History teaches that many African countries were once colonised by the Europeans. Logically, this was done out of nothing except selfish interest.

Under the colonial administration, the so-called masters introduced foreign culture, tradition, language, societal system, to mention but a few. Colonialism, which was regarded to be unfair, gave way to independence following the new wave of many independence struggle movements across the continent.

Ironically, one is compelled to wonder what are the factors responsible for the senseless wars and civil unrests, hunger, and poverty after the liberation of African countries.

The partitioning of the continent by the colonialists to massively exploit Africa through diverse ways and tactics is one of the factors. In order to systematically carry out their dastardly activities, including slavery, they created and implemented systems that divided the continent and the people.

Following the victory for self-determination, many African countries, unlike The Gambia and few others, have been affected by seemingly endless wars and natural disasters that have been costly to human lives.

It is fitting for one to partly blame African problems on the colonialists, who are still obsessed with an insatiable desire to loot the continent of its natural resources. This modern form of exploitation is being done by fuelling rebellion and wars to usurp democratic authority of the people to shift power to stooges, who they easily manipulate for their own interest.

Africans better watch out. We should strive by ourselves to develop the continent without depending much on the West. We must realise that war and conflict will never solve our problems. It is our responsibiliy as Africans to judge, analyse, evaluate and choose which path serves the purpose of self-actualisation and rapid development. Peace or war?

Mustapha Koli
Mile 7