Colonialism on Decline as Major Africa's Representatives Came to Russia-Africa Summit: NGO Head

Despite an external pressure, the majority of countries came to take part in the second Russia-Africa Summit, which indicates the decline of a colonial process, Kemi Seba, head of an NGO Urgences Panafricanistes, told Sputnik on the sidelines of the Summit.

"There is a desire for self-determination of a large part of the African population and therefore, I think that we must hear the cry of the new generation," Seba stressed.

Thanks to "the explosion of the Internet, the explosion of various means of telecommunication," people understand what's valid for some, there's no reason why it shouldn't be valid for the Africans, he outlined.

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According to him, Africa needs to focus on itself and stop waiting for advice from others, the continent must therefore prioritize access to its own resources for its development.

"They're [the Africans] saying to themselves, 'Why do we always have to continue delivering our resources to others at low cost?'" he recalled.

Continent's Underground Riches

Seba believes it would be wise to constitutionalize the ban on the export of raw materials on the continent, it would be better to process them locally.

"It's an absolute necessity, an absolute priority. And our leaders must have this courage. We've reached a stage where we must first prioritize the African in his absolute. We have every possible resource, whether human or natural or mineral, we have everything," he elaborated.

In addition, he recalled the wealth of Africa's sub-soil.

"What power in the world has the multiple resources we have? There isn't any," Seba emphasized.

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However, "the problem is that many people live off our resources, and therefore have no interest in Africa prioritizing access to its own resources for itself," the pan-Africanist explained, and Africa needs to work on this.

Africa's Food Security

According to Seba, political voluntarism affects issues connected to Africa's food security.

"Food sovereignty is an issue that belongs to us [the Africans]." the activist insisted. But "the only thing lacking" in authorities "born into intellectual dependence," is "political voluntarism," he believes.

The NGO head said that the Africans should concentrate on themselves first.

"Our soils abound in all possible riches," and "something" needs to be done in that sphere, Seba stressed.

According to him, Russia, as a "continental state", can give Africa "the benefit of its experience".

"But the bulk of the work has to be done by Africans," Seba outlined.