By John Ilunga
Recent documentaries from DW News and International journalist Johnny Harris, stipulate that DRC is a land full of potential. Very wealthy; 24 trillion dollars to be exact. Gold, cobalt, Jewellery, copper and coltan for internal electronics.The Democratic Republic of Congo is said to be a rich country, full of minerals and natural resources that could feed the entire world for decades. If you could estimate what that means in practical terms it would mean the end of global humanitarian crises and a long period of peace and security across borders. Another perspective would be Egypt. Based on research, it once supplied food to many distant lands across the Nile in the Mesopotamian region. So why don’t we see this happening today in Africa?
The Fattened livestock, favorable climatic conditions and good soils for agriculture all indicate the richness of this magnificent country by the Equatorial belt. We are all strapped in the belt of famine and food shortages across the continent. Food prices in recent times have sky-rocketed due to the increased gas and fuel prices. The Civil wars and brutality amongst nations have taught us a valuable lesson. The increasing wars in Israel; the Russian assault on the Ukrainian people as well as terrors in the political zones are mostly the problem. Let’s not even mention pandemics and USAID.It is evident that the headship of most African countries needs revisions. The greatest issues surrounding the African continent today vastly stream to wars, territorial tribalism and internal insecurity. In one word;greed.
In the face of all these problems, what can big brother Africa do?
Something must surely be done. With good leadership and good policies, the pen still remains mightier than the sword. In this case, ballistic enemy missile forces.
Most policies are aimed at changing the status quo. Making a difference through government resolutions and planning. What if I told you that the solution could well lie within the resources that we have and not entirely upon the shoulders of our leaders. Leadership is critical but we need an educated and working population in Africa. So far, young people are thriving in many spaces in the African context. We have found a voice to air our issues and inform the world of our current financial, political and economical predicaments.
Africa is slowly but surely progressing towards a masterful; metropolitan, commercial and suburban continent, spanning among the world’s best of inventions and designs. This is the dream we all share of a united Africa. No more dependence on global powers for sustenance. We, however, 1qare still slaves of the past as the horrors done to us in past decades still haunt us. We have become more leaning towards decisions for survival than to thrive. Shall we ever arrive?
It starts at the heart. We need to deal with not only the social issues but the differences we have one with another so that we can build on new foundations of excellence and sophistication. We are smart but silenced by the systems that rule over us. We mustn’t try to fight but to thrive in outdoing our masters so that we can break free from the bondage they hold on us. As long as we remain veiled to the truths of our potentials, then we are left to reason like our masters and leaders. Our aim should not be war, but peace and union.
We need to talk these things together and workout how we can harness our own natural resources and produce excess over the surplus which we export and try to control and manage our own businesses. We can harness the power of digital and use it to end social injustices, Political manipulation and corruption. Africa needs to feel more rather than using brainpower all the time. Addressing issues from within through structured systems management can help maintain a good and healthy thriving society where all can become great and impactful. Africa, where do you stand?