By Theem Isaac Machar
Africa is a continent that historically, the land of bravery, talents, strength, and tolerance, has been for generations a land of ignorance, where a lack of one voice reigns and a lack of self-discovery abounds. It is with no regret that Africa is still where contempt leads.
Geographical information illustrates that Africa is the second largest, after Asia. It is beyond my understanding how the elders of the world [Asia and Africa] became less supreme. The vastness of the continental land between the two can double each of the emerging world superpowers.
North America, headed by the US, and Europe, led by a couple of powers France, Germany, and the UK, to mention but a few—did not rise to the most prestigious level by means of massive populism. But unity, mental power, and one voice played significant roles.
Regarding the most alarming title of the article, Africa, as a continent perceived as weak by the Western world, should know that it is late enough to still be sleeping. Wake up and watch closely where the world is going.
For us to transform the weak Africa into a strong and better Africa, there is a need to wake ourselves up and take a look at the world’s crises. We should know that the following things taking place in the following parts of the world will sooner or later drastically affect us:
Firstly, what is taking place in the Arab world is the war between Israel and Palestine, which is an indication of the third world war. A case in point is that Russia supports Palestine, and the US supports Israel. Therefore, the world powers are dividing the world into two. As such, Africa should not blindly take sides before knowing her level of strength. The Russian-Ukraine war is another alarm. Russia is expanding its policies toward Africa in order to gain more ground. For this matter, the US would feel openly provoked since any allied nation of either of the world superpowers becomes a foe for the other.
Thus, Africa, which hasn’t defined her level, will find it harder to be steadfast in decision-making processes.
Secondly, I am seeing colonized Africa again. Africa depends on the West for an arms embargo, and it is the West now that is breaching the world’s peace and order.
I am seeing a belittled Africa since there’s no upright continental army, no well-established defense, and a lack of vigilance. Africa, which does not have any of the fifty-four nations owning atomic or nuclear power manufacturing levels set up, can’t stand on her feet to resist in dark days.
Too much reliance on foreign aid will endanger the future of Africa. Africa, as a continent known to be the second largest and most populated, lacks internal support. She depends on the West for military equipment. I am predicting dark days coming our way as Africans. By the time the hosts turn into enemies, whom shall we attend to for significant support?
No matter how strong your best friend is, what he has isn’t yours. We Africans rely a lot on friendship, and one thing is quite certain about it. Friendship ends! And when friends back out of friendship, they automatically become rival enemies. However, our friendship with the West should not be an ideal solution to Africans’ present or future uncertainties.
Africa without vision is blind. When I sit back and critically think about the appalling conditions of the continent, I foresee the land being a blind habitat. We have lost our sight to some extent; we can’t even see what may befall us tomorrow.
This usually gives me strange thoughts on what brought about differences between us and the Whites. To think and comprehend that Africa, inhabited by the Blacks and the West, home of the Whites, may have different colors impacted by differences at all levels In a real sense, that may not be the genuine reason. We do not have the minds and brains put together for a better Africa.
To provide solutions, we should have some crucial things put in place.
Africa should have a defense system set up. Having joint-military alliances like the West will help build a standing army on the continent. By doing this, we will have established a defensive measure.
Africans should fight collectively and jointly to ensure that Africa manufactures weapons of her own.
This will help eradicate the timely imposition of sanctions against the arms embargo and external threats. We have experienced multiple sections and threats for decades; simply put, we are taken for a fee.
Instead of joining wars engineered by the Whites, we should first make sure Africa is the chain of manacles. We need Africa to be independent, like Israel, Russia, the US, and the UK, as well as other nations that freely manufacture weapons [warships]. Africans should know that the second colonization is heavy. Africa will be haunting ground for whites under our watch.
Addressing the issue of lawlessness within the African military is crucial for the overall stability and development of the continent. While the challenges are complex and deeply rooted, there are several potential solutions that can be pursued to improve the situation.
Strengthening governance and accountability: African governments should prioritize good governance and establish robust mechanisms to hold military personnel accountable for their actions.
This includes implementing transparent and effective systems for recruitment, promotion, and disciplinary measures within the military.
Professionalization and training: Investing in comprehensive training programs that focus on ethics, human rights, and the rule of law is essential. This will help instill a sense of responsibility and professionalism among military personnel, ensuring they understand their role in protecting citizens and upholding the law. Adequate resources and support: Governments should allocate sufficient resources to the military, ensuring they have the necessary equipment, infrastructure, and logistical support.
This will not only enhance their operational capabilities but also reduce the temptation for corruption and illicit activities. Strengthening civilian oversight: Establishing effective civilian oversight mechanisms, such as parliamentary committees or independent commissions, can help monitor and regulate the military’s activities. This will ensure that military actions align with the broader national interest and respect human rights.
Regional cooperation and partnerships: African countries should collaborate regionally to address common security challenges. Sharing best practices and intelligence and conducting joint military exercises can help build trust, enhance coordination, and promote a culture of professionalism within the military.
Engaging civil society and promoting public awareness: Governments should actively involve civil society organizations, human rights groups, and the media in monitoring military activities. Encouraging public awareness and dialogue about the importance of lawfulness within the military can help foster a culture of accountability and discourage lawlessness.
It is important to recognize that addressing lawlessness within the African military is a long-term endeavor that requires sustained commitment and collaboration from governments, regional bodies, and international partners. By implementing these solutions, African nations can work towards building professional, accountable, and law-abiding military forces that contribute to peace, stability, and development on the continent.
Have a blessed day!
The writer can be reached via email at theemisaacmachar@gmail.com /Tel; +211922218519