It seems African people’s problems are similar the world over.
In this clip from a recent ‘Drink Champs’ episode, legendary reggae artist Buju Banton proposed government leaders are, in a nutshell, CEOs, answering first and foremost to their ‘board members,’ which could be his way of saying corporate interests. Banton isn’t too far off as we witness Africa’s continued economic subjugation. Institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank have more say in how our governments run than we do. That’s why these governments approve austerity measures, market liberalisation and privatisation despite being wildly unpopular.
In the face of this uneven relationship, Banton (@bujubanton on X) lamented the complacency of many Caribbean leaders and the masses. ‘I think they put something in our water over the years.’
He also cited a similar struggle in Kenya, where mass protests erupted in June against an IMF-backed finance bill. Sustained pressure on and off the streets, including the mainly youthful protesters exposing government corruption, forced the president to send the bill back to Parliament for withdrawal, lending credence to Banton’s insistence that the people should hold leaders’ feet to the fire when they don’t serve the people.
Have a watch, and let us know what you think.
Video credit: @revolttv
Sources:
IMF is the boss, not the people
https://nation.africa/kenya/business/imf-told-state-to-ignore-anti-tax-protests-4672248