Introduction

The month of August is marked by the celebration of independence days in several countries of the sub-region. It is a time of euphoria, recalling the attainment of sovereignty and the end of foreign interference especially when we remember the tragic past of colonization and slavery. One might wish to forget it with a spectacular gesture, but history, which is the memory of the people, will never cease to remind us of where we left off in the pursuit of sovereignty. But what is sovereignty? Is our sovereignty already achieved or is it still ahead of us? How can it truly be attained?

Development

It was the thirst for dignity that drove the many movements on the eve of independence to rise up. These movements said no to death and submission, and yes to life, freedom, and above all, dignity. Their intellectual and physical struggles forced the rulers of yesterday to dissolve their empires, granting us the possibility of sovereignty. It is therefore appropriate to proclaim every year this victory—not of Black people alone, but of humanity in general. In other words, it is humanity that triumphs. However, it is necessary not to fall into a traditional trap: doing things just because “it must be done” or “it’s always been done this way.” In this context, after 65 years of independence for most countries in the sub-region, we may rightly ask: are we truly independent? Looking at the situation, the answer seems to be a clear no. Without wanting to paint all 65 years of effort in black, it must be admitted that our autonomy struggles to take off. This reality often leads to blaming—rightly or wrongly the former colonial powers for this dependence. They are accused of not having cut the cord, or of giving the sheep without releasing the rope.

Rethinking Education for African Sovereignty

Away from this ideology, there is a belief that we are the primary obstacles to our own sovereignty. We must abandon the childish habit of playing the victim in every situation. It is time for Africa to reflect on its own responsibilities regarding its existence, which requires a paradigm shift. If we agree that sovereignty is the consciousness of oneself in relation to others, then we must turn back to ourselves. In this pursuit of self-reflection, it is crucial to rethink education in Africa, centering it on responsibility and, above all, self-esteem. Every child must feel like the protagonist of their own process and must grow up in an environment free of complexes in relation to others.

Conclusion

In summary, Africa’s ascent must rely on itself. Africa must take responsibility for itself in order to envision the possibility of autonomy, which is the foundation for potential development. Thus, the thirst for sovereignty should be based on an educational policy that propels children toward autonomy, rather than into a relationship of submission.