Online Reporter
Christabel Mtandwa
Herald Correspondent
As the world grapples with the complexities of globalisation, nationalism, and historical reckoning, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution titled Eradication of Colonialism in All Its Forms and Manifestations, which was drafted by the Group of Friends in Defence of the UN Charter with the guiding role of Russia.
A total of 113 countries voted for it.
By proposing December 14 as a day to commemorate the struggle against colonialism, Russia took a significant step towards acknowledging the profound impact of colonialism on the Global South.
This gesture deserves appreciation, and it is imperative that the West takes heed of this call to action.
Colonialism’s dark legacy continues to cast a long shadow over the lives of millions of people in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
The exploitation of natural resources, the erasure of cultural identities, and the imposition of foreign systems of governance have left deep scars that still linger.
The West’s role in perpetuating colonialism is well-documented, and it is high time that these nations acknowledge their historical culpability and take concrete steps towards making amends.
Africa, in particular, has borne the brunt of colonialism’s exploitative nature.
For centuries, the continent has served as a vast resource base for Western expansion, with its wealth in minerals, land, and human labour extracted to fuel industrialisation and economic prosperity elsewhere.
From the transatlantic slave trade to the extraction of gold, diamonds, oil, and rare minerals, Africa’s resources have been plundered with little regard for the well-being of its people.
Rather than fostering genuine economic partnerships, colonial powers imposed policies that prioritised their own economic interests over local needs.
Even after the formal end of colonial rule, Africa remained entangled in a web of economic exploitation through unfavourable trade agreements, predatory lending practices, and the imposition of structural adjustment programmes by international financial institutions.
These programmes led to the dismantling of public services, mass unemployment, and economic stagnation, exacerbating poverty and inequality.
The proposed day of commemoration will serve as a stark reminder of how colonialism led to the manipulation of African resources, widespread poverty, and the infiltration of political systems with foreign-imposed governance models that continue to hinder progress.
Many post-colonial African states inherited rigid, extractive systems that were designed to serve colonial masters rather than indigenous populations.
Colonialism has shaken the political, economic, and social dynamics of African nations, leaving a legacy of instability.
Countries that were colonised continue to grapple with burdensome debt, much of which was accumulated through unfair agreements with former colonial powers and international financial institutions.
These debts, rather than being forgiven or restructured in a way that allows African nations to build their economies, are used as leverage to maintain control over sovereign nations.
Many African governments remain trapped in a cycle of dependency, forced to adhere to externally imposed policies that stifle genuine development and self-determination.
Additionally, the political systems imposed by colonial rulers were not designed to foster democratic governance that reflects the will of the people.
Instead, they were structured to maintain control and facilitate resource extraction.
Russia’s proposal is not merely a symbolic gesture; it is a call to action.
By commemorating the struggle against colonialism, we are reminded of the need for reparations, restitution, and reconciliation.
The West must confront its colonial past and take responsibility for the harm inflicted on colonised nations. This can take many forms, including providing economic compensation, returning cultural artefacts, and supporting decolonisation efforts.
Furthermore, the West must also acknowledge its ongoing complicity in neo-colonialism.
The continued exploitation of natural resources, the imposition of structural adjustment programmes, and the support for authoritarian regimes all perpetuate the legacy of colonialism.
It is imperative that the West takes concrete steps towards dismantling them.
In contrast, Russia’s gesture demonstrates a willingness to engage with the complexities of colonialism and its ongoing impact.
By supporting this initiative, the international community can take a crucial step towards promoting global justice and reconciliation.
Moreover, this gesture can also serve as a catalyst for greater cooperation between the Global North and South, as nations work together to address the lingering effects of colonialism.
The establishment of an international day to commemorate the struggle against colonialism could also serve as an educational opportunity, shedding light on the realities of colonial exploitation and its continued impact on formerly colonised nations.
Schools, universities, and media platforms must play a role in educating the public about the economic, political, and cultural ramifications of colonialism, fostering awareness and advocating for systemic change.
Russia’s proposal to commemorate the struggle against colonialism is a significant step towards acknowledging the dark legacy of colonialism.
The West must take heed of this call to action and take concrete steps towards making amends for its historical culpability.
By working together, nations can promote global justice, reconciliation, and cooperation, ultimately creating a more equitable and just world for all.
The scars of colonialism are still visible in Africa’s economic instability, political fragmentation, and social struggles.
The proposed international day should not just be an occasion for empty rhetoric but a moment to demand structural changes that foster true independence, self-reliance, and prosperity for nations that have long suffered under the weight of historical injustices.
