In my high school years, I was a member of the Debate Club. One of my favorite topics to the debate was, “Did the Europeans Cause More Harm Than Good to Africa.” I loved challenging my opponent to see the harm they caused and its impact on Africa’s future.
Acknowledging that there is some good that the Europeans gifted our beloved mother continent with is essential; however, in this article, the focus is on the harm they caused.
What prompted the Europeans to colonize Africa? They were on the lookout for free labor to enhance high productivity in their plantations in the Americas. Africa became a rich source of free physical work, and millions of West Africans were captured and sold against their will and sailed across the Atlantic Ocean, with a new identity, slaves. They were traumatized, and their ordeal has affected generations.
Europe’s population was increasing, and space was getting smaller; Africa, a dark, spacious continent, attracted their attention and presented an opportunity to satisfy their greed for power and expansion.
Economic factors for conquering Africa. Europe wanted to boost its economy that would strengthen her might. Her eyes became fixated on the rich untapped African resources.
In their pursuit of power and economic might, they divided Africa among their different countries without including the Africans in their decision-making table. They began a trend in ripping off Africa’s natural resources to enrich their countries, which has shamelessly continued to this day.
They did not only rip Africa off its natural resources, but they also harmed the Africans by attacking their dignity, demonizing their values, attacking their self-esteem, and planting seeds of discord among different tribes. They gave us European names, and our ethnic languages were labeled inferior, which has continued to this day.
What is the impact of colonization in Africa? When African nations fought for their independence and gained it, they were hopeful for a better future for their children and for generations to come. However, their hope did come to fruition; the wounds inflicted on the African soul by the colonists harmed us and continue to break us. The colonial masters significantly dented our social, cultural, and political structure; to cater to their interests.
Western countries have taken advantage of the African leaders’ greed, schmoozing them with attractive loans without scrutinizing the loopholes, destroying our hope for political and economic independence. Our hope has turned into a nightmare, economic colonialism.
Africa walks in shame; she is a victim of economic, political, verbal, mental, and emotional turmoil. Her pain that came from her tortured ancestors circulates in her veins. She lacks an open window to explore her pain or validate the bitter wounds that continue to ooze.
Is Africa doomed? No, there is hope for healing, and it starts by identifying her emotions and healthily processing them. Some of these emotions are fear, anxiety, anger, frustration, hurt, powerlessness, hopelessness, rejection, and disappointment. Understanding her wounded soul is paramount before she embarks on a healing journey.
A roadmap is handy in guiding her out of her pain and pursuing mental and emotional resilience, giving her the boldness to advocate for her rights at the international platform, making sure her voice is respected.
Beatrice Ndura is a Mental Health Coach, a writer, and the host of Musings Podcast, that addresses mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
©Beatrice Ndura
Similar: Why is Africa Bold, Intelligent and Authentic?
