by Mahmud Tim Kargbo
Neocolonialism and imperialism continue to shape the political landscape of developing nations like Sierra Leone, often through the subtle exertion of economic and political influence. These forces continue to manipulate our local politics to serve their interests, fostering instability and discord. Here’s an essay that explores this complex dynamic:
In the shadows of global politics, neocolonialist and imperialist organisations operate with a veneer of benevolence, masking their true intentions to exploit Sierra Leone and other developing countries for their gain. These entities, often rooted in the world’s most powerful nations, continue to extend their reach into the political arenas of vulnerable states like Sierra Leone, where they sustain their negative actions in fanning the flames of discord among our two main political parties (SLPP and APC).
The term ‘neocolonialism’ was coined to describe the post-World War II era, where former colonies found themselves free from direct rule, but still under the thumb of developed countries. This control was no longer maintained by force, but through economic dependence and political manipulation. Imperialism, too, has evolved. No longer characterised by the overt territorial conquests of the past, it now manifests in the form of cultural dominance and the imposition of foreign policies that serve the interests of the powerful over the needs of the subjected.
In Sierra Leone, our two main local political parties (SLPP and APC) are the battlegrounds for these external powers. By supporting certain factions or ideologies, neocolonialist and imperialist organisations ensure a favourable environment for their very exploitative economic activities in Sierra Leone. They keep on promising development and aid, but the strings attached often lead to the siphoning of our country’s resources, unfair trade agreements, and the stifling of true local governance.
The impact is profound. The SLPP and APC political parties, swayed by the allure of foreign support, continue to adopt policies that do not align with the needs of the people. This has resulted into a political landscape rife with conflict and division, as the SLPP and APC sustain their actions in vying for the favour of their international benefactors, rather than the trust of their constituents. This discord between the SLPP and APC keep on hindering meaningful progress and perpetuates a cycle of dependency and exploitation.
The SLPP and APC politicians have refused to understand that as the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the influence of neocolonialist and imperialist organisations grows more discreet, yet more pervasive. It is a reminder that the legacy of colonialism persists, not through the direct rule of empires, but through the economic and political strategies that continue to shape the destiny of our nation.
In Sierra Leone, neocolonialist practices continue to manifest in various forms, often tailored to maintain economic dominance and control over our country, without direct political governance. Here are some specific examples:
Economic Control:
Western nations keep on exerting influence over Sierra Leone through economic means. This includes controlling key aspects of our country’s economy, such as trade, investment, and debt. For instance, the continuous use of debt to control a weaker developing country like Sierra Leone is a form of economic neocolonialism.
Trade Agreements:
Neocolonialist and imperialist actions in promoting unfavourable trade agreements that allow Western companies to exploit our natural resources and labour is another example. These agreements only benefit developed Western nations and their rogue corporations at the expense of the Sierra Leone economy.
Political Influence:
Western countries, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund are in the common practice of Influencing SLPP and APC governments through political and economic pressure. This can involve supporting the SLPP or the APC policies that align with their interests, rather than the interest of Sierra Leone and its people.
Cultural Dominance:
Western countries’ act of imposing their cultural values and practices on Sierra Leone is also a form of neocolonialism. This is now leading to the erosion of our local cultures and traditions, replacing them with those of the dominant Western culture.
Multinational Corporations:
The operations of multinational corporations in Sierra Leone reflect neocolonialist practices, because they are only treating Sierra Leone primarily as a source of cheap labour and raw materials, often with little regard for environmental or social consequences.
International Institutions:
Organisations like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have been criticised for policies that perpetuate a form of neocolonialism by imposing structural adjustment programmes that favour developed nations.
These examples illustrate how neocolonialism operates in the modern world, often hidden behind the guise of globalisation and international cooperation. It’s a complex issue that continues to impact the development and sovereignty of nations around the globe.
This essay serves as a conceptual representation of the ongoing influence of neocolonialism and imperialism in the modern world, highlighting the need for vigilance and self-determination among SLPP and APC politicians.