Pan-Africanism and Leadership in Africa

Pan-Africanism has remained a sturdy advocacy and idea that envisions a developed Africa with a regnant clout in global affairs. In the light of Africa’s historically horrendous experiences, Pan-Africanism emerged with pivotal efficacious ideals aimed at liberating Africa from the chains of colonialism, imperialism, exploitation, and dehumanization. These ideals, ranging from unity and cooperation, self-determination and sovereignty, economic development, and cultural resurgence to social justice, among others, are creeds to be pursued and upheld by Africans, championed by their leaders. Sadly, the actions of African leaders starkly contrast with the ideals of Pan-Africanism, thus manifesting a paradox between theory and practice. This chapter explores the ideals of Pan-Africanism in relation to leadership in Africa and the associated paradox in theory and practice that contends that until African leaders wake up to the ideals of Pan-Africanism. Africa will remain an unfortunate, chained entity, preserved only for the enrichment, glory, and pleasure of foreign powers whose phoney love exists only insofar as Africa remains that unfortunate, chained, foreign-serving entity. Adequate orientation on Pan-Africanism for African leaders at all levels of government should form part of the curricula of African schools to groom children into the ideals of Pan-Africanism for a secure future and a prosperous, free Africa.