By Olakunle Agboola – Pan-Africanism seeks to unify African nations, promote self-determination, and foster economic independence, while white supremacy strives to maintain control and influence over African resources, economies, and political systems.
Pan-Africanism, a movement advocating for the solidarity of all African peoples, has long been perceived as a threat to white supremacy. This threat is rooted in Pan-Africanism’s emphasis on unity, self-determination, and resistance to exploitation and oppression. In recent years, there has been a campaign for a borderless Africa, one currency, one military, and one president making it a United States of Africa.
White supremacy has never changed which is based on division, control, and the perpetuation of racial hierarchies. This concept is rooted in the economic exploitation of African resources and sustained through systemic racism, discrimination, and violence
This is why Pan-Africanism advocates for economic independence and self-reliance, encouraging African nations to develop their own industries and trade networks. The concept of Pan-Africanism is to reduce dependency on Western economies and disrupt the economic power structures that underpin white supremacy.
This concept challenges the legitimacy and stability of white supremacist regimes, making it more difficult for them to maintain their hold on power. This is the reality of countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, Senegal, and Niger in recent years.
The origins of Pan-Africanism can be traced to the transatlantic slave trade and the subsequent colonization of Africa. The brutal experiences of slavery and colonialism created a shared sense of sorrow and a common cause among African individuals and their descendants in the diaspora.
The demand for decolonization and self-determination directly opposed the interests of white supremacist systems, which relied on the exploitation and subjugation of African peoples. Many lives have been lost in opposition to white supremacy, particularly early Pan-Africanists, who had been subjected to brutal killings.
White Supremacy and Impact on Africa
White supremacy has profoundly impacted numerous African countries through the mechanisms of colonization, apartheid, economic exploitation, and systemic racism. South Africa is one of the most well-known examples of institutionalized white supremacy through the apartheid system, which lasted from 1948 to 1994.
Under apartheid, a legal framework established racial segregation and economic disparity. The white minority government imposed severe restrictions on the rights of the non-white majority, including limiting their movement, education, employment, and political participation.
The apartheid regime inflicted profound social and economic inequalities that persist today. The black population faced systemic violence, economic deprivation, and social ostracization. The legacy of apartheid continues to manifest in economic disparities, with a significant wealth gap between the white minority and the black majority.
Zimbabwe, under the name Rhodesia, was subjected to British colonial rule, characterized by white minority rule and the disenfranchisement of the black majority. The colonial government implemented policies that favored white settlers, granting them vast amounts of land while dispossessing indigenous Africans.
Namibia experienced German colonial rule from 1884 to 1915, during which the Herero and Namaqua genocide occurred, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands of indigenous people. After World War I, South Africa took control of Namibia and imposed apartheid policies similar to those in South Africa.
The legacy of colonialism and apartheid left Namibia with deep social and economic inequalities. The black majority faced land dispossession, restricted access to education and healthcare, and economic marginalization. These issues continue to affect Namibia today, despite gaining independence in 1990.
The land reform program initiated by President Robert Mugabe in the early 2000s aimed to redress these historical prejudices but led to economic turmoil and international sanctions. While the intention was to dismantle the legacy of white supremacy, the implementation caused significant hardship and controversy.
The Congo Free State, personally controlled by King Leopold II of Belgium from 1885 to 1908, was one of the most brutal examples of colonial exploitation. During this period, millions of Congolese people died due to forced labor, disease, and violence as the colonial regime exploited the country’s resources, particularly rubber.
The legacy of Belgian colonial rule left the Democratic Republic of the Congo with significant social and economic challenges. The country has experienced ongoing conflict, political instability, and economic exploitation, much of which can be traced back to the extractive and violent practices of the colonial period.
Algeria was colonized by France in 1830, and the colonial rule lasted until 1962. The French government implemented policies that marginalized the indigenous population, expropriated land, and suppressed local culture. The Algerian War of Independence (1954-1962) was a brutal conflict that resulted in significant loss of life and widespread atrocities.
The colonial legacy in Algeria includes deep economic disparities and social tensions. The war for independence left a lasting impact on the country’s political and social landscape, and the effects of French colonial policies continued to influence Algeria’s development.
Nigeria was subjected to British colonial rule from the late 19th century until gaining independence in 1960. The British implemented policies that exploited the country’s resources, fostered ethnic divisions, and established economic systems that favored British interests.
The colonial legacy in Nigeria includes economic challenges, ethnic tensions, and political instability. The British policies of indirect rule and favoritism towards certain ethnic groups have contributed to ongoing conflicts and divisions within the country.
The impact of white supremacy in Africa has manifested in long-lasting economic, social, and political challenges. Colonial rule and apartheid systems imposed by European powers have left deep scars, resulting in persistent inequalities and ongoing struggles for justice and equality.
It has been demonstrated that white supremacy thrives on division, either through the artificial borders drawn by colonial powers or the racial hierarchies that pit groups against each other. This has been the struggle Africans have endured for decades and the reason Pan-Africanism promotes unity, which has been difficult to achieve.
Several African leaders have been pivotal in the struggle against white supremacy, each contributing to the liberation and empowerment of their countries and the broader African continent.
Nelson Mandela is perhaps the most globally recognized African leader who fought against white supremacy, particularly through his efforts to dismantle apartheid in South Africa. Mandela spent 27 years in prison for his anti-apartheid activities, becoming a symbol of resistance against oppression.
Kwame Nkrumah was a key figure in the Pan-African movement and the leader of Ghana, the first African country to gain independence from colonial rule in 1957. Nkrumah’s leadership in the independence movement inspired other African nations to fight for their freedom from colonial rule. He was a strong advocate for the unity of African nations, promoting the idea that Africa should be free from colonialism and neo-colonialism
Jomo Kenyatta was a central figure in Kenya’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule. Kenyatta was accused of leading the Mau Mau rebellion against British colonial rule, which played a significant role in Kenya’s path to independence. After Kenya gained independence in 1963, Kenyatta became the country’s first president, working to unify the nation and promote economic development.
Julius Nyerere, known as the father of Tanzania, was a significant anti-colonial leader and a proponent of African socialism. Nyerere led Tanganyika to independence from British rule in 1961 and later unified Tanganyika and Zanzibar to form Tanzania. He introduced the Ujamaa policy, which aimed to build a self-reliant socialist state and reduce the influence of neo-colonialism.
Patrice Lumumba was the first Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and a leading figure in the country’s fight for independence from Belgium. Lumumba played a crucial role in the Congo’s independence movement, achieving freedom from Belgian colonial rule in 1960. Despite his short tenure and tragic assassination, Lumumba remains a symbol of resistance against colonial exploitation and neo-colonial interference.
Robert Mugabe was a key figure in Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle against white minority rule, which ended with the country’s independence in 1980. Mugabe led the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) and played a central role in the guerilla war against the Rhodesian government. His controversial land reform policies aimed to redress historical injustices by redistributing land from white farmers to black Zimbabweans, though they also led to significant economic challenges.
Samora Machel was a revolutionary leader and the first president of independent Mozambique, leading the fight against Portuguese colonial rule. Machel was a key leader of the Mozambique Liberation Front, which successfully waged a guerilla war against Portuguese colonial forces. He implemented socialist policies aimed at reducing inequality and fostering national unity.
Thomas Sankara was a charismatic and radical leader who sought to transform Burkina Faso into a self-reliant and progressive nation. Sankara implemented ambitious social and economic reforms, including land redistribution, women’s rights, and public health initiatives. He was a vocal critic of neo-colonialism and international debt, advocating for African self-sufficiency and dignity.
Amílcar Cabral was a revolutionary leader who fought for the independence of Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde from Portuguese colonial rule. He founded the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde and led a successful armed struggle against Portuguese forces. Cabral emphasized the importance of culture in liberation struggles and advocated for African unity and self-determination.
Modern Day fight against White Supremacy
In the contemporary world, Pan-Africanism continues to pose a threat to white supremacy through various avenues, including political movements, economic initiatives, and cultural expressions.
Pan-Africanism has inspired numerous political movements across Africa and the diaspora. One such movement is Black Lives Matter which has drawn on Pan-Africanist principles to address systemic racism and police brutality in the United States and beyond. The movement continues to highlight the global nature of racial injustice and challenge the narratives that uphold white supremacy and build solidarity across borders.
What is the concept of Pan-Africanism without economic independence? This remains a key objective of Pan-Africanism Initiatives. Several movements across Africa have been actively fighting for economic freedom which is aimed at addressing the ongoing consequences of colonialism, neo-colonialism, and systemic inequality. These movements seek to empower local populations, ensure equitable distribution of resources, and foster sustainable economic development.
The EFF, founded in 2013 by Julius Malema, is a South African political movement that has been at the forefront of the fight for economic freedom in South Africa. This economic movement has advocated for expropriating land without compensation to address historical land dispossession and promote equitable land distribution.
They have pushed for the nationalization of key industries, including mines, banks, and other strategic sectors, to ensure that the wealth generated benefits the broader population. Also is the Promotion of free, quality education and healthcare to empower the population and reduce socio-economic disparities.
Africans Rising is a Pan-African movement that emerged in 2017, aiming to foster solidarity and justice across the continent. It addresses a range of issues, including economic freedom, human rights, and environmental sustainability.
South Africa’s EFF is influenced by People’s Economic Freedom Fighters, as this movement focused on similar issues regarding economic freedom and social justice in Namibia. The movements also advocate for the even distribution of land and natural resources, particularly, the disadvantaged Namibians.
The Landless People’s Movement was established to address land dispossession and advocate for the rights of landless people in Namibia. It has grown into a broader social and political movement fighting for economic justice. Also pushing for comprehensive land reform policies that provide land to the landless and support sustainable agriculture.
Cultural revival and pride are key components of Pan-Africanism. The reclamation of African languages, traditions, and histories serves as a form of resistance against the cultural erasure imposed by colonialism. Mali and Burkina Faso have been at the forefront of reclaiming the African language. Also, are pan-Africanists across Africa debating on a common and popular language for adoption.
Movements such as Afrocentrism and the celebration of African heritage through music, art, and literature challenge the cultural hegemony of white supremacy. The global popularity of African cultural products, from Nollywood films to Afrobeat music, highlights the resilience and creativity of African people. This promotes positive representations of African culture and challenges stereotypes.
Pan-Africanism, with its emphasis on unity, self-reliance, and resistance to oppression continues to pose a fundamental threat to white supremacy. It takes a collective effort of unity and intentional leadership with foresight to achieve the major aims of Pan-Africanism.
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