Thoughts and Reflections on Why the Nation State does not Work for Africa

     When the prominent Western powers convened in Berlin in 1885 to decide who got what part of Africa, the area in question had absolutely no representation. The only thing being taken under consideration was how to best profit from the exploitation of the continent's natural resources in a manner that prevented war and was "fair" to everyone. Around 75 years later when the colonies of the Western countries began to crumble, Africa had only one model for governance: the nation-sate. While this model has proven prosperous for many of the European countries which have used it, the cultures in Africa are far too numerous and diverse for it to be effective. Ethnic conflicts combined with severely limited representation ensured an emence imbalance of power which continues to plague many countries. Arbitrary boarders have clearly not been effective in stabilizing the region, and it is clear that a new approach is required. In order to ensure a greater balance of power, this new system should have representatives from each ethnic group. Ideally, these officials would be elected and regulated by the people. While this system of government is perhaps a little over idealistic, co-operation and negotiations between ethnic groups is certainly desirable to the endless feuding and genocide which has characterized Africa for decades.