Editor, RE: “Africa50 raises $830m for infrastructure financing” (The New Times, July 31). I must say this is a historical moment for Africa; our failed independence is being reignited through Africa50. Pan-African zeal is reborn through Africa50; however, it should be nurtured and jealously protected against imperial skepticism. Africa50 leads to self-determination and none of these ill intentioned “guys” are ready to surrender their neocolonial agenda. This is an opportune moment for a people-centered diplomacy, where cross-border collaboration emanating from new infrastructure will once again bring about Pan-African mood. Once in a blue moon come visionary leaders whose Pan-African upbringing can spur Africa into an era beyond colonial masters’ desire as well as design. What is at stake remains a common African destiny and vision—outliving western scarecrows such as democracy, trade embargo, human rights to mention but a few. Africa50 looks beyond witchhunting the so-called illegal immigrants. Africa50 is beyond dehumanisation of Africans, it is a moment to talk of partnership in global affairs. We must not betray the generations to come or undermine the cause of the founding fathers of Pan-Africanism. JK
