Africans need to declutter their minds for heightened political consciousness

AFRICA has experienced and continues to go through a profound and long-lasting loss of cultural identity, violence and exploitation. The lingering effects of trauma have all had a significant impact on the current political systems of African countries.

One of the most significant psychological effects of imperialism and colonialism on African people has been the loss of our cultural identity. The imposition of Western culture, customs, and beliefs on African societies has led to the erosion of traditional values and practices. This has had a detrimental impact on the self-esteem and self-worth of many African people, who have been made to feel that our own culture and history are inferior to that of the colonisers.

Another psychological effect of imperialism and colonialism is the trauma that many African people experience as a result of the violence and exploitation that characterise these historical events. The forced displacement of people from their homes, the taking of land, and the use of forced labour and violent distortions of identity have all led to deep emotional and psychological scars for many African people.

These traumatic experiences have had a lasting impact on the mental health of many Africans with deep generational consequences, leading to feelings of hopelessness, depression, and anxiety. This inevitably feeds into our political, economic and social states of being.

The psychological effects of imperialism and colonialism have also had a significant impact on the current political systems of African countries. The legacy of colonialism has led to a lack of trust in government and political institutions, as many African people have come to see these institutions as an extension of the colonisers. This has led to very high levels of political apathy, as many feel that their voices and concerns are not being heard or considered.

Additionally, the trauma of colonialism has also led to a lack of leadership and direction in many of these countries. Many African leaders have been unable to provide strong and effective leadership largely due to the lingering effects of colonial trauma and the erosion of traditional values and practices. This has led to a lack of stability and progress in many African countries, as well as a lack of trust in the ability of our leaders to provide for our needs.

The decolonial agenda seeks to challenge these legacies of colonialism and imperialism by asserting the right of African peoples to self-determination and by working to reclaim our cultural heritage and traditions. This movement is driven by a deep sense of injustice and a desire to reclaim the dignity and autonomy of African peoples.

It is also motivated by the belief that Africa's future is inextricably linked to its past and that true freedom and selfdetermination can only be achieved by understanding and addressing the historical roots of the continent's current political and economic challenges.

Collective political consciousness is another critical concept that has played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of Africa. This consciousness refers to the shared understanding and awareness of political issues among a group of people.

This shared understanding and awareness can be used to mobilise people as we take action and work towards common goals and achieve oneness in our process of becoming. In Africa, this consciousness has been shaped by a history of oppression and exploitation, as well as by the ongoing struggle for freedom and self-determination.

Our collective political consciousness has played a critical role in the decolonial agenda in Africa. It has allowed people to come together and organise around a common cause, which has been essential in the struggle against colonialism and imperialism.

This consciousness has also been critical in the fight against other forms of oppression and exploitation, such as poverty, inequality, and political corruption. The ability to come together and work towards a common goal has been essential in the fight for freedom and selfdetermination in Africa.

The decolonial agenda and collective political consciousness in Africa have been closely intertwined throughout the continent's history. The movement has been driven by a deep sense of injustice and a desire to reclaim the dignity and autonomy of African peoples.

Collective political consciousness has been essential in the fight against colonialism and imperialism and in the ongoing strive for dignity, liberty and selfdetermination. Together, these concepts have played a critical role in shaping the political landscape of Africa and should be consciously included in ongoing conversations and struggle for freedom and true sovereignty on the continent.

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