Makewetalknow

The European invasion of many parts of the world perpetuated a destructive myth of racial superiority. Through a deliberate campaign of misinformation, erasure, and manipulation of historical records, Europeans portrayed themselves as intelligent, cultured, and sophisticated, while indigenous peoples were depicted as inferior, savage, and uncivilized. This false narrative has had a lasting impact, influencing education, media, politics, and social justice.

Colonialism was a painful period marked by the forced adoption of foreign ways, slavery, and brutal oppression. Millions of Africans were forcibly captured, sold, and subjected to inhumane treatment, forced labour, and brutal oppression. The prosperity of nations like America and Europe was built on the backs of enslaved Africans.

European powers like Britain and France accumulated wealth by exploiting colonized territories’ natural resources, establishing trade routes, and imposing economic systems. Britain’s wealth grew significantly during the Queen Elizabeth regime, while France’s development was facilitated by its conquests and strategic manipulation of foreign governments. These same countries, having committed atrocities, now dictate global morality and establish rules for the rest of the world. They disregard their own past crimes against humanity, including the brutal treatment of African locals who were forced to surrender their homes or lives.

Colonialism was a painful period marked by the illegal entry of outsiders into thriving territories, forcing indigenous peoples to adopt foreign ways or face elimination. This colonization was often accompanied by slavery, a traumatic experience that inflicted irreparable damage on native populations from Africa to the Americas. Millions of Africans were forcibly captured, sold, and subjected to inhumane treatment, forced labor, and brutal oppression. The prosperity of nations like America and Europe was built on the backs of enslaved Africans, with industries like cotton, sugar, and tobacco heavily reliant on slave labor.

European powers like Britain and France accumulated wealth by seizing territories rich in natural resources and establishing strategic trade routes. Britain’s wealth grew significantly during the Queen Elizabeth regime, while France’s development was facilitated by its conquests and manipulation of foreign governments. France’s colonization of Africa allowed it to tap into the continent’s vast natural resources, fueling its economic growth and rise as a major world power.

The ownership of vast territories has long been a key driver of wealth, as land itself is a valuable resource. European powers like Britain and France leveraged their colonies to extract natural resources, establish trade routes, and impose economic systems, enabling them to accumulate wealth and dominate global affairs for centuries.

Ironically, these same countries, which once operated in relative obscurity, now dictate global morality and set rules for the rest of the world while downplaying their own historical atrocities. In Africa, they employed brutal tactics, forcing locals to surrender their homes or lives. Even after granting independence, Western powers ensured Africa’s dependence on them by stifling self-sufficiency and making the continent reliant on imports for essential goods.

The legacy of colonialism continues to impact Africa’s development. Unlike the United States, which gained full control over its resources after independence, Africa’s resources remain largely controlled by external powers. This has perpetuated a system of exploitation, contributing to widespread poverty and undermining economic development. Given Africa’s relatively recent independence, approximately 60 years ago, the continent’s progress should be evaluated within this historical context. The ongoing influence of colonial powers has stopped Africa from moving forward and developing its economy.

Haiti’s path to independence was marked by a courageous revolution against France, led by figures like Toussaint Louverture and Jean-Jacques Dessalines. This bold move defied the colonial powers of the time and had significant consequences. Haiti’s independence was met with hostility, and the country has faced ongoing economic hardship. The tension between Haiti and the Dominican Republic has historical roots, with the two nations sharing the island of Hispaniola but having distinct colonial pasts. Haiti’s determination to fight for freedom has been recognized as a testament to the strength and resilience of its people.

Haiti’s experience serves as a powerful example of the challenges faced by nations that dared to challenge colonial powers. The country’s history and ongoing struggles highlight the importance of acknowledging and learning from the past while working towards a more equitable future.

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s story is one of stark contrast between its vast natural wealth and the poverty of its people. King Leopold II’s exploitation of the Congo Free State in the late 19th century is widely regarded as one of the most brutal episodes of colonialism. The partitioning of the Congo and the exploitation of its resources by European powers have had long-lasting effects.

Today, the DRC remains one of the poorest countries despite its rich mineral deposits. Foreign interests continue to dominate the extraction of resources like cobalt, copper, and tantalum with little benefit to the local population. This ongoing exploitation is a legacy of the colonial era and a major obstacle to the country’s development.

Africa’s independence from colonial powers is often viewed as incomplete. Instead of true self-governance, European colonizers transferred control to handpicked local leaders who serve as proxies for external interests. This dynamic persists through neocolonialism, with multinational corporations exerting significant influence over African resources and perpetuating a system that prioritizes external interests over local needs.

The Western media’s tendency to highlight corruption in Africa while downplaying their own historical and ongoing role in exploiting African resources is a notable double standard. Many Western countries have a complex history of colonialism and neocolonialism that has significantly impacted Africa’s development and continues to influence the continent’s economic and political landscape.