Well Said, Lumumba Junior

The Daily Observer (Banjul)

31 May 2011

editorial

We wish to commend Roland Lumumba, the son of Africa’s nationalist icon, Patrice Lumumba for his recognition of the Gambian leader’s commitment to Pan Africanism. We also share his aspiration that it is time for Africa to move away from mere talks to action in unity.This is fundamental because it is now 50 years since the noble idea of African unity was initiated. Our forbearers who built independent states, realised that as long as the continent remains balkanised, it would be impossible to meet the needs and aspirations of the people, as none of the independent sovereign states has the economic base, expertise and manpower to compete with the so-called developed West. Since then, Africa remains far from united; the continent remains hunted by the old fashioned divide and rule tactics of colonialism.

Interestingly, Africa has become a continent of paradoxes; it is rich in mineral resources, but is home to the poorest people on earth, centrally located, but pushed to the peripheries in terms of development. Underdevelopment, war, hunger and insecurity are the daily realities of life in most African countries. This stark reality in the continent has made it a necessity that the continent must unite or perish.

It is certain that the devotion of President Jammeh to Pan-Africanism cannot be overemphasised. His initiatives are geared towards ensuring that Africans develop the continent from our own indigenous resources and cement closer economic ties among ourselves. He has also been committed to the principle that development must come from within and supported from outside, that Africa can hardly develop if we continue to depend on foreign assistance that often results into interference in our internal affairs.

Junior Lumumba’s recognition of those Pan-African qualities in the Gambian leader was not only timely, but also shows that Africans are increasingly recognising efforts of people like President Jammeh in ensuring a united, progressive and developed continent. What is important for Africans particularly the leaders is to learn from the teachings of the likes of President Jammeh so that Africa can take ownership of what belongs to her and carve a new way to growth and progress.

It is therefore time to act. Africa needs unity now.

AllAfrica – All the Time