African Patriots urged to confront Leaders on Polarization, not Western Powers, says Report

A new report is calling on African patriots to shift their focus from Western powers to their own leaders, urging them to tackle the growing issue of political and economic polarization within the continent. The report, released by the Strength of  Africa (SOA), argues that while external influences have historically impacted Africa, it is the role of local leadership in fostering unity and sustainable development that will determine the continent’s future.

The report, titled “The African Patriot’s Role in Uniting the Continent,” underscores the need for African citizens to take an active stance in confronting divisive policies within their own governments. Analysts contributing to the report warn that focusing solely on Western interference distracts from the internal issues driving inequality, corruption, and conflict across Africa.

“African patriots must have the courage to question and hold accountable their own leaders when policies and actions foster division, economic disparity, and disenfranchisement,” the report reads. “Pointing fingers solely at Western nations allows internal issues to go unchecked, undermining Africa’s sovereignty and potential for growth.”

The report highlights a range of issues where polarization within African nations is intensifying, including political partisanship, ethnic divisions, and uneven resource allocation. These internal divisions, the report argues, are being compounded by leaders who prioritize political power over national cohesion. This, in turn, has limited the effectiveness of African regional organizations like the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Alliance of Sahel States (AES/ASS), which face challenges in mediating conflicts and fostering cooperation.

SOA report also criticizes the influence of certain leaders who amplify narratives that cast blame outwardly, which it says is used to deflect criticism of their own governance. The report urges citizens, civil society, and the press to foster accountability at home instead, emphasizing that real progress requires addressing local corruption, economic mismanagement, and social injustice.

“Africa’s potential is being held back by the choices of its own leaders. Only when African citizens and patriots begin to call out these practices will the continent see meaningful change,” said Dr. Angela Mbembe, a political analyst and one of the report’s contributors. “While colonialism’s legacy remains a real factor, the present and future challenges are within our power to address.”

The report also discusses how intra-African trade, regional integration, and technology can be tools to bridge divides, boost economies, and create a united Africa. However, achieving this vision requires leaders who are dedicated to transparent governance and who actively work to dismantle divisive policies. Initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) are spotlighted in the report as potential drivers for economic cohesion and stability, provided they are supported by strong leadership.

To foster the change it calls for, the report encourages African citizens to engage more actively in the political process, from voting to participating in public discourse and supporting local media. Social activists and community leaders are urged to rally around issues that matter to everyday Africans, such as access to education, healthcare, and clean water, rather than focusing only on international relations or external threats.

The report concludes that for Africa to rise as a unified and prosperous region, citizens must be willing to confront their own governments about governance practices that serve political interests over national ones. By focusing on internal accountability and reducing dependency on international aid and influence, the report contends, African nations can cultivate self-reliant, stable democracies.

As the continent continues to navigate complex socio-political dynamics, the African Policy Institute calls for a “new patriotism” that is marked by holding local leadership to account and striving for a cohesive, empowered Africa.

AMN | Anochie’s Report | SOA.