The Shadow of the West: Long Reigns, Resource Exploitation, and Selective Outrage in Africa.
The enduring tenures of several leaders raise critical questions about governance, democracy, and the role of external actors across. While the West often claims to champion democratic ideals, its response to long-ruling leaders in Africa has frequently appeared nuanced, if not contradictory, particularly when strategic or economic interests are at play.
Consider these cases that span decades and highlight this complex dynamic:
Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea 🇬🇶 seized power in a 1979 coup and has since ruled for 46 years. His regime has faced persistent accusations of corruption and human rights abuses. Equatorial Guinea is rich in oil, and Western companies have significant investments there. While there have been criticisms, the level of sustained, forceful condemnation often seen elsewhere has been less pronounced, proving that the West’s economic interests in the country’s oil reserves temper their stance on his long rule. His son, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, is now Vice-President and widely seen as his potential successor, suggesting a continuation of this dynastic rule.
Paul Biya has been president of Cameroon 🇨🇲 for 43 years. His long rule has been marked by allegations of authoritarianism and a lack of democratic progress. France, Cameroon’s former colonial power, maintains significant economic and political ties. While there have been concerns about human rights raised by international organizations, the relationship between France and Cameroon has remained stable with an obvious perceptions that French influence prioritizes its interests over calls for significant political change.
Yoweri Museveni of Uganda 🇺🇬 has been in power for 39 years. Initially seen by some in the West as a reformer, his long tenure has been accompanied by increasing authoritarian tendencies, including the removal of presidential term limits. Despite this, Uganda has been a key security partner for the West in the Horn of Africa, particularly in counter-terrorism efforts. This strategic cooperation is often cited as a reason why Western powers have not taken a stronger stance against his prolonged rule.
Ismail Omar Guelleh has been president of Djibouti 🇩🇯 for 26 years. Djibouti’s strategic location at the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial shipping lane, and its hosting of the largest U.S. military base in Africa (Camp Lemonnier) give it significant geopolitical importance. This strategic value is believed by many to be a key factor in the muted Western criticism of Guelleh’s long rule and the country’s human rights record.
These situations resonate with Thomas Sankara’s poignant warning: “If you see the West praise me, just know that I have betrayed you.” This quote encapsulates the suspicion that Western approval often aligns with the advancement of their own agendas.
Historically, the West’s involvement in Africa has been marked by instances where support for certain leaders, even those with questionable human rights records, appeared to serve strategic or economic goals. The early support for Mobutu Sese Seko in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) after the assassination of Patrice Lumumba is a frequently cited example, where Mobutu’s anti-communist stance aligned with Western Cold War interests. Similarly, the intervention in Libya leading to the ouster and death of Muammar Gaddafi, while framed in humanitarian terms by some, was seen by others as driven by a desire for regime change that would align with Western geopolitical objectives. The aftermath, with Libya descending into chaos, further fueled debates about the true motivations behind the intervention.
The argument presented is that the West’s primary focus tends to be its own interests, often at the expense of genuine democratic development and the well-being of African populations. Critics suggest that a fragmented and economically challenged Africa can be more easily exploited for its resources.
Furthermore, the narrative around terrorism in Africa is often viewed with skepticism.The claim is made that the West’s portrayal simplifies a complex issue and that they are, in fact, complicit in its rise. The argument posits that these groups are allegedly created, funded, and armed to destabilize resource-rich African nations, thereby facilitating the continued extraction of wealth by Western powers and their allies. The persistent presence of groups like Boko Haram in Nigeria, particularly in resource-rich areas, raises questions about the underlying dynamics at play and why a seemingly capable military has struggled to decisively defeat them. The suggestion is that external interests may benefit from this instability, allowing for continued resource extraction.
The core message remains: the West will often support leaders who align with their interests, while those who advocate for genuine independence and anti-imperialist and anti-neocolonial agendas, such as the leaders who resist their policies and challenge neocolonial structures may face opposition, like Ibrahim Traore.
The call to action is clear: Wake up, young Africans. The script is to critically examine these dynamics and understand the historical and contemporary forces shaping your continent.
What are your perspectives on these long-standing presidencies and the role of the West in African affairs? Do you see a consistent pattern of prioritizing self-interest? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
