The article “What Does Independence Look Like? Images From the Year of Africa” by numerous authors are dedicated to 1960, which signifies the most important year in modern African history. Not only did countries become free of colonial rule, but they also gained independence during that year. The article itself comprises reflections of individuals whose lives have been directly influenced by the events of 1960. Although all writers represent different African countries, they effectively convey the message of African unity in the modern world.
The authors point out that independence enabled all countries to determine their fate. Yet, it should also be noted that those countries were now left to deal with economic, social, and political issues on their own. For instance, one of the aforementioned countries is Cameroon, which has been headed by dictators. Recent events showed that violence and desperation are still present. Therefore, despite the authors’ enthusiasm, it is evident that countries have unresolved issues, which they blame on the Western world.
One of the authors expresses the idea that colonialism has not been eradicated, instead, it morphed into neo-colonialism. The subsequent argument is that the countries, which became independent in 1960, are now in severe debt to financial organizations dominated by Western countries. While the help of those international entities is voluntary, it should also be noted that the countries had no choice but to ask for assistance. In essence, lifting the colonial regime, in reality, concealed the leverage points that former empires still have over Africa.
Ultimately, the article underlines the point that white supremacy lingers on the continent. Pan-Africanism is presented as the alternative international political tendency, which is supposed to correct the injustices of the previous order. The subsequent implication is that while Western countries are dominating global politics, there will be no just treatment of African countries. The most viable way for them to change the status quo is to unify the continent as a region free of external influence.
Work Cited
“What Does Independence Look Like? Images From the Year of Africa.” The New York Times, 2020.