Africa is Not Poor, But a Victim of Continuous Colonial Manipulation – Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao
In 2020, Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao, made a wake-up call in a video which was widely circulated on social media. The video sheds light on a harsh reality: Africa is not poor, but rather a victim of continuous colonial oppression. The continent’s wealth is being drained through various means, leaving its people in a state of perpetual poverty.
The roots of this exploitation date back to the 1950s and 1960s when France forced 14 Francophone African countries to sign a document known as the “Pact for the Continuation of Colonization.” This pact required these countries to deposit 85% of their bank reserves with the French Central Bank, under the control of the French Minister of Finance. France also took control of their deposits, invested them in the French stock market, and reaped the benefits.
The impact of this pact was devastating. France’s actions led to the economic strangulation of these African countries, making it impossible for them to develop and prosper. The pact also ensured that France maintained control over these countries, even after they gained independence.
Today, France collects over $500 billion from Africa every year, which translates to trillions of dollars after investments. This exploitation is a clear example of neocolonialism, where Western powers continue to dominate and exploit African nations. The fact that France is still collecting such a vast amount of money from Africa is a testament to the ongoing nature of colonialism.
The situation is further complicated by the involvement of other foreign powers, such as China and Russia. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has created a dependency system similar to colonial rule, where African nations are forced to rely on Chinese infrastructure and regulations. Russia’s pursuit of dominance in Africa is also driven by its desire to exploit the continent’s natural resources.
It is essential to recognize that Africa’s poverty is not a result of corruption or mismanagement, but rather a symptom of a broader system of exploitation. As Dr. Chihombori-Quao pointed out, the $50 billion lost to corruption is dwarfed by the $500 billion drained by France every year. This highlights the need to shift the focus from corruption to the larger issue of colonialism and exploitation.
The fact that Africa is rich in natural resources, including gold, platinum, diamonds, cobalt, and uranium, makes the continent’s poverty even more striking. Despite being endowed with such vast resources, Africa’s GDP is significantly lower than that of Japan. This disparity is a result of the wealth drain caused by colonialism and exploitative trade practices.
It is time for Africans to wake up and recognize the true nature of their poverty. It is time to demand that foreign powers stop exploiting the continent’s wealth and resources. Only then can Africa truly achieve independence and prosperity. The continent’s people must come together to challenge the systems of oppression that have been imposed upon them. They must demand justice, equality, and an end to the exploitation that has plagued their continent for centuries.
Ultimately, Africa’s future depends on its ability to break free from the shackles of colonialism and exploitation. The continent’s people must take control of their own destiny and demand a new era of cooperation and mutual respect with the rest of the world. Only then can Africa truly fulfill its potential and become the prosperous and vibrant continent that it deserves to be.
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