Ouagadougou: As part of the Burkina-Russia partnership, the Africa Initiative Association organized on Saturday an International Conference to analyze the multiple facets of NEOCOLONIALISM in order to highlight its negative impacts on the development of Africa.
‘This conference aims to deconstruct this false mentality that we have put in our heads so that the young generation is seasoned to fight the settler’ declared the president of the Africa Initiative association Soumaïla Ayo Azenwo.
Placed under the theme: “Impact of Neocolonialism: Economic, Social and Cultural Policies on African Countries (with an emphasis on Burkina Faso) and the Countries of Eurasia”, this conference made it possible to explore aspects of neocolonialism having a negative impact on the development of Africa and examined new dynamics in partnerships between African countries and Russia.
Professor DA B. Leon spoke to the participants about the importance of our cultural and customary values in connection with our development, hence
the need to promote our culture.
He stressed the importance of preserving cultural values for development, calling for a return to original customs.
Following him, Dr. Hyacinthe Ouédraogo addressed the harmful effects of neocolonialism on African economies, advocating for its eradication to restore Africa’s true identity and achieve economic takeoff.
Dr. DV SURJIK via video conference presented Russia’s historic partnerships in the world, emphasizing the country’s commitment to respecting sovereignty and being a reliable partner.
‘The Russian economy does not suffer from increased dependence on the wealth of other countries, because the country produces the majority of products consumed in the world,’ he stressed.
Adama Amadé Siguiré, for his part, provided insights into the political impact of neocolonialism, highlighting its imposition of foreign policies, such as democracy, which do not correspond to African contexts.
‘Neocolonialism has uprooted the cultural and social values of our people. What I r
ecommend is a break with neocolonial policy To draw inspiration from our realities on an endogenous political base,’ he continued.
Dr. Boukary Nebié explored the impact of neocolonialism on culture and society, comparing it metaphorically to the rape of a 16-year-old virgin girl leaving Africa with an ‘inferiority complex.’
This inferiority complex which is found in all areas: hairstyle, linguistic habits, music, cinema, writing, does not respect the values of African society.
He emphasized the importance of deeply rooted cultural values as a resilient foundation against external influences.
The conference attracted active participation and keen interest from participants, fostering a dynamic dialogue on the pressing issues of neocolonialism and its repercussions on African and Eurasian nations.
Source: Burkina Information Agency