POST-COLONIAL STATEHOOD AND THE DEBATE ON RECOLONISATION IN AFRICAN POLITICAL DISCOURSE

Onamah Ojodomo Godwin, PhD , Suleiman Adeiza and Success Esomchi Obi
Volume 14 Issue 1

Abstract

This study examined the intricacies of post-colonial statehood and the debate about recolonisation in African political discourse to examine the continuing legacy of colonialism on political stability, governance, and economic development in post-colonial countries, namely Nigeria, Angola, South Africa and Kenya. The primary objective is to analyse the colonial legacy of political organisation, of economic dependence based on colonial domination and the contemporary debate about recolonisation in Africa. Using a variety of theoretical perspectives, including Dependency Theory, Post-Colonial Theory and World-Systems Theory, this study offers a multi-dimensional framework for understanding the post-colonial predicament in Africa. The methodology is based on a mixed methods approach, including both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods involving 350 survey respondents and 15 semi-structured interviews. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the quantitative data and thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview responses. The study concludes that the legacy of colonial rule and economic structures still inform political and economic life in Africa, and that they create a pattern of dependence and instability. Social struggles have become the main agents of resistance to neo-imperialism and the defense of African independence. It is proven that even though the African nations are politically independent, they are economically and diplomatically dependent, thus weakening the spirit of any true independence. It is concluded that political reforms, economic diversification and support for civil society movements are necessary for Africa to truly achieve independence. The political system the study advocates is that of inclusive governance, less reliance on the export of primary commodities, empowerment of the grassroots movements of African people to reclaim African sovereignty in a globalized world. Keywords: Post-Colonial Statehood, Recolonisation, Colonial-Legacies, Governance, Economic Dependency

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