African militaries

[JMA]

To understand the African military, you need to understand the "African state".

The "African state" is a little more than an ex-colonial administrative unit. It means very little to citizens outside of the prosperous coastal regions or former colonial (gosh, I hate to use that word) capitals.

I asked you once before what borders existed prior to the 'colonial' scramble for Africa... no reply.

Yes I accept that there were kingdoms and nations/tribes - hundreds of them - living in areas without fixed borders before they found themselves grouped with former enemies in these colonial creations of African states.

Where there was resistance to colonial rule it was possible for the various indigenous nations/tribes to cooperate to achieve independence. They learned to play the game and pay lip service to a commitment to democracy and human rights in the lead up to independence and in so doing being applauded by the US, Scandinavian countries and the world’s leftists. They knew what they intended to do once independent.

Funny thing that it turned out that the people who had the guns quickly realised that they had the power. Surprise, surprise and with the coups that followed blame was always laid at the door of the colonial power that we are told were to blame for not preparing the state for independence. The Scandinavians were (and still are) at the forefront of the hand ringing and condemnation of anything and everything related to the colonialism of the past.

Interesting that the prime bone of contention - being the arbitrary colonial borders - was the first thing the OAU (Organisation of African Unity) decided to up hold the integrity of. Why did they do that? Did they anticipate a wholesale return to the days of internecine tribal/ethnic/religious violence and war of the pre-colonial times?

In the case of Nigeria there are reportedly 500 ethnic groups half Christian, half Muslim. A wealthy oil rich country - the reserves of which were hardly touched during the colonial period - the proceeds of which have not benefitted the people of Nigeria... only the thieving corrupt political/military (often the same thing). Nigeria has made no progress in the 50 years of independence despite the massive windfall from oil reserves. Should break itself up and be done with it.

Even in Botswana, where the Twana people comprise 80% of the population, the persecution of minorities continue. The San people (previously known as Bushmen) are being persecuted.

Africa can't help itself...