The President of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Julius Malema, has called for a united Africa under one president, one currency, one parliament, and one military command. He made this statement during the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference in Enugu State, southeast Nigeria.
Malema emphasized that African countries should stop depending on foreign organizations for help and instead work together to strengthen the continent. He described loans from foreign colonizers as a “debt trap” that could put Africa’s future at risk.
Key Points from Malema’s Speech
- Debt Trap: Malema urged African countries to stop taking loans from foreign colonizers, which he believes will lead to a debt trap. He suggested regulating these loans to prevent future generations from being burdened with debt.
- One Presidency, One Currency: Malema believes that a united Africa with one president and one currency would make the continent stronger. He also suggested a combined military command to add to the continent’s strength.
- Industrialization: Malema proposed that Nigeria and South Africa lead the discussion on the African Continental Free Trade Area to benefit ordinary people. He emphasized the need for Africa to industrialize, build factories, and process its resources on African soil.
Addressing Xenophobia
Malema also addressed xenophobia, stating that it’s a betrayal of African unity and a sickness borne of poverty, inequality, and government failure. He emphasized that Africans should love and respect each other, rather than killing one another.
Africa’s Resources
Malema highlighted Africa’s rich mineral resources, including Nigeria’s oil, natural gas, and growing agricultural sector, and South Africa’s platinum, magnesium, and coal deposits. However, he lamented that despite these resources, Africa still depends on other continents to extract and process them.
Conclusion
Malema concluded that Africa is its own savior and that no one will come to save it from another continent. He emphasized the need for Africans to reject the illusion that their salvation lies with foreign powers and instead work together to build a self-sufficient continent.
By: Eunice Adjei/ SOURCE: bbc.pidgin