Could it truly Be??? A 'United States of Africa'

Many have come and gone that have proposed that a 'USA', United States of Africa be formed consisting of the 53 'states' located in Africa. Individuals such as Libyan leader Muammar al-Gaddafi have stated that only a true Pan-African state can provide stability and wealth to Africa while arguments have been made that this collective formation only, can bring true peace to Africa. While this shows the ambitious nature of some African leaders, the question remains if this hope/dream will become actuality. There have been talks of building subdivisions of Africa, an example being the proposed 'East African Federation' also known as the East African Community. Many have said that the United States of Africa might be in existence by the first quarter of this century (2025), while some such as Omar Gaddafi have commented saying that the federation may and could extend as far west as the Dominican Republic, Haiti and the Carribeans.

Other African countries such as Zimbabwe, Senegal and Ghana have supported the idea of a collective formation, while others like Nigeria, South Africa & Kenya have been less interested. It seems that larger states with less to gain tend to show more opposition while smaller developing countries show more support because of what there is to benefit from in the pooling together of resources. Nigeria's lack of support comes as a result of it being one of the largest countries (if not the largest) in Africa, with a population of about 152 million people according to the CIA World Factbook. It is rich in Oil, Coaoa & Cotton and is also one of the top suppliers of Oil to the United States. It's lack of interest seems to be due to its power and inflence but such should not be so. 

The smaller nations, Zimbabwe, Ghana and Senegal, and especially ones with social instability and other issues will have much to gain from a strong federal government which is one of the many reasons why the are in support. The idea of a United States of Africa does sound good, but can it really happen.  Poverty plagues the entire continent and there is conflict in countless pockets. Present day, Africa's population has risen to that of 1 billion making it the third most populous continent after India and China.  But as can easily be seen especially in the case of Nigeria's relationship with China and China's heavy involvement in Africa present day, dependency continues. 

Mother Africa

The formation of a 'United States of Africa', a single currency, a single African military force, and a single passport for Africans to move freely around the continent sounds wonderful. It is basically the African version of the European Union, but for this dream to become reality, much sacrifice will have to be made. Africa unfortunately unlike Europe is plagued with countless Dictators and Military regimes. It is plagued with religious divisions, ethnic divisions, abject poverty and in many areas lack of proper healthcare and education. Tribalism still prevails in many areas and closemindedness which I consider a diesease still afflicts many leaders and members of the population who could enact positive change. It is good to hope and wish for change, but with so many leaders and individuals out only for their personal self gains, it is hard to believe, no matter how strongly one wants it, that change will come to Africa and Unity will result. BUT! I believe that we must not give up because what is worth having is worth fighting for and hopfeully, in the end, we  shall have what will internationally be known, called and respected as THE UNITED STATES OF AFRICA!!!.

^{------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------}