THERE is an emerging narrative in global politics that Africa has embraced, without fully probing.
Those who have grasped the language of empire prefer to call this phenomenon ‘global village’.
On paper, this concept looks attractive.
It sounds like a genuine ideology that pays homage to peace and unity in the world.
It is presented in such a way that it gives Africa a sense of belonging in a world that has rejected her.
But that is where it all begins and ends, for the African that is.
The global village concept tells us that we are one people.
It posits that we have shared ideas and ideals.
That we have a common vision and goals.
That we are a single community.
That we are bound by telecommunications.
Yet the communication seems to be one way — North to South
What purveyors of this ideology seem to forget is that we, as Africans, have our own ways and modes of communication that have stood the test of time.
But it is the issue of African nationalism that is of concern, especially to those who regard their history with respect.
We are owners of that history.
We are custodians of our nationalism.
We are nationalists by blood and calling.
One of Africa’s finest thinkers, Tom Mboya, gave us a concept called ‘the rediscovery of Africa by Africans’.
This statement was made on December 6 1958.
Then Zimbabwe had not attained independence.
But the groundswell against colonialism was sweeping across the country.
Nationalism was growing during this time.
It was bringing the people together.
It was psyching them for the battle of their lives.
It was prepping them for control of their resources.
And it is the same nationalism that brings us freedom.
It is the same nationalism that brings Africa freedom.
The question today is: What has become of that nationalism?
The idea of a global village has made it an ugly thing.
Are we still paying homage to the same principle that brought us freedom?
Are we still on the same path as Africans?
One inescapable fact is that our principles are being nudged over the cliff by our love for things Western.
We have lost our way because we listen too much to prescriptions from the West.
Through concepts like global village, our principles, like nationalism, are being made to sound like they are outdated and have thus no place in the modern world.
Nationalism and any other concept that we have come up with as Africans cannot die because the West says so.
The spirit of the revolution must be invoked so that we maintain our principles.
Africa must rediscover itself.
It must reinvent itself.
It must reignite the flame of its painful past and carve a way for the future.
Let us unite and maintain our principles.