As Africa prepares to choose its next African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, the stakes are high.
The four candidates--Kenya's Raila Odinga, Djibouti's Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Madagascar's Richard Randriamandrato, and Mauritius' Anil Gayan--bring with them unique experiences and perspectives.
However, one issue that transcends their platforms is the need for Africa to push back against the continued presence of neo-colonialism on the continent.
At a time when Africa is grappling with internal challenges and global dynamics, the next AUC Chairperson must prioritize resisting external influence disguised as "cooperation" or "development aid."
Many African countries gained independence in the mid-20th century, but several remain shackled by the vestiges of colonialism. Foreign powers continue to exert influence through multinational corporations, international financial institutions, and even political meddling.
Africa is rich in natural resources, but external powers often dictate how these resources are extracted, processed, and traded--leaving African economies vulnerable.
Candidates vying for the AUC Chairperson slot must confront these forces head-on. Africa can no longer afford to remain a playground for global powers seeking to extract wealth while perpetuating poverty and underdevelopment.
One of the primary ways neo-colonialism manifests is through economic dependency. Many African nations remain reliant on foreign loans, aid packages, and foreign direct investment, often tied to conditions that prioritize the interests of lenders rather than African citizens.
The World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), and other financial institutions continue to dictate economic policies that limit Africa's ability to implement its own development strategies.
Candidates for AUC leadership must push for a continent-wide economic strategy that emphasizes self-reliance and inter-African trade. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a significant step forward, but the incoming chairperson must ensure its effective implementation.
By boosting intra-African trade and reducing dependency on external markets, the AUC can foster a more resilient and independent African economy.
Foreign intervention in African politics is another tool of neo-colonialism. From the manipulation of electoral processes to the propping up of authoritarian regimes, external actors continue to interfere in African governance.
This undermines Africa's sovereignty and distorts democratic processes, leaving African leaders beholden to foreign interests rather than their own people.
The next AUC chairperson must take a strong stance on protecting Africa's political integrity. By advocating for genuine democracy, good governance, and accountability across the continent, the AUC can create an environment where African leaders are free from external coercion.
Additionally, partnerships with external nations should be built on mutual respect and benefit--not coercion or exploitation.
Neo-colonialism also takes on cultural forms, where African identities, values, and traditions are often sidelined or undermined by Western norms. African leaders must be champions of Pan-Africanism--a philosophy that emphasizes African unity, culture, and shared destiny.
The AUC chairperson has a responsibility to promote the African Union's Agenda 2063, which envisions a united, peaceful, and prosperous Africa driven by its people's culture and heritage.
By prioritizing African knowledge systems, languages, and cultural practices, the incoming AUC Chairperson can help Africans reclaim their identity and build a future that is informed by African ideals rather than foreign ones.
Whichever candidate emerges victorious must recognize that the chairperson's role is not simply to manage the day-to-day affairs of the AU. This position requires bold leadership, especially in confronting the insidious influence of neo-colonialism.
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The Chairperson must foster stronger cooperation among African nations while scrutinizing and renegotiating Africa's relationships with the rest of the world. There should be an emphasis on creating partnerships that benefit African development rather than perpetuating dependency.
Furthermore, the chairperson must advocate for African representation in global institutions to ensure that African voices are heard and respected on the world stage.
All in all, the next African Union Commission Chairperson has a crucial role in ensuring that Africa steps out from under the shadow of foreign influence.
The writer is a Ugandan journalist with a passion for current African affairs
