land recovery for genuine freedom.

  • Intervention by Western powers often leads to compromised autonomy for African nations.

Global Context and Modern Dynamics

• US and Globalization:

  • Globalization viewed as a new wave of Western imperialism dominating global resources.

  • The exploitation of African resources continues under the guise of democratization.

• AFRICOM:

  • The establishment of AFRICOM portrayed as a strategy for resolving security issues but also as a tool for US dominance.

Conclusion

• Enduring Threat of Hegemony: Highlighting the possibility of perpetual Eurocentric hegemony and its implications for Africa's future.

• Call to Action: A need for an anti-imperialist movement to reverse ongoing exploitation and promote true independence for African nations.