Africa for Africans:The west must let go of the levers of exploitation
By Peter Justice GARIBA
For far too long, Africa — a continent rich in resources, heritage, and human potential — has been subjected to the strategic extraction and manipulation of Western powers.
From colonial resource theft to modern-day visa extortion and economic “aid” with hidden strings, the global power dynamics continue to suppress true African autonomy. It’s time to say clearly and without apology: Africa is for Africans — not for the enrichment of Western empires.
A History of Extraction, Not Partnership
The global wealth amassed by the West did not materialize in a vacuum. It was built on the backs of Africans.
The United States, for example, enriched its economy with African labor during the transatlantic slave trade, a dark chapter that laid the economic foundation of the nation.
The effects are still felt today in how African nations are treated as labor markets and raw material providers, rather than equal partners.
Britain, once the face of colonialism, built its gold reserves and financial dominance through exploitative control over colonies like Ghana. The Gold Coast — now Ghana — was drained of its natural wealth, while Britain built railroads, industries, and military strength from stolen African resources.
France, too, perfected a neo-colonial model through the CFA franc and exploitative economic arrangements with West African nations like Mali, Niger, Benin, and Togo. France kept control of their former colonies’ economies long after “independence,” extracting resources while locking these countries in a cycle of dependency.
Trump’s Disrespect: A Symbol of Deeper Disdain
Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration didn’t just showcase bad policy — it symbolized the lack of respect the West often shows toward African leadership.
Reports of Trump referring to African nations as “s**thole countries” while questioning why the U.S. accepted immigrants from the continent rather than from Europe were not just offensive; they reflected a mindset steeped in centuries of Western superiority and disregard for African dignity.
Trump reportedly ignored or dismissed key diplomatic relations with African leaders, including South Africa’s president. Such actions sent a clear message: Africa was not worth the respect or engagement due to sovereign states.
Visa Fees and the Modern Gatekeeping of African Mobility
Perhaps one of the most ironic examples of Western hypocrisy is the cost of visas for Africans wishing to travel to the U.S. or Europe.
Visa fees can reach hundreds of dollars, an absurd price in many African economies, with no guarantee of approval. Meanwhile, Westerners enter most African countries with minimal to no cost — often to scout for minerals, invest in land, or exploit labor under the banner of “investment.”
This is not policy; this is economic and diplomatic apartheid.
Donor Support or Debt in Disguise?
What the West brands as “donor support” or “foreign aid” is often a cycle of loans, tied grants, and conditional assistance that does more to maintain control than build local capacity.
It is disingenuous for Western governments and institutions to claim generosity while simultaneously collecting billions in profits from African resources and cheap labor.
Many of the same governments that donate a few million in aid are extracting billions in raw minerals, oil, and agricultural products annually. How can one give with one hand while robbing with the other — and still call it charity?
Africa for Africans: The Road to Self-Governance
Africa must reclaim full control over its resources, politics, and development models. This means:
Renegotiating trade and mining contracts to ensure that the benefits stay within African economies.
Removing colonial economic structures, such as the CFA franc and IMF/World Bank policies that undermine sovereignty.
Challenging racist immigration policies that humiliate African travelers and penalize African mobility.
Building Pan-African unity to resist exploitation and speak with a collective voice.
The West must finally let go. Not as a favor, but as a moral and historical necessity. Africa is not a charity case; it is a powerhouse long denied its rightful place on the global stage.
Let it be known: Africa is for Africans. The era of exploitation must end — and global respect must begin.
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