What African Independence is all about
On June 26, 1960, France granted Madagascar independence. This came after a number of African countries, then under the rule of the British and French governments, would be free. Not a few wonder if freedom is attained.
"When I was growing up in Nigeria in the 1970s, whenever there was a corruption scandal, or when yet another military coup took place, my parents would say, 'What we need in this country is a good leader - what we need is a Kwame Nkrumah.'"
- Biyi Bandele (playwright)
Chinua Achebe, the Father of modern African writing, depicted what was life in Nigeria, his hometown, then and now. His prose revealed the richness of African culture, as seen in the continent's dramatic landscape. But something was wrong, a hint of low-esteem. Could it be the reason why most leaders, present and past, failed? News of military uprising weren't uncommon. Reports of falling economies prompted some to wonder if the West, which once ruled the continent, were to blame.
A troubled past
It was be hard to believe that Africa was projecting an image of low self-esteem. Many findings pointed out that the first race of men came from the continent. Then the fabled kingdoms like the Kushites from Sudan. In "Congo", Michael Crichton described a ruined city hidden by Africa's rain forest. Scientists who managed to pass through the East African Rift, a series of basins and volcanoes, would be startled to learn that a civilization flourished in that place thousands of years ago and that they were able to develop an effective method on animal training. The stone engravings enabled readers to recall the Nubian pyramids, remnants of what was once the mighty Kushite Dynasty. Other structures were found in other parts of the continent, luring the then kingdoms of Europe during the nineteenth century. It was the Scramble for Africa.
It was no secret that the colonial rulers wanted Africa to be weak, even if they were independent. Many believed that this was the reason why most leaders during the last five decades were disgraced due to corruption or incompetence. Madagascar was no exception, as it also had its own share of power struggles. The stakes are high, which included flora and fauna endemic in the island nation. Then there's a recent discovery of jade, prompting a team of international scientists to prevent a mineral rush that may result to the collapse of the economy.
One step at a time
A number of individuals try to help the economy, and at the same time, their ventures keep alive the customs. It is a positive sign, but there's no light at the end of the tunnel. Yet. In the case of Madagascar, it has yet to make that first step, as it had gone through four republics. Then there's the political crisis of 2009, which the country is still reeling from. But if small changes happen in the other former colonies, then Madagascar can't be that far.
