Nigeria has imperial and neocolonial trappings it must acknowledge and vehemently reject. This includes surrendering decision making about financial and credit facilities or political organization to the West, which has a significant impact on the actions of those who take political office in the country. The United States is an imperial power that operates through its neo-colonial subjects and its control over imperialist structures, such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, as well as through its control over the politicians in office.
Nigerian sovereignty is reduced to mere “flag independence” because of U.S. external-policy interference and economic control. This allows the space for Nigerian elites to engage in wrongdoing—whether by corruption, nepotism or human-rights abuses. We must contextualize these instances in terms of how Western corporations and governments often enable (and encourage) such actions to preserve lucrative economic arrangements.
General elections will be held in Nigeria on February 25 to elect the president and vice president, as well as members of the Senate and House of Representatives. These elections will take place amid an unprecedented state of general crisis. Any politician or party coming into power will have to contend with an ongoing capitalist crisis. The response of any neo-colonial government is likely to be to tighten fiscal consolidation on behalf of big business. The Black Alliance for Peace (BAP) and its U.S. Out of Africa Network (USOAN) must support the antithesis of neo-colonial governance, which are self-determination and bottom-up, participatory democratic processes.
NEWS AND ANALYSIS
Africans’ Message to Imperialism: “We Are Not Your Flunkies!”
March 1, 2023 by Mark P. Fancher
South Africa's participation in military drills with Russia and China is an indication that the global south are not taking orders from Washington. African nations should continue their tradition as non-aligned states.
The international politics of observing elections, By Owei Lakemfa
March 4, 2023 by Owei Lakemfa
Why would numerous observers travel from across the world to observe Nigeria elections - as guardians of democracy?
Uncertainty in Nigeria as Cash, Fuel Shortages Bite Ahead of Vote
February 10, 2023 by AFP
With under three weeks to go until Nigeria's presidential elections, major shortages of cash and fuel have plunged Africa's most populous country into crisis. As well as provoking outrage among ordinary people, the shortages threaten to upend the February 25 presidential poll, while throwing its organization into doubt.
United States’ Pursuit of Imperial Military Base in Northern Somalia Fuels Brutal War
February 8, 2023 by Jamal Abdulahi
The history of European colonialism and the endless U.S. desire for a military presence strengthen a Somalia secessionist movement and warfare that most people in that country do not want.
“Whoever wins we must continue to fight”—Nigeria’s coming election
February 7, 2023 by ROAPE (Review of African Political Economy)
ROAPE speaks to Nigerian socialist and activist, Alex Batubo, about the elections this month, and the political and economic situation in the country. Batubo focuses on the struggle of labor, and the possibilities of a radical alternative emerging from the challenges (and opportunities) of the present.
The US Seeks Libyan Elections that Will Enshrine the Fait Accompli
February 7, 2023 translation by Internationalist 360°
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken joined the chorus of delusionists who believe that there is indeed a possibility of organizing an electoral entitlement in light of current contradictions that dominate the scene.
The US is trying to expel Russian mercenaries from Sudan and Libya
February 3, 2023 by The Bharat Express News
The Biden administration has been working for months with regional powers Egypt and the United Arab Emirates to pressure military leaders in Sudan and Libya to end their ties with the Wagner Group.
Nigerian Politics: Past, Present, and Future
November 14, 2022 by Forward Ever Podcast
In this episode, the podcast interviews an activist in Nigeria about the political history that continues to shape what is referred to as Naija, the vernacular term for Nigeria. Some parts of the interview contain low or unclear audio because of poor connection. “[These are] some of the issues when interviewing others on the ground in developing nations, but we hope the overall interview can shed light on contemporary and historical Nigerian politics.”
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Banner photo: African troops in a boat of the coast of West Africa participating in Obangame Express 2023 exercises (courtesy AFRICOM Twitter.)