But with the social media block this past week, I went back to watching the news on TV and it was very unpleasant.
I started debating whether it feels like the world is crashing and burning because it really is, or because the world is a more interconnected place and information travels a lot faster exacerbated by the fact that everyone has cameras.
The world seems to be going through a very confusing state where separatist movements are getting more steam while there are movements of unison. I was so sad to see civil war breakout in South Sudan as it celebrates its 5th anniversary of independence. I am certain that this is not what the people of South Sudan had in mind while fighting or dreaming of independence.
There are many border issues in the African continent, with certain rebel groups seeking independence, and I wonder if they are alarmed or even considerate of the situation of South Sudan. If they feel that if “granted” independence, why would their fate be different? Why?
By the same token, news about Morocco wanting to re-join the African Union has emerged. I found that to be a very interesting development at the dawn of Brexit. Morocco left the African Union 32 years ago as member states decided to recognize the Sahrawi as a state. Morocco has since then formally applied to be a member of the European Union and has been turned down more than once. King Hassan, previous King of Morocco, once said that Morocco was a tree with its roots in Africa and its branches in Europe. It seems that Morocco has learned that its roots are thicker than its branches.
The world is a very confusing place of countries grouping and coming together while at the same time wanting to be “individual” countries and pursuing their own individual interests. From what I understand, it is important for countries to be in a union, it is in fact vital. I say this because the world is now looking at the “market size” and “consumer size” and it is important to be in a greater union to increase this and have more leverage.
Although this sounds cynical, I am afraid South Sudan is a lesson that we are all failing to learn and Morocco’s recent move is one that we should welcome. It is vital for us to show that we are much stronger together than we are apart. That being said, both union and separation come at a price. The question is, which one are we looking to pay? Which one serves the interest of our people, and not the interest of those selling weapons, thriving on our poverty and misery. A united and strong Africa is the only way for African countries to prosper. That is what Morocco has learned, and in my humble opinion that is what the UK will learn.
Whatever side we are one, whether we’re fighting for “freedom” or “union”, I hope you are paying attention to what is happening.
