Animal Farm and the Renaissance Redefining Africa’s Politics
By Lawrence Audu
The excitement and solidarity that usually welcome military Juntas anytime a government is toppled in Africa show the extent to which the generality of Africans across the continent have become tired of oppressive regimes who continue to pepertuate themselves in power against the wishes of their people. These leaders have become too corrupt while amassing so much to themselves, leaving the suffering masses to abject poverty and lacking basic infrastructures and amenities.
Nothing has changed since independence on the continent as the exigencies of liberation have sadly become desperation for many, especially the youth who would embark on the long tortuous journey through the Sahara desert just to make it to Europe, where they think is h toopeful at least to get a better life.
ALSO READ: Lagdo Dam: Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, 8 Others Likely To Be Flooded – NEMA
This is why Burkina Faso’s Ibrahim Traoré would query the mindless poverty in Africa despite it’s huge resources upon which the entire world depends for survival. If the resources in Africa are properly harnessed, and hope given to African youths, would any of them dream of leaving for a better life of which they are not sure? Maybe to experience another culture or holidays but certainly the youth would remain on the continent to make it better.
George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” published on 17 August 1945 gives a clear example of the leadership tragedy in Africa. The book tells the story of a group of animals who rebel against their human farmer, hoping to create a society where the animals can be equal, free and happy just like the case of African Revolutionaries who stood their grounds against colonialism to achieve independence. But ultimately, however, the rebellion is betrayed, and the farm ends up in a state as bad as it was before, under the dictatorship of a pig named Napoleon.
The story is set on Manor Farm, where the animals are led by Old Major, an old pig who inspires them to rebel against Mr Jones, the farm’s owner. Mr Jones is overthrown, the animals establish a new government based on the principles of equality and freedom. However, the pigs, led by Napoleon, soon begin to take advantage of their positions of power, and the farm eventually reverts to a state of tyranny and oppression.
In “Animal Farm”, the pigs who are supposed to be the leaders of the farm, quickly become corrupt and oppressive. They use their power to exploit the other animals and to enrich themselves. This is similar to what has happened in many African countries, where leaders have used their power to enrich themselves and their families, while the rest of the population has suffered.
Another similarity between “Animal Farm” and corrupt leadership in Africa is the use of propaganda to control the population. In “Animal Farm,” the pigs use propaganda to convince the other animals that they are working in their best interests, even when they are not. This is similar to what many corrupt African leaders have done, using propaganda to convince their people that they are working for their best interests, even when they are not.
“Animal Farm” also shows how corrupt leadership can lead to a cycle of violence and oppression. In the book, the pigs use violence to maintain their power, and this violence eventually leads to the deaths of many of the animals. This is similar to what has happened in many African countries, where corrupt leaders have used violence to maintain their power, and this violence has led to the deaths of many innocent people.
“Animal Farm” remains a classic fable that explores the themes of power, corruption, and the dangers of totalitarianism. It is a timeless story that continues to be relevant to our world today, especially in Africa, where many countries have been plagued by corrupt leadership.
Since African leaders have been cut off from the realities on ground, this revolutionary wind of renaissance is starting to redefine politics in Africa.
For now, tempers are high, the passion intense and it does not look like it’s dying down anytime soon.
