Africa's Socialist RevoluTion

Every major nation has had its defining moment, it’s ultimate show of power, an event remembered for centuries. For France, it was its revolution. A 10-year period where the French people toppled its oppressive rulers and seized power in chaotic fashion at the end of the 18th century. Russia had a similar event during the First World War. The people, sick of their treatment by the Tsar, unleashed a furious uprising culminating in the removal of their ruler and building the base for what would be the Soviet Union, a new nation which intended to deliver true freedom to its people. 

The beginnings of these two uprisings have an eerie resemblance. Both nations suffered under the rule of two unelected leaders, each being so detached from reality they may have well been a foreign power. Both nations were under severe economic hardship and trailed far behind the rapid development of its fellow world nations. The description can be attached with many countries today, the large majority on the continent of Africa. A continent which has a political system riddled with corruption and a long history of bloody civil wars and genocides. Wicked dictators, media censorship or mystery shrouded elections may also come to mind. Only 5 nations on the continent can be “perceived as less corrupt” [Corruptions Perception Index] whilst the number of those killed in elections are in their hundreds with no sign of slowing down. Over time, people have calmly accepted this as common place in African Politics, but times are changing. The continent is teeming with anticipation, waiting for the fuse of chaos to be ignited.  

Another major conflict on the continent seems inevitable. But the next one won’t be about land, religion or money. It won’t end in a grovelling apology to the UN and a half-baked peace treaty. The next conflict will be about power, and it will end in change. Real Change. In the 21st century, African nations are no longer under the rule of foreign powers (well, not directly), this time the enemy is the concept of democracy. We are at a stage where democracy has become less of an aspiration for the millions but more of a toy. A toy that very few can have the enjoyment of playing with, a toy that can be manipulated to fit the narrative and destroyed when the owners see fit.  

It seems like a blind eye has been turned on the continent by the rest of the world. Violent conflicts are ignored by the media whilst impending famines are simply “something terrible we can all learn from”. Perhaps we will learn that words didn’t prevent a million people from dying of starvation in Ethiopia or our empty promises haven’t kept 5 million toddlers dying in armed conflict.  

Perhaps we are the revolution all along…