Africa Between Exploitation and Internal Conflicts

Africa Between Exploitation and Internal Conflicts

Africa: The Cradle of Humanity and a Victim of Neglect

Despite the fact that disturbances in the African continent are rarely a priority in global politics, Africa remains a fundamental part of human history. Many hear about its conflicts, but without genuine concern, as if what happens within Africa stays confined within its borders—as if the African human being holds no true value in the global balance of interests.

Africa is the cradle of humanity, the ancestral homeland from which all peoples emerged. Scientific evidence clearly confirms that the origins of mankind trace back to this continent. Every individual has the right to be proud of their roots, whether European or Asian, but they must also acknowledge that their earliest ancestors once came from Africa.

I say this not merely because I was born in Africa, but because this continent deserves the recognition and respect it has long been denied. It has endured one of the longest histories of colonization, exploitation, and neglect known to humanity.

Colonialism and Slavery: Wounds That Have Yet to Heal

Africa was not only the birthplace of humanity but also a stage for centuries of brutal slavery and exploitation. Over the course of hundreds of years, millions of Africans were abducted, sold in slave markets, and shipped like goods to the Americas. Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Americas all participated in this atrocity. Many enslaved Africans died during the journey, and those who survived faced lives of humiliation and suffering. Even today, Africa continues to bear the scars of this bloody history.

The Ongoing Plundering of Africa’s Wealth

Although formal colonialism has ended, the looting of Africa’s resources continues. Major powers—including Europe, Russia, the United States, China, India, and the Gulf states—still exploit the continent’s gold, oil, and rare minerals, while most of Africa’s population lives in extreme poverty. Foreign corporations amass profits, while the African people endure hunger, unemployment, and poor infrastructure. Everyone covets Africa’s riches, but few genuinely care about its people.

Racism Against Africans: A Painful Reality in North Africa and the Middle East

It is heartbreaking to see racism against Africans persist in regions such as North Africa and the Middle East. Social media platforms are filled with racist comments and actions—even from celebrities and public figures. I have been personally shocked by the extent of this racism, particularly in Tunisia, where some Africans are treated as strangers in their own land. I firmly denounce these disgraceful acts and call for them to be explicitly criminalized, especially in countries that claim allegiance to Islam, a religion that preaches equality among all human beings.

African Conflicts: Border Wars and Civil Wars

Although wars between African states are rare and often limited to border disputes, internal civil wars pose the greatest threat. Many of these conflicts are externally funded to keep Africa trapped in a state of ongoing chaos.

The most notable conflicts between African states include:

• The dispute between Ethiopia and Sudan over the Al-Fashaga region.

• The Sand War between Algeria and Morocco in 1963.

• The Libyan-Chadian conflict over the Aouzou Strip.

• The war between Eritrea and Ethiopia, which ended with a peace agreement in 2018.

African Migration: Why Are Africans Fleeing Their Continent?

As a result of war, poverty, and poor governance, millions of Africans risk their lives trying to escape to Europe and North Africa. Many perish in deserts or drown at sea in search of a dignified life.

Despite some relative progress in countries like South Africa and a few nations in West and East Africa, large regions—particularly the Sahel and Central Africa—remain plagued by instability, lawlessness, and the spread of armed groups and militias.

Algeria: Between History, Colonial Legacy, and Political Conflicts

On social media, there is a wide-ranging debate regarding Algeria’s existence as a state, with some questioning its history or challenging its borders. However, the truth is that Algeria has always existed, with a well-established identity as part of North Africa—or what is known historically as Tamazgha.

Algeria under Ottoman rule was not like other provinces of the empire. The Dey (governor) was elected by the local army and did not report directly to the Sultan in Istanbul. When France colonized Algeria, it treated it not merely as a colony, but as an integral part of its national territory.

After independence, Morocco laid claims to territories like Tindouf. But an important question remains: why were these claims not raised against France during the colonial period? The same logic applies to the case of Western Sahara.

Conclusion: Can Africa Be Saved?

Africa possesses immense natural wealth, yet it continues to be drained by corruption, mismanagement, and foreign interference. What the continent truly needs is a comprehensive renaissance built on justice, transparency, and genuine sovereignty.

One day, Africa could become a destination for migration instead of a point of departure. But for that to happen, the plundering must stop, and respect for African peoples must prevail. Only then can Africa transform from an exploited continent into a stable and prosperous one.

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