THE END OF ONE WORLD OR THE DAWN OF NEW POWER?

By USAFRICA NEWS
REUTERS /File Photo

As the world seems to ignite under the crossfire of great powers, one cannot help but question: Are we living through the end of a world we thought immutable? A world born from the ashes of the Second World War, where fragile balances allowed Western civilization to rebuild itself. Yet, today, the game has changed. Colonization, once condemned and relegated to the past, is resurfacing in insidious forms. The oppression of peoples and the deportation of populations are becoming realities almost legitimized in the shadow of a clash of civilizations that, far from being a specter, is now an overt concept championed by the powerful.

Is this the dawn of a new world order or merely the end of an outdated system? The post-World War II order is already in ruins under globalization and incessant geopolitical conflicts.

Africa, often relegated to the sidelines, now finds itself at the heart of this global upheaval. What role does it play in this monumental shift? Should we see it as the new prey in a geopolitical contest between powers vying for resources and influence? Is Africa bound to face a new form of colonization more subtle, more insidious, yet just as destructive as the one it experienced in the 19th century? Take, for example, South Sudan, where global powers, despite seemingly advocating for peace, are in fact complicit in maintaining a civil war status quo that serves their geopolitical and economic interests. Or the case of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a veritable playground for mining multinationals that exploit the country’s natural resources without any real benefit to the local populations, perpetuating poverty and underdevelopment.

Libya, in 2011, provides another stark example. This country, once governed by a strong regime, was destabilized following NATO’s military intervention, leading to a civil war that persists to this day. Behind this intervention, though framed as a humanitarian endeavor, were also geopolitical ambitions tied to controlling the region’s energy resources, particularly oil. Furthermore, the absence of genuine reconstruction after the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi highlights how Africa can quickly revert to a battlefield rather than a space for growth and autonomy.

However, Africa is not merely a passive spectator in this great power game. The BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) offer a growing alternative to Western dominance. While often criticized for its neocolonial tendencies, this strategic alliance represents a challenge to Western hegemony. While not without its issues, China’s Africa initiative offers a model of investment in African infrastructure that allows some nations to break free from the grip of former colonial powers. In this sense, Africa is beginning to see the possibility of choosing its partners based on its own interests, rather than merely submitting to the will of historical colonizers.

Beyond geopolitical alliances, the real question remains: Will Africa seize this moment of global chaos for its own benefit? The continent, rich in natural resources and with a dynamic young population, has a significant opportunity to reshape its future. If the digital technologies and renewable energy sectors, which are growing rapidly, could be harnessed effectively, Africa could free itself from dependence on old economic powers and propose an inclusive and sustainable development model. Kenya, for instance, has pioneered mobile financial solutions like M-Pesa, a mobile payment platform that has transformed informal economies and provided banking services to millions. If such innovations could be scaled across the continent, Africa could potentially free itself from its historical subjugation, offering a new way forward.

However, merely wishing for change is not enough. Africa must now develop the political and economic infrastructure necessary to capitalize on these opportunities. It is not just a question of keeping pace with global powers; it is about taking the lead, rethinking international relations, and embarking on an autonomous path that prioritizes the well-being of its people. This requires profound internal reforms, promoting governance, and tackling corruption, which, unfortunately, still stifle ambitious projects.

Is this utopian? Perhaps. But Africa can no longer afford to remain passive. This historical moment, when global powers are redefined and old certainties are shaken, could be an opportunity to rewrite the game’s rules. If Africa displays clarity and unity, it could very well become the strong voice in a multipolar world in the making. The challenge is enormous, but the continent has shown its capacity to reinvent itself in the past. The time has come for a new chapter.