Renowned Pan-Africanist Professor P.L.O. Lumumba has expressed concerns that the political independence achieved by African countries during Ghana's first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah's era, is being gradually eroded. He made these remarks on Joy Prime on September 23, while discussing Nkrumah's legacy. According to Prof. Lumumba, although African countries attained formal independence from colonial rule, many continue to face constraints that limit their ability to make fully independent decisions.
Prof. Lumumba argued that Nkrumah understood that political independence would remain vulnerable if it was not supported by economic independence and African unity. He referenced Nkrumah's book Neo-Colonialism: The Last Stage of Imperialism, which highlights the danger of African countries remaining divided and operating independently. Prof. Lumumba stated that Nkrumah had warned about the possibility of colonial influence returning in different forms after political independence.
Prof. Lumumba questioned the depth of political independence in parts of Africa, arguing that having national symbols and African-led governments does not necessarily amount to complete sovereignty. He cited the influence of international financial institutions, such as the IMF and World Bank, as part of his argument. According to Prof. Lumumba, these institutions still dictate terms to African countries, undermining their independence.
Prof. Lumumba also pointed to other areas where external influence remains significant, including currency systems and electoral processes. He noted that many African countries still have their currencies printed outside their borders and their elections supervised by external powers. This, he argued, compromises their independence.
Prof. Lumumba described some African countries as operating as "satellite states" of external powers. He argued that countries that attempt to pursue greater independence can face pressure to conform to existing international arrangements. According to Prof. Lumumba, even the political independence earned by African countries is being eroded by the day.
Prof. Lumumba linked the issue of independence to African unity, citing Nkrumah's vision for a united Africa. He argued that Africa's continued political fragmentation makes it difficult for individual countries to exercise collective influence on the global stage. Prof. Lumumba also linked the continent's political challenges to conflicts in countries such as Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Cameroon.
According to Prof. Lumumba, Nkrumah wanted Ghana to be a launching pad for African liberation and unity, not just a nation-state. He emphasized that the question of governance is an issue that is alive and well in Africa, and that African countries must work towards achieving true independence and unity.
Key points
- Prof. Lumumba warns that political independence achieved by African countries during Nkrumah's era is being eroded.
- External economic and political influence continues to limit African countries' ability to make independent decisions.
- African unity is crucial to achieving true independence and exercising collective influence on the global stage.
