Africa’s Liberation: Echoes of Mugabe and Gaddafi in the Struggle for True Independence

By George O. Sylvester

When we speak of Africa’s liberation, it’s tempting to confine it to the end of colonial rule, the departure of European governors and the hoisting of new national flags. To revolutionary thinkers like Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe and Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi, true liberation was never just political. It was and remains a matter of economic sovereignty, cultural pride and continental unity.

Both men were controversial, even authoritarian. Yet history cannot erase the ideological fire they ignited across Africa. Their speeches, their actions however imperfect continue to provoke debate, inspire movements and remind us that the promise of African freedom is far from fulfilled.

The Colonial Inheritance
European colonization was not merely a conquest of land; it was a calculated dismembering of identity. From the 1884 Berlin Conference to the post-World War II independence movements, colonial powers carved up Africa with little regard for indigenous cultures or long-term development. They imposed foreign languages, looted resources and left behind borders that would later become fault lines of ethnic and political conflict.

By the 1960s, most African nations had achieved formal independence. But beneath the surface, colonial structures remained intact. Economies were still dependent on raw material exports. Local industries were weak or non-existent. Debt became a new mechanism of control. And Western governments and corporations continued to wield disproportionate influence.

It was in this neo-colonial reality that Mugabe and Gaddafi emerged not just as national leaders, but as ideologues of African renaissance.

Mugabe: “The Land is Ours”
Robert Mugabe led Zimbabwe to independence in 1980 after a bloody guerrilla war against Ian Smith’s white minority regime in what was then Southern Rhodesia. An eloquent intellectual and a veteran freedom fighter, Mugabe initially championed reconciliation and development. But by the early 2000s, his focus shifted toward radical land reform.

His justification was unapologetic:

“The land is ours. It is not European. And we have taken it. We have given it to the rightful people of Zimbabwe.”

Mugabe saw the ownership of land as central to the liberation struggle. For decades, white settlers had monopolized Zimbabwe’s most fertile land, while Black Africans remained tenants in their own country. The decision to expropriate white-owned farms, often without compensation, was seen by the West as a violation of property rights. For Mugabe, it was a long-overdue act of justice.

While critics blame these policies for Zimbabwe’s economic collapse and hyperinflation, Mugabe’s defenders argue that he did what few African leaders dared to do, challenge the post-colonial order and reclaim national resources.

As he once stated:

“We are not Europeans. We have not asked for any inch of Europe. So let Europe leave us alone.”

To Mugabe, African independence meant nothing without control over land and resources. His legacy is a warning and a lesson: economic liberation cannot be separated from political freedom.

Gaddafi: “African Unity is the Only Solution”
While Mugabe fought colonial remnants at home, Muammar Gaddafi envisioned a continent freed through unification. After seizing power in Libya in 1969, Gaddafi used his country’s oil wealth to pursue a Pan-African dream. He funded liberation movements across the continent, supported the African National Congress during apartheid and pushed tirelessly for a United States of Africa.

He famously said:

“The Black race shall prevail throughout the world, because it is the most oppressed and dispossessed. Our unity is our weapon.”

Gaddafi advocated for a single African government, army, currency and passport. He argued that only a unified Africa could resist foreign manipulation and control its own destiny. At the African Union summit in 2009, he thundered:

“Africa must unite now or perish. The time for petty nationalism is over. We must speak with one voice to protect our interests.”

Under his leadership, Libya became one of the most developed countries in Africa with free healthcare, free education and the highest Human Development Index on the continent. He proposed an African central bank and monetary fund as alternatives to the IMF and World Bank, which he viewed as instruments of Western neocolonialism.

But Gaddafi’s ambitions made him enemies. His death in 2011 following a NATO bombing campaign and a Western-backed uprising was a stark reminder of how foreign powers still shape Africa’s destiny. Before his fall, he warned African leaders:

“They will create chaos, they will divide you and you will cry for the return of Gaddafi.”

Today, Libya is a fractured state, a shadow of the once ambitious vision he pursued.

Beyond Borders and Ballots
Mugabe and Gaddafi were far from perfect. Mugabe grew increasingly autocratic, suppressing dissent and clinging to power well into old age. Gaddafi ruled Libya with an iron grip, brooking no opposition and building a cult of personality. Their authoritarianism deserves scrutiny.

Yet their core message endures: Africa is not truly free.

Not when multinational corporations extract billions from African soil while local communities remain impoverished.
Not when international lenders dictate economic policies that prioritize debt repayment over development.
Not when culture, history, and identity are diluted by imported values and education systems.

Their critique of neocolonialism remains disturbingly relevant. And their call for African unity, economic Self-determination and cultural revival has yet to be fully answered.

Today’s Betrayal of Revolutionary Ideals
In the 21st century, the ideological clarity of Mugabe and Gaddafi has been replaced by a politics of compromise and dependence. African leaders host elaborate investment forums for former colonial powers, sign away mineral rights to foreign corporations, and implement IMF-led austerity programs.

China’s growing influence in Africa is lauded as an alternative to Western control. Yet, many of these “partnerships” mirror colonial dynamics, resources flow out, while debt and dependency grow.

Meanwhile, Africa’s youth are restless. Unemployment, poverty and lack of opportunity drive many to seek life elsewhere. Migration has become a silent vote of no confidence in African governments.

As Mugabe once observed:

“Africa is not poor. It is just poorly managed.”

The Road Ahead: Real Liberation
Africa’s liberation remains a work in progress. The continent must return to the foundational truths expressed, however imperfectly; by Mugabe and Gaddafi.

1. Economic Sovereignty: African nations must control and process their own resources. Dependency on raw exports and foreign capital is unsustainable.

2. Pan-African Unity: Regional integration must move from rhetoric to reality. Shared infrastructure, trade, currency, and defense mechanisms are vital.

3. Cultural Renaissance: The decolonization of the African mind must accompany the decolonization of the economy. Language, history, and values matter.

4. Youth Empowerment: Africa’s future lies in its youth. Education, entrepreneurship, and civic leadership must be prioritized.

As Gaddafi declared:

“You may kill me, but my ideas will not die.”

Indeed, they have not. The dream of a free, united, and dignified Africa is still alive waiting for bold, visionary leadership to carry it forward. The torch lit by Mugabe and Gaddafi now lies in the hands of a new generation.

Will they pick it up?

Prophecy Fulfilled: Wiseman Daniel’s 2025 Warning Comes to Life as Burkina Faso Foils Coup Plot (video)

In what many believers are calling a divine confirmation, recent political developments in Burkina Faso have been seen as a direct fulfillment of a prophecy issued earlier this year by renowned Nigerian prophet, Wiseman Daniel, founder of Elohim Ministry.

In his prophetic address titled “The Mind of God for the Year 2025”, Wiseman Daniel warned of a covert plot being hatched by a European power—specifically France—against a small but rising African nation striving for self-sufficiency. He cautioned that any attempt to destabilize this nation would have dire consequences for the foreign powers involved, as the country had already gained international sympathy and would be fiercely defended by allies.

Barely months later, the military government of Burkina Faso announced it had thwarted a major plot to overthrow junta leader Capt Ibrahim Traoré. Security Minister Mahamadou Sana disclosed that the coup was orchestrated by a network of current and former soldiers, with ties to terrorist leaders and alleged foreign support from neighbouring Ivory Coast. The conspirators had planned to storm the presidential palace and plunge the country into chaos under the guise of international intervention.

“This was more than a local insurrection,” said Sana in a televised address. “The goal was to disrupt our sovereignty and place the country under external control.”

In the aftermath, citizens of Burkina Faso poured into the streets, rallying in support of their leader and warning both France and the United States to abandon any hidden agendas against their nation. Placards bearing slogans like “Hands Off Our President” and “Africa Must Stand Together” highlighted the deepening patriotic fervour and suspicion of Western interference.

Observers are now linking these events to Wiseman Daniel’s prophecy. He had stated:

“A small African country will rise out of darkness into light. But France must not execute her hidden plan. The consequences will be too great. This country has the eyes of the world on it—and will be backed by unexpected forces.”

Since Capt Traoré seized power in 2022 amidst rising militant violence, Burkina Faso has taken bold steps towards rejecting foreign military presence and asserting its independence. The junta’s posture has drawn both criticism and admiration, but the recent thwarted coup and the citizens’ overwhelming support appear to echo the prophetic tone of Wiseman Daniel’s warning.

While some may view these developments through a purely political lens, others in the spiritual community see it as a clear sign of divine insight and intervention.

The Erosion of Democratic Norms: Allegations Against Seyi Tinubu and the State of Human Rights in Nigeria

By George O. Sylvester

In recent times, Nigeria has been gripped by a series of events that have raised serious concerns about the state of its democracy and the protection of human rights. Central to these concerns are allegations involving Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which have sparked widespread debate, condemnation and calls for accountability.

Allegations of Coercion, Bribery and Violence
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has accused Seyi Tinubu of orchestrating a violent disruption of their national convention in Abuja. According to Sahara Reporters, armed thugs were allegedly deployed to the venue, resulting in chaos and the imposition of Comrade Olushola Oladoja as a factional national president of NANS. Observers argue that this was a calculated attempt to hijack the student body for political mobilization in anticipation of President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign. Despite the presence of security operatives, including members of the Department of State Services (DSS), no intervention was made, an omission that suggests silent complicity.

In a particularly disturbing development, the legitimately elected NANS president was reportedly abducted, stripped naked and beaten to stupor by armed assailants suspected to be working under the directive of powerful political interests. Eyewitnesses described the attack as savage and calculated, aimed at forcing the victim into submission and clearing the path for a loyalist to be installed as president. This violent assault not only constitutes a gross violation of human rights but also exposes the depths of impunity that have taken root under the current administration.

In another damning revelation, a factional leader of NANS reportedly refused a bribe of ₦100 million allegedly offered by Seyi Tinubu in a bid to buy loyalty and silence dissent. This act of attempted corruption underscores the desperation and depth of influence-peddling in the corridors of power. Rather than being an isolated incident, it reflects a disturbing pattern of coercion and subversion of independent institutions by the political elite.

Undue Influence and Breach of Protocol
Further compounding public anxiety is the reported undue access granted to Seyi Tinubu in matters of state. President Bola Tinubu himself admitted that unauthorized individuals, including his own son, had attended Federal Executive Council (FEC) meetings, an egregious breach of official protocol. Although the president later issued a directive restricting access to such high-level meetings, the damage had already been done. The admission alone has fueled suspicions about the growing, unchecked influence of unelected individuals in shaping national policy behind closed doors.

Rising Discontent Amid Economic Turmoil
The allegations against Seyi Tinubu come at a time when Nigeria is struggling under the weight of unprecedented economic hardship. The removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira have triggered massive inflation and a steep decline in purchasing power. NANS has publicly called on President Tinubu to address the spiraling cost of living, warning that many students can no longer afford tuition, accommodation or even basic meals.

Public figures are also speaking out; Nollywood actress Mercy Aigbe took to social media to plead with Seyi Tinubu to implore his father to act:

“People are hungry, Nigerians are dying and are going out of their minds.”

These sentiments reflect the anger and despair of millions of Nigerians who feel increasingly betrayed by a government that appears detached from their everyday suffering.

Political Voices of Resistance
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has emerged as a leading critic of the Tinubu administration’s treatment of civil liberties.

“The escalating assault on civil society and the media by the Bola Tinubu administration is profoundly disturbing,” he said.
“The level of oppressive control now imposed surpasses even the harshest days of military dictatorship.”

Similarly, human rights activist and presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has condemned the government’s policies, accusing it of gross mismanagement:

“This is the worst I have seen in my lifetime of record poverty, youth unemployment and a broken system run by cronies and family members.”

International Condemnation: Global Human Rights Perspectives
Global human rights watchdogs have not remained silent. Amnesty International has consistently flagged Nigeria for its deteriorating civil liberties. In a recent report, the organization noted:

“Under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, we are witnessing increased suppression of dissent, clampdowns on peaceful protesters and targeted harassment of activists and journalists. The Nigerian government must end its intolerance of criticism and uphold the constitutional rights of all citizens.”

Human Rights Watch (HRW) echoed these concerns, highlighting impunity at the highest levels. An HRW senior researcher stated:

“The shrinking civic space and widespread abuses of power we’re witnessing in Nigeria today are not only a threat to democracy but a danger to regional stability. The government’s failure to act against politically connected individuals accused of wrongdoing speaks volumes.”

The United Nations Human Rights Office also issued a pointed warning:

“Nigeria, as a signatory to multiple international human rights conventions, must demonstrate a commitment to transparency, justice and rule of law. Allegations involving government-linked actors must be swiftly investigated and prosecuted, irrespective of political affiliations.”

Cultural Resistance: Eedris Abdulkareem Speaks Truth to Power
In a powerful cultural response, veteran Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem released a series of critical tracks that directly challenge the Tinubu administration. Known for his fearless commentary on corruption and injustice, Abdulkareem called out the growing authoritarianism, nepotism and economic rot consuming the nation. His lyrics, filled with raw truth and poetic rage have become anthems of protest.

In a blistering verse, he raps:

“Tinubu don turn our pikin to president-in-waiting,
Dem no dey vote am, but e dey run everything.”

This cultural resistance reinforces the growing disillusionment with Nigeria’s political leadership and echoes the voices of millions who feel voiceless in their own country.

A Nation at a Crossroads
The allegations against Seyi Tinubu spanning bribery, coercion, violence, undue influence and nepotism which underscore a deeper crisis: the erosion of democratic norms and the suffocation of civil liberties. As the country grapples with record inflation, surging insecurity and a shrinking civic space, the behavior of those in power must be subjected to rigorous scrutiny.

If Nigeria is to salvage its democracy, it must reaffirm its commitment to justice, accountability, and the rule of law. This is not merely a political necessity, it is a moral imperative. The youth, who represent the future of this country, must not be silenced, co-opted, or bribed into complicity. Their voices must be heard, their rights protected and their aspirations nurtured.

Only then can Nigeria hope to reclaim the democratic promise enshrined in its constitution and begin the long, difficult journey toward national renewal.