Africans Running Away from Problems in Their Countries doesn't Solve a Thing

By Sicebise Msengana

Today I saw a post on Facebook about Zimbabweans who are fleeing from their country in search of better health care in South Africa. Most people like to compare these dire situations migrants flocking to other countries to apartheid regime. While we did had a few South Africans who went to exile, but it wasn't the whole country. The majority remained in their country and fought for apartheid government with necklacing, petrol bombs, protests and civil disobedience. 

I'm sorry to say I didn't feel any emotions on this subject. I believe it is about time we hold African mis(Leaders) and their GULLIBLE followers ACCOUNTABLE. Most countries in Africa had their flag independence from the late 50's ( Example, Ghana) and ongoing. What followed afterwards was a tragic tale of corruption, neocolonialism, mismanagement of resources, civil wars, ethnic cleansing, tribalism, nepotism, embezzlement of public funds etc. 

Most of our brothers and sisters finally got their freedom and land back. However, they misused those gains. Here today, we have millions of African being refugees and asylum seekers in other people's countries. In spite of the fact that Africa is the most richest continent on the planet. 

Useless, corrupt, inhumane leaders in their countries did nothing for their people. Worse yet, we expect a young democracy such as South Africa to carry the burden of the entire continent in its shoulders. 

What have these dictators done for their own people other than blaming other countries for their failures? The government in Zimbabwe pledged $3.5 billion to help white colonizers. But Zimbabweans opt to run away from the same government they put into power. As an African, I don't feel sorry for these Africans who run away from their countries. Instead of challenging these useless dictators, protesting against inequality, and struggling for reform in their countries. They choose the coward's choice - fleeing from problems. Who is going to change the status quo in their nations if everyone is running away? Let's encourage Africans to be problem solvers than marathon runners. Africans must go back to their countries and rebuild them to the best of their ability.