Western Democracy and Its Current Effects on Africa

The relationship between Africa and Western powers has evolved significantly from the colonial era to the present day. While historical exploitation set the stage, modern dependencies through trade, military alliances, loans from institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and foreign aid continue to shape African nations. This article examines how the 54 African countries remain influenced by Western democracies and highlights the consequences of reliance on these powers. By analyzing recent events alongside historical contexts, we reveal how African nations often undermine their sovereignty by deepening ties with

the West.

1. Algeria

Historically colonized by France (1830–1962), Algeria fought a brutal war for independence, which resulted in over a million deaths. Today, Algeria maintains a complex relationship with France, particularly in energy trade—as a major supplier of natural gas to Europe. However, Algeria has sought to limit its reliance on the IMF by leveraging its energy resources, making it one of the few African nations not significantly indebted to the institution.

2. Angola

Under Portuguese rule, Angola suffered from forced labor and resource extraction. Today, Angola’s economy is heavily reliant on oil exports, with Western corporations like ExxonMobil dominating the sector. Angola owes billions to the IMF, which has provided structural adjustment loans that demand austerity measures, further entrenching dependency.

3. Benin (Dahomey)

Colonized by France, Benin’s economy remains tethered to the CFA franc, a currency controlled by the French treasury. Benin also has outstanding debts to the IMF, which imposes strict economic policies that limit the government’s ability to invest in social infrastructure.

4. Botswana

As Bechuanaland under British rule, Botswana’s diamonds were exploited by Western companies. Today, Botswana has avoided major IMF debts by carefully managing its diamond revenues. However, its dependence on Western markets leaves it vulnerable to external shocks.

5. Burkina Faso (Upper Volta)

After the assassination of Thomas Sankara in 1987, allegedly with French involvement, Burkina Faso has struggled with political instability. The country has borrowed from the IMF to stabilize its economy, but these loans come with conditions that often prioritize debt repayment over public spending.

6. Burundi

Colonized by Germany and Belgium, Burundi’s ethnic tensions were exacerbated by colonial rule. Today, Burundi’s reliance on IMF loans has further weakened its economic independence. Reforms tied to these loans often exacerbate inequality.

7. Cameroon

Cameroon’s colonial history with Germany, Britain, and France laid the groundwork for its current political and economic structure. With significant debts to the IMF, Cameroon’s economic policies are shaped by austerity measures, limiting public investment.

8. Cape Verde

Cape Verde, once a hub for the transatlantic slave trade under Portuguese rule, now relies heavily on Western tourism and remittances. Its IMF loans have kept the economy afloat but at the cost of fiscal autonomy.

9. Central African Republic

The Central African Republic (CAR) faces ongoing instability exacerbated by French and Western interests. CAR is deeply indebted to the IMF, with loan conditions often undermining its ability to address pressing security and development challenges.

10. Chad

France’s military and economic presence in Chad remains strong. Chad has taken multiple loans from the IMF, with repayment often prioritized over domestic investment, worsening the country’s poverty levels.

11. Comoros

Comoros remains economically dependent on France, its former colonizer. The country has also borrowed from the IMF, which has imposed economic restructuring programs that hinder growth.

12. Congo (Republic of)

French companies dominate the Republic of Congo’s oil and timber industries. The IMF has provided loans to address economic crises, but the terms have often exacerbated corruption and resource dependency.

13. DR Congo

Belgium’s brutal exploitation of the Congo set the stage for its ongoing instability. Today, DR Congo owes billions to the IMF, with loans tied to austerity measures that neglect the needs of its impoverished population.

14. Djibouti

Strategically located, Djibouti hosts U.S. and French military bases, which provide significant revenue but also compromise its sovereignty. While not heavily indebted to the IMF, Djibouti relies on Western financial aid.

15. Egypt

Britain’s occupation of Egypt exploited its resources, particularly the Suez Canal. Today, Egypt owes substantial amounts to the IMF, with recent loans tied to devaluing its currency and cutting public subsidies, sparking public discontent.

16. Equatorial Guinea

Spain’s colonial legacy left Equatorial Guinea underdeveloped. While its oil wealth reduces its need for IMF loans, Western oil companies dominate its economy, benefiting elites while the majority remain impoverished.

17. Eritrea

Eritrea’s independence came after decades of Italian and Ethiopian control. It has avoided IMF loans but remains under Western sanctions, which hinder its economic development.

18. Eswatini (Swaziland)

British colonial policies marginalized Eswatini’s population. Eswatini has taken small loans from the IMF, tying its fiscal policies to external oversight.

19. Ethiopia

Ethiopia’s sovereignty was compromised during Cold War interventions. It owes billions to the IMF and World Bank, with conditions tied to privatizing key industries and cutting public expenditures.

20. Gabon

French exploitation of Gabon’s oil resources continues, with French multinationals dominating the sector. Gabon is also indebted to the IMF, with loan terms restricting public spending.

21. The Gambia

Britain’s colonial exploitation of The Gambia’s resources left it economically vulnerable. The Gambia’s IMF loans come with strict austerity measures that hinder poverty alleviation efforts.

22. Ghana

Britain’s exploitation of Ghana’s gold and cocoa established its dependence on commodity exports. Ghana’s debts to the IMF have led to austerity measures, including cutting subsidies and raising taxes.

23. Guinea

After rejecting French control under Sékou Touré, Guinea faced economic sabotage. It now owes significant amounts to the IMF, with loans tied to resource extraction deals that benefit foreign companies.

24. Guinea-Bissau

Portugal’s brutal suppression of Guinea-Bissau’s independence left it impoverished. IMF loans to Guinea-Bissau often come with stringent conditions, limiting its economic recovery.

25. Kenya

British colonial policies exploited Kenya’s agriculture. Today, Kenya owes billions to the IMF, with loan conditions tied to tax hikes and privatization efforts.

26. Lesotho

Lesotho’s reliance on South African and Western markets for trade limits its economic independence. Its IMF loans demand austerity measures that stifle growth.

27. Liberia

While settled by freed African Americans, Liberia became economically dependent on U.S. corporations like Firestone. Its IMF loans often prioritize debt repayment over infrastructure development.

28. Libya

NATO’s 2011 intervention destabilized Libya, creating a vacuum exploited by Western and regional powers vying for control over oil resources. Libya has avoided IMF debts but remains reliant on Western corporations for oil production.

29. Madagascar

French colonial exploitation of Madagascar’s agriculture continues to shape its economy. Its IMF loans are tied to agricultural reforms that favor export crops over local food production.

30. Malawi

Malawi’s reliance on Western aid underscores its economic vulnerabilities. IMF loans have imposed austerity measures, worsening poverty levels.

31. Mali

France’s military operations in Mali under the guise of counterterrorism have faced backlash. Mali’s IMF debts often prioritize foreign military spending over social development.

32. Mauritania

French economic policies and dependency on aid have limited Mauritania’s autonomy. Its IMF loans demand economic reforms that often benefit foreign investors.

33. Mauritius

Mauritius’s sugar plantation economy under British rule evolved into a reliance on Western tourism and trade. While not heavily indebted, Mauritius depends on Western financial services.

34. Morocco

Western support for Morocco’s claim over Western Sahara undermines Sahrawi independence efforts. Morocco’s IMF loans shape its fiscal policies, often prioritizing foreign investment.

35. Mozambique

Portugal’s exploitation left Mozambique vulnerable. Its significant IMF debts come with conditions that prioritize extractive industries, benefiting Western corporations.

36. Namibia

German genocide during colonization has left lasting scars. Namibia has avoided large IMF debts but relies on Western markets for its mineral exports.

37. Niger

France’s exploitation of Niger’s uranium continues. Niger’s IMF loans often favor foreign corporations over local development.

38. Nigeria

Western oil companies like Shell and Chevron exploit Nigeria’s resources, causing environmental devastation. Nigeria owes billions to the IMF, with loans tied to fuel subsidy removals and currency devaluation.

39. Rwanda

Western aid dominates Rwanda’s economy, with significant influence over governance and development policies. Rwanda also owes substantial amounts to the IMF.

40. São Tomé and Príncipe

Portugal’s legacy of forced labor persists in economic vulnerabilities. Its IMF loans come with conditions that often prioritize foreign interests.

41. Senegal

French economic dominance in Senegal persists through companies controlling key industries. Senegal owes millions to the IMF, with loans tied to austerity measures.

42. Seychelles

A former British colony, Seychelles relies on Western tourism and financial services, limiting diversification. Its IMF loans focus on fiscal discipline rather than growth.

43. Sierra Leone

Britain’s exploitation of diamonds persists through Western corporations. Sierra Leone’s IMF loans demand austerity measures that hinder poverty reduction.

44. Somalia

Post-independence, Somalia’s instability was worsened by Cold War interventions. Somalia’s IMF debts come with economic reforms that often exacerbate inequality.

45. South Africa

Western support for apartheid delayed progress. Today, South Africa avoids IMF loans but remains reliant on Western corporations for mining and manufacturing.

46. South Sudan

Oil-rich South Sudan remains plagued by Western-backed factionalism and economic dependency. It owes significant amounts to the IMF.

47. Sudan

Western sanctions and Cold War interference have exacerbated Sudan’s economic and political instability. Sudan’s IMF loans often prioritize austerity over growth.

48. Tanzania

Western aid shapes Tanzania’s development policies, perpetuating dependency. Its IMF loans demand economic liberalization that often benefits foreign companies.

49. Togo

France’s colonial exploitation of Togo’s resources continues through economic ties. Togo’s IMF debts come with fiscal constraints that limit public investment.

50. Tunisia

Western-backed IMF policies dominate Tunisia’s economy, stifling local growth. Recent protests have highlighted public discontent with austerity measures.

51. Uganda

British colonial policies exploited Uganda’s agriculture. Today, Uganda owes billions to the IMF, with loans tied to privatization and tax reforms.

52. Zambia

British exploitation of Zambia’s copper mines laid the foundation for its dependency on Western corporations. Zambia’s IMF debts prioritize austerity over social spending.

53. Zimbabwe

Western sanctions and colonial legacies of land theft continue to hinder Zimbabwe’s development. Zimbabwe has limited access to IMF loans due to arrears and sanctions.

54. Western Sahara

Western powers’ support for Morocco’s claim undermines Sahrawi self-determination, perpetuating a frozen conflict. Western aid indirectly supports Morocco’s governance over the region.

Conclusion

From historical exploitation to modern dependency, Africa’s relationship with Western powers remains fraught. Whether through IMF loans, trade, or military alliances, Western influence often comes at the cost of sovereignty and self-reliance. Breaking free from this cycle requires bold leadership, transparent governance, and a focus on regional cooperation.