Africa’s independence: what will the next 60 years bring?
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A wave of independence swept across Africa sixty years ago. This week it’s been the turn of Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo to mark their independence. But amid the celebrations there is also time to reflect, regret even mourn what has taken place since gaining self-rule. Somalia, for instance, has seen the state split, a civil war, imposition of sharia law and a rise in piracy and Islamist terrorism.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has seen its own share of civil conflict, the name of the state change — in the 1970s it was called Zaire — and a level of bloodshed that would make even the most hardened observer wince.
This is one side of the story, though sadly it’s reflected across the continent. In tonight’s Debate, we recount Africa's path to independence to gauge how it might move forward to create a better future for all.
Produced by Alessandro XENOS, Imen MELLAZ.
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