Africa has suffered at the hands of many enemies. Not least of them was Western capitalism, whose urgent labour needs gave rise to 300 years of transatlantic slavery. When the need for raw materials became more urgent than labour, we no longer became suppliers of slaves but gold, diamonds, cobalt, cotton, sisal and cocoa over a period of

That meant a century and a half of colonialism that took away our self-esteem, turning some of us into “Black men with white souls” (apologies to novelist and historian, Ayikwei Armah).

But now, historians are wondering whether Africa is not suffering at the hands of its most unfeeling enemy of all time: the African politician.

Thanks to our politicians, Africa has borrowed, been forgiven its debts, and re-borrowed way past forgiveness. We have devalued our currencies, removed subsidies, frozen employment, sold state enterprises and tightened belts, all to feed African politicians who are “unaccustomed to restraint”, with large appetites that must be satisfied at all costs.

Don’t tell me you didn’t hear the latest. Malawi’s President flew to the UK this week to attend a virtual conference!!! He said in the airport press before he emplaned that he had to be physically present in London because the internet connection in his country was unreliable!!!

His spokesman told journalists that ”the President initially wanted to travel with, at least, a 60-member delegation, but the UK rejected the proposed 61-person entourage”.

On the 10-member Malawian delegation were the President’s wife, his daughter and his son-in-law. The President told the press that he needed his daughter by his side “to provide physical and emotional support during the trip as the First Lady was unwell.”

Malawi, a small country with a population of 18.6 million in southern Africa, has the fourth-highest percentage of people living in extreme poverty in the world.

Another African leader attending is Nigeria’s president, Buhari, but he is officially scheduled for the conference’s in-person events. He will remain in the UK for about a week after the summit for a “medical check-up.”

The Democratic Republic of Congo is potentially the wealthiest country in the world. Its untapped mineral deposits are estimated to be worth $24 trillion, yet it is the second-poorest country in the world. Its President, Joseph Kabila, who took power in 2001, is refusing to go away. Before him was Mobutu, who, with his wife, stole 20% of the annual budget; he was personally worth US$5 billion.

In the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville), President Denis “powerman” Sassou Nguesso has ruled for more than 30 years. Yoweri Museveni of Uganda has clung to power since 1986. Back then, in 1986, he stated that “The problem of Africa in general and Uganda in particular is not the people but leaders who want to overstay in power”

And now, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Swaziland, the African kingdom whose monarch, King Mswati III, has 15 wives and 25 children, which is actually slightly tolerable compared with his own father, who, as king, had 70 wives. He is on a government salary of US$50 million annually.

When Swazis, at long last, protested and asked for changes, he unleashed the army on the protesters, killing 50. Yet, for the first time, there was no fear in the people’s eyes. After days of deadly protests, King Mswati called for an open forum discussion.

Long before him, in the 19th century, was King Moshoeshoe, who, fearful of the encroachment of white settlers into his kingdom, appealed for the protection of Queen Victoria, imploring that his people might be considered “fleas in the Queen’s blanket. With that, the kingdom became a colony of Britain (reports historian Martin Meredith in his book, THE STATE OF AFRICA).

In Ghana, we had a Head of State under whose rule pretty ladies reigned, at least, those who responded to the invitation of Ministers and other big men to “Fa woto begye Golf”. We have had bus rebranding issues and hanging Agyapa deals, among numerous others.

Years ago, in the 1950s and 60s, poverty, economic mismanagement, and political vendettas forced citizens of a particular West African country to seek refuge in Ghana. While here, they reduced themselves to the lowest of the low. Known as “latrine boys”, they were tasked with removing the pan latrines from homes, emptying the human excreta from the smaller pans into their larger containers, and carrying them on foot through the streets of Ghana from house to house until their containers were filled to the brim. From 200 metres away, the foul stench of human excreta greeted our nostrils.

They had wives and children!!!

Again, I ask: Did Africa sin? Why are we being punished to carry this burden – the weight of failed leaders with – surprisingly and annoyingly - over-bloated egos?

By the latest estimate, Africa is at least 250 years behind the West in development.

Merry Christmas, Africa.

PS: This article, with a few updates, was first published on July 30, 2021.