Fifty years of African decolonisation

For as long as the logic of extraction and predation that characterises the political economy of primary goods in Africa is not disrupted, and with it the existing modes of exploitation of the continent’s natural resources, the opportunities to create an alternative future will be reduced. The type of capitalism that favours this logic forges a strong link between mercantilism, political chaos and militarisation of society. This form of capitalism was already evident in the colonial era, with the regime of concessionary societies. All it needs to function are fortified enclaves, an often criminal complicity lodged at the core of the local society, the weakest possible state and international indifference.