In the past, one could say the divisions that existed in the ranks of Africans were due in some measures to the legacy of colonial administration. The manner in which they administered their former territories, the manner in which they attempted to indicate divisions among African peoples along tribal lines, sometimes along lines of special interest, were designed to perpetuate their colonial system. Africa has now awakened to this evil legacy of colonialism.
All of us realize that if nations are to be divided along tribal lines and then along village lines — for in each tribe there are again sub-divisions — then we have autonomous villages which cannot defend themselves and which cannot work as a nation. These weak units in turn weaken Africa, and the continent will be vulnerable to colonial-type exploitation.
The strengthening of a nation and, indeed, that of amalgamating the various sub-groups in African nations contribute to make that nation viable and strong. When a nation is strong, the interests of the ethnic groups within it are protected. This is a lesson that we must learn in Africa, for there are those forces of evil which wish greater dissension in the African ranks. But we know our interest lie in consolidating the national interest of each African country and in consolidating the interests of African countries on a continental basis. We have often said that African Unity cannot be realized if there is division and dissension within its component parts — nations.
February 29, 1972
