Joshua Monga’s Call for African Leadership Reform and Unity
In a powerful speech at the Pan-African Pyramid Global Awards, Joshua Monga, a prominent African philosopher and pan-African advocate, delivered a stirring message targeting weak African leadership.
Known for his vocal advocacy on African issues, Monga’s remarks resonate deeply in the context of the continent’s ongoing struggles with colonial influences, corruption, and dependence on foreign powers.
His call for African leaders to take control of their countries’ future, prioritize the interests of their citizens, and step away from their dependence on Western powers has sparked both admiration and criticism across Africa.
Monga’s Bold Critique of African Leadership
Joshua Monga has long been a critic of Africa’s political leadership, and his speech at the Pan-African Pyramid Global Awards highlighted many of the issues he believes continue to hinder the continent’s progress.
He criticized African leaders who, in his view, act as pawns for foreign interests, emphasizing that such dependence has stunted Africa’s growth and unity.
According to Monga, this weakness in leadership is one of the primary obstacles preventing Africa from achieving its full potential.
“The time has come for African leaders to break free from the chains of foreign dependency,” Monga declared, urging them to prioritize the development of their own nations and the welfare of their people.
His speech resonated strongly with many who have witnessed firsthand how Africa’s vast resources have often been exploited for the benefit of others, leaving the continent in a state of perpetual poverty.
Monga’s advocacy for self-sufficiency and resource-driven development reflects his broader belief in the power of African unity.
He emphasized that the continent must harness its vast natural wealth and human potential to empower its people rather than allowing foreign powers to exploit it.
“We cannot continue to allow others to benefit from our resources while our people remain impoverished,” Monga said.
Revisiting the Legacy of Past African Leaders
Monga’s call for a stronger, more independent Africa draws inspiration from past African leaders like Thomas Sankara, the revolutionary leader of Burkina Faso, who advocated for African self-determination and economic independence.
Sankara’s legacy continues to serve as a beacon of hope for those who believe in Africa’s potential to stand on its own, free from foreign control and exploitation.
Monga’s speech serves as a reminder of the ideals that many African leaders once championed, and he urges today’s leaders to return to these values.
“It’s time we return to the vision of our ancestors, to build an Africa that is self-sufficient, free, and united,” he said, echoing the words of Sankara, who famously declared that “He who feeds you, controls you.”
The Debate on African Unity and Governance
Monga’s boldness in critiquing the current state of African leadership has sparked a heated debate.
Many people across the continent agree with Monga’s assessment that African leaders must take more responsibility for their countries’ futures, but the idea of completely breaking ties with Western powers remains controversial.
Critics of Monga’s stance argue that in an increasingly globalized world, complete independence from the West may not be feasible, and that cooperation with foreign nations is necessary for economic and technological advancement.
However, Monga counters that African leaders should seek a balanced approach—one where they engage with global powers on their own terms, rather than allowing these countries to dictate Africa’s future.
He calls for African governments to work together to create a unified approach to foreign policy and economic development, focusing on the continent’s strengths and opportunities.
Monga also emphasizes the importance of local leadership.
“The leaders of Africa must be leaders of the people, not of foreign interests,” he stated.
“We need leaders who care about the welfare of their citizens and work towards long-term prosperity, not just short-term political gains.”
The Struggles of Africa’s Resources: The Need for Internal Development
One of the most critical points Monga raised in his speech was the exploitation of Africa’s natural resources.
Despite being one of the world’s richest continents in terms of mineral and natural wealth, Africa remains plagued by poverty, underdevelopment, and unemployment.
Monga believes that this paradox stems from a failure of African leadership to effectively manage and leverage these resources for the benefit of the people.
“We are sitting on gold, diamonds, oil, and so many other resources, yet millions of Africans are struggling to survive,” Monga said.
“It’s time for us to take control of our resources and use them to build our nations, create jobs, and empower our people.”
Monga’s message is clear: Africa must stop allowing foreign powers to extract its resources without giving anything meaningful back to the continent.
He advocates for policies that promote sustainable development, local industry, and the protection of Africa’s environmental assets.
The Role of African Spirituality and Traditions in Leadership

Alongside his calls for political and economic change, Monga also advocates for a return to African traditions, particularly in terms of spirituality and cultural practices.
He has been outspoken about the need to protect and preserve African heritage, including spiritual practices that have been marginalized or suppressed over time.
In South Africa, for instance, traditional healers and spiritual leaders, often referred to as sangomas, have faced significant challenges.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, many were prohibited from performing their rituals, particularly in water, which they believe is sacred.
These restrictions were put in place by authorities who were influenced by Western views on spirituality and healing.
Monga has voiced strong support for the preservation of African spiritual practices, arguing that they are integral to the cultural identity and well-being of African communities.
“Western powers have long tried to suppress our spiritual traditions, but we must reclaim them.
Our ancestors’ ways have wisdom and power that can guide us today,” Monga said, advocating for the freedom of African spiritual leaders to practice their traditions without interference.
His stance on African spirituality connects with his broader message about returning to the roots of African identity and sovereignty.
Should African Leaders Take a Stand?
Monga’s speech raises an important question: Should African leaders take a more unified stand to govern their nations independently, or is this too idealistic in today’s globalized world? Many believe that Monga’s call for self-sufficiency is both timely and necessary, given Africa’s history of colonization and exploitation.
Others argue that a more balanced approach, engaging with the global community while protecting Africa’s interests, is the most practical path forward.
The debate about African unity, governance, and self-sufficiency is not new, but Monga’s speech has reignited these discussions.
For many, the question now is how to strike the balance between self-determination and global cooperation, and whether African leaders are truly ready to break free from the legacy of foreign domination.
A Path Toward African Unity and Empowerment
Joshua Monga’s message is clear: Africa must reclaim its sovereignty, prioritize the interests of its people, and stop allowing foreign powers to control its destiny.
The continent’s vast natural resources and rich cultural heritage are powerful tools that can be used to create a prosperous future for all Africans, but this will require strong, visionary leadership that puts the people first.

Monga’s call for African unity, self-sufficiency, and the protection of African traditions is both a challenge and a call to action for the leaders of today.