In recent years, some have argued that war is the only path to Africa’s liberation from colonisation and its enduring legacies of exploitation and systemic oppression. This view is driven by an understandable frustration with historical and present injustices. Yet, such a path is not only impractical—it is dangerous and self-defeating. History shows us that war, no matter how noble its intentions, more often than not leads to devastation rather than genuine freedom.
Africa must reject war as the solution to its challenges. The continent has already paid a heavy price in blood and suffering from the wars of independence, civil conflicts, and colonial conquests. These wars, however, did not bring the peace, stability, or justice that many hoped for. Instead, they left behind scars that continue to fester today, in the form of broken economies, traumatised populations, and deeply divided societies. A new war, waged in the name of liberation, would likely perpetuate this cycle of suffering, leaving Africa further weakened and fragmented.
The Deeper Struggle: Liberation of the Mind
True liberation does not lie in the shedding of blood but in the awakening of the mind. Africa’s real battle is not one of guns and violence but of ideas and identity. The most enduring form of colonisation has been the mental one: the imposition of foreign ideals, values, and systems that have eroded African self-confidence and distorted the continent’s self-image. This form of colonisation cannot be undone by force but by a deliberate, conscious process of rediscovery.
Colonial powers not only subjugated Africa physically, but they also sought to reshape the African mind, creating a sense of inferiority that has persisted long after the end of formal colonisation. The Western education systems imposed across the continent were designed to produce obedient subjects, not empowered citizens. They systematically erased African history, philosophy, and cultural pride, replacing them with the ideals and narratives of the colonisers.
It is time to reclaim Africa’s mind. This means questioning and dismantling the colonial education system that still dominates many African countries today. It means developing a new curriculum that places African history, culture, and innovation at the centre, encouraging critical thinking, self-awareness, and a sense of pride in African identity. Only by liberating the African mind can the continent hope to free itself from the shackles of neo-colonialism.
Forgiveness as a Strategy for Freedom
A critical element in this process of mental liberation is the capacity for forgiveness—not as a passive act, but as a strategic one. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting or excusing the atrocities of the past, nor does it absolve those who committed them. Instead, it is about freeing oneself from the burden of hatred and revenge, which often leads to cycles of violence and suffering.
For Africa, forgiveness can be a powerful tool in reclaiming its agency. By choosing not to be defined by its painful past, the continent can redirect its energy towards building a future that is rooted in peace, dignity, and self-sufficiency. Forgiveness allows Africa to rise above the narrative of victimhood and take control of its own destiny. It offers a path to healing that is far more sustainable than war.
A Return to African Values in Governance
Part of this journey of rediscovery also involves questioning the political systems that were imposed on Africa during colonisation. Western models of governance, particularly capitalist democracy, were never designed to serve African societies. They were intended to maintain control, enforce division, and ensure dependency. Capitalism’s focus on individualism and competition is fundamentally at odds with Africa’s communal traditions, which emphasise collective welfare, cooperation, and shared responsibility.
It is no surprise, then, that Western political systems have failed to deliver prosperity and stability for the majority of African people. The small elite that benefits from these systems often does so at the expense of the larger population. This is not the African way.
Africa must rediscover its own models of governance, rooted in its traditions of consensus-building, communal decision-making, and collective accountability. These systems, which prioritise the well-being of the community over individual gain, offer a more just and equitable form of leadership. By embracing these indigenous systems, Africa can create a political framework that is not only more effective but also more aligned with its cultural values.
Spiritual Reawakening
Perhaps the most profound area of rediscovery lies in the spiritual realm. Colonisation did not just strip Africa of its political and economic autonomy; it also sought to erase its spiritual traditions. Christianity and Islam were both used as tools of colonisation, promoting the idea that African spiritual practices were inferior and ‘uncivilised’. This religious colonisation has resulted in a deep spiritual disconnect, with many Africans today more familiar with foreign religions than with the rich spiritual traditions of their ancestors.
Reclaiming African spirituality does not mean rejecting foreign religions but rather integrating and honouring the wisdom of indigenous spiritual practices. These traditions, which have sustained African communities for millennia, offer a source of strength, guidance, and healing that is deeply needed today. African spirituality is not a relic of the past—it is a living, evolving practice that can provide the moral and ethical foundation for the continent’s future.
The Real Path to Freedom: Know Thyself
The key to Africa’s liberation lies not in external conflict but in internal rediscovery. Africans must embark on a journey of self-discovery, questioning the narratives they have inherited and reclaiming their identity. This journey begins with education, governance, and spirituality—but it does not end there.
The great African sages have always known that the true power of a people lies in their knowledge of themselves. “Know thyself” is an ancient African maxim, and it holds the key to the continent’s future. By looking inward, by rediscovering the strengths that have always been there, Africa can break free from the cycle of exploitation and forge a path to true freedom.
War is a distraction. The real battle is for the African soul, and it can only be won through wisdom, self-awareness, and a deep connection to the continent’s heritage. Africa’s future depends not on violence but on its ability to rediscover and reclaim its own identity.