Africa's Fight for True Sovereignty: A Call to Remember and Resist

In 1884, during the infamous Berlin Conference, the African continent was carved up like a pie and divided among European colonial powers without the slightest consideration for the millions of Africans who called it home. Africa became a map of foreign claims and artificial borders, drawn by hands that had never tilled its soil or respected its people. From that moment on, Africans lost the right to govern their lands. For decades, decisions about Africa were made in faraway capitals London, Paris, Brussels, and Lisbon while Africans bore the weight of exploitation, displacement, and suffering. It wasn’t until the late 1950s and throughout the 1960s that African nations began to reclaim their independence. Yet, for many countries, this independence was in name only a phenomenon often referred to as "flag independence." Though African nations flew their flags and sang their anthems, true sovereignty remained elusive. Economic systems, political frameworks, and even national currencies were still tightly controlled by former colonial powers. The Lingering Chains of Neocolonialism In the case of France’s former colonies, the exploitation was blatant. These countries continued and many continue to pay colonial-era "fees" to France, a practice that ties them economically to their former colonizer. The CFA franc, a currency used by many West and Central African nations, is printed in France and controlled by French financial institutions. Despite claims of economic stability, the currency system has long been criticized for keeping African economies dependent and vulnerable. Africans were forced to use money printed by powers that did not have their best interests at heart. It is an irony too bitter to ignore: the same currencies deemed unsuitable for France itself were pushed onto African countries, a glaring symbol of continued economic dominance. Whenever an African leader dared to imagine a truly independent future one free from the vestiges of colonialism—their life was often cut tragically short. History is filled with such examples. We have receipts: Patrice Lumumba of the Congo, Thomas Sankara of Burkina Faso, Muammar Gaddafi of Libya, and many others who sought to chart an independent course for their people. Each was assassinated, overthrown, or vilified by foreign powers or their proxies, leaving their nations to suffer the consequences. Meanwhile, leaders who remained loyal to Western interests—often at the expense of their people were rewarded with protection, wealth, and longevity. They were allowed to loot national treasuries, impoverish their citizens, and erode national institutions without fear of serious reprisal from the very powers that claim to promote democracy and human rights. Why We Must Begin with History At People of Africa magazine, we firmly believe that history is not a collection of dead facts and dates it is a living, breathing teacher. Without understanding the past, we are condemned to repeat it. Without allowing history to guide our steps, we risk walking blindly into traps laid long ago. This is why every conversation about Africa’s present struggles must begin with a look back at the roots of those struggles. Recent events have once again made it clear that Africa's fight for genuine sovereignty is far from over. AFRICOM and the New Scramble for Africa In the United States, a recent hearing before the Senate shined a troubling light on current relations between Africa and Western powers. General Michael Langley, head of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), accused Burkina Faso’s President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, of misusing the nation’s gold reserves for personal security rather than national development. These accusations, made without clear evidence and amplified on the international stage, have sparked widespread outrage across Africa and among friends of African nations globally. Many Africans immediately recognized the old playbook being dusted off: discredit a popular, independent-minded African leader, sow discord within his country, and justify foreign interference under the guise of promoting "good governance" or "human rights." The government of Burkina Faso swiftly condemned the accusations, dismissing them as baseless and politically motivated. Officials noted that this would not be Africa’s first rodeo when it comes to facing smear campaigns and pressure from foreign powers whenever African leaders dare to prioritize African interests. Indeed, many Africans have been saying for months, if not years, that the moment leaders who fight for true sovereignty leaders who dare to speak of Africa controlling its resources, destiny, and defense Western powers will move to destabilize them. The Knife at Africa’s Table Why must the story always end this way? Why is it that whenever Africa begins to stand, someone sharpens a knife? At People of Africa magazine, we ask this question not to incite anger, but to ignite awareness. Why do Western powers believe it is their right to continue dining at Africa’s table, eating the fruits of land they do not cultivate, reaping wealth they did not sow? It is time to say clearly: that Africa belongs to Africans. If left alone to chart its course, Africa has every resource it needs natural, intellectual, and cultural to thrive and lead. What Africa needs is not more intervention, more accusations, or more conditional aid. What Africa needs is space to breathe, to heal, and to grow. Never in the history of the African Union has a group of African leaders sat around a table and decided they would seize the lands of Europe or America. Never have African nations plotted to control the minerals of the West, to dictate its governments, or to undermine its leaders. Yet time and time again, Western governments and corporations devise strategies to keep Africa economically weak, politically unstable, and socially divided. The Path Forward: Unity, Sovereignty, and Vigilance If Africa is to finally break free from the centuries-old cycle of exploitation, it must start with unity. African nations must recognize that their strength lies not just in their natural resources, but in their ability to stand together, to refuse to be divided by outside influences. Sovereignty must become more than just a word in political speeches it must be a living reality, protected at all costs. African governments must invest in African solutions to African problems: robust education systems, diversified economies, independent financial institutions, and strong regional alliances. Finally, vigilance is essential. Africans must stay informed, challenge propaganda, and resist the temptation to accept narratives crafted abroad. The future of Africa must be written by Africans, for Africans, in the languages, cultures, and dreams of Africa itself. Conclusion: A Call to Action History has taught us that freedom is never given; it is fought for, protected, and cherished. Africa's struggle for true independence is not over it has merely entered a new phase. At *People of Africa* magazine, we commit to being a voice for that struggle. We commit to remembering our heroes, learning from our past, and standing firm against any force that seeks to undermine Africa’s right to self-determination. To the Western powers, we say: Keep your hands and your minds out of Africa. Let Africa be Africa. Let Africans build, dream, and lead without interference. To our readers, we say: Stay vigilant, stay united, and stay proud. Africa’s best days are ahead—if we are willing to fight for them.