Africa: Internal & External Factors

Introduction

During the Cold War, Africa was of strategic importance due to its abundant natural resources such as oil and minerals, its crucial geopolitical location, and the political landscape following independence. This era witnessed significant political transformations as newly independent nations pursued stability and development amidst the challenges presented by both internal and external factors.

Colonial Legacy

• Colonial Exploitation: Numerous African countries inherited economic structures leading to economic dependence following independence.
• Key Challenges:
  • Dependence on the export of primary commodities inhibited economic diversification and self-sustaining growth.
• Example: Mozambique's reliance on cotton exports highlights continued reliance on colonial agricultural systems.

Political Instability and Ethnic Diversity

Political Instabilities

• Rapid political transitions resulted in widespread instability.
• Frequent military coups and civil conflicts undermined governments.
• Authoritarian regimes emerged as means to restore order.
• Example: Nigeria witnessed several military coups throughout the 1960s.

Ethnic Diversity and Division

• Ethnic diversity posed governance and coexistence challenges.
• Colonial boundaries heightened ethnic tensions, leading to conflicts.
• Example: The Rwandan ethnic conflict is notable; colonial borders exacerbated ethnic divisions.

Economic Policies and Strategies

• Economic Dependency: Predominantly single-commodity economies hindered diversification efforts.
• Internal Strategies:
  • Initiatives such as Tanzania's villagisation and nationalisation targeted economic growth.
  • Ghana aimed to expand industries, including cocoa processing.

Interaction with External Pressures During the Cold War

Cold War Dynamics

• African countries became strategic venues for ideological contests, with external interventions influencing political courses.

• Example: Zaire's political scene was heavily impacted by superpower interventions during this era.

• Superpower Involvement:
  • Military and economic interventions determined alliances and often led to political destabilisation.

Angola: A Case Study

Introduction to Angola's Strategic Importance

Angola emerged as a critical battleground during the Cold War because of its location and resources, impacting global markets and strategic military routes.

Angola's Path to Independence

• Colonial Rule: Prolonged Portuguese control significantly affected resource management and socio-economic conditions.
• Resistance Movements:
  • The MPLA, led by Agostinho Neto, and UNITA, under Jonas Savimbi, spearheaded significant resistance against colonial dominance.

External Powers in Angola

• External entities such as the USSR, the USA, Cuba, China, and South Africa played substantial roles in influencing Angola's internal power dynamics.

Impact of Proxy Wars and Cold War Ends

Proxy Wars

• Definition: Conflicts in which superpowers backed opposing local factions, resulting in proxy wars.
• Example: Africa's Angola, Mozambique, and Congo experienced significant impacts from these conflicts.

End of the Cold War

• The disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991 led to a shift from ideological battles to economic priorities.
• Withdrawing superpowers led to a reduction in proxy wars.
• New Frameworks for Peace:
  • Negotiated agreements facilitated peace solutions in regions like Angola.

Conclusion

The internal and external factors profoundly influenced Africa between 1960 and 1980. The interplay of colonial legacies, political instability, economic dependencies, Cold War dynamics, and emergent independence movements collectively guided the continent's trajectory towards development and sovereignty. Grasping these factors is essential for understanding Africa's current and future geopolitical landscape.