Pan-Africanism

MAY 25, SYMBOLIC OR REAL?

This day dedicated to Pan-Africanism suffers from a hypocrisy of the African Elite which brings the euphoria of a dream with the hidden face to ordinary citizens. The African Elite until then works in an ambivalence which is characterized by its great love for the West and at the same time by its "great repulsion" towards the latter when it comes face to face with its people. Verbs, for six decades, have stolen the limelight from concrete actions, pledges of the realization of what until now was only a dream. A paradigm shift is timely in favor of a truly united Africa.

It is obvious that the leaders who have worked in the direction of a paradigm shift have been perceived as enemies of Africa due to our lack of culture. There is no need to mention the names of these charismatic leaders who were sacrificed on the altar of African unity. It is time we question the identity of the person to whom the unity of Africa would bother and why? Experts answered this question. As for our lack of culture, it stems from our refusal to see ourselves as our own examples. We lack pride in ourselves. Our Elite let, if not help, the seeds of denial flourish within us. Because, supposed to be our reference, or elite enjoys an unspeakable ambivalence. She is never well dressed except in costumes imported from the other, never well shod except when the foreign brand burns a thousand lights on her clogs. Thus, our development is compromised by this imitation which is betrayed only by the color of our skin. May 25 must rather be a day of hard work.

“The cola nut lasts in the mouth of one who knows its value. The African citizen, not knowing the meaning of the Pan-African dream, likes to stay at home to rest while nothing has been achieved with regard to Pan-Africanism. Rest befits him who has worked. Why rest before starting work? We have a long way to go. However, May 25 must be dedicated to more work, to give back to our Pan-African organizations their autonomy. This, so that they fight for Africa without the dictates of invisible hands.

I end with this: He who feeds you, controls your minds. Let's be ourselves. Let pay the price of our freedom and independence. It is a trap when your master grants you with freedom for free. So, let us question our freedom considering what is happening around Africa. Are we truly ready for Unity? This is the question.

Bourama Dionkala KANOUTE