The Complex Relationship Between America and African Countries: A Critical Perspective
The relationship between America and African countries, particularly Nigeria, is multifaceted and often contentious. While the US presents itself as a guiding force for African nations, its actions often have far-reaching and devastating consequences.
The Interference Factor
The US has been accused of interrupting the governance of African countries by maligning good leaders and supporting those who prioritize American interests over national development. This selective support can lead to the empowerment of leaders who exploit and drain the resources of their countries, further entrenching poverty and instability.
Supporting Exploitative Leadership
By backing leaders who serve American interests, the US inadvertently or deliberately adds to empowering leaders who have exploited their people for personal gain and to serve the interests of America. This perpetuates a cycle of dependency, corruption, and underdevelopment, hindering African countries from realizing their full potential.
Economic Manipulation
The US has also been criticized for its role in devaluing African currencies and undermining local economies. By influencing economic policies and decisions, the US can create dependencies that stifle growth and self-sufficiency in African nations.
The Plight of Africa’s Riches
The African continent is blessed with abundant natural and human resources, yet the world order, led by America and some colonial powers, has consistently frustrated and undermined African economies. This has hindered the continent’s progress, perpetuating poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment.
A Call for Self-Determination
It’s essential for African countries to assert their sovereignty and prioritize their own development agendas. By recognizing the complexities of these relationships and taking control of their own destinies, African nations can work towards a more prosperous and self-determined future.
Advice to African Leaders
African leaders can break the cycle of dependency and underdevelopment by:
– Prioritizing national interests over external influences
– Developing and implementing homegrown economic policies that benefit their countries and people
– Promoting transparency and accountability in governance
– Investing in human capital and infrastructure development
– Fostering regional cooperation and integration
– Resisting external interference and asserting sovereignty
– Developing strategic partnerships that benefit African nations
– Encouraging citizen participation in decision-making processes
By heeding this advice, African leaders can unlock the continent’s true potential for growth, prosperity, and self-determination. Some African countries are already taking steps to strengthen their relationships with their diaspora communities, offering citizenship and other benefits to people of African descent. Examples include Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Gabon, Cape Verde, and Zimbabwe.¹
