Abayomi Azikiwe, Pan-African News Wire Editor, Releases "Africa & Imperialism": Selected Articles From the Pages of Workers World

LeiLani Dowell of FIST, Abayomi Azikiwe, Editor of the Pan-African News Wire and Monica Moorehead, Managing Editor of Workers World Newspaper, at a study forum on African history in New York City on July 11, 2008. (Photo: John Catalinotto).
Originally uploaded by Pan-African News Wire File Photos

Introduction to "Africa & Imperialism"

Selected Articles by Abayomi Azikiwe
Editor, Pan-African News Wire
From the Pages of Workers World
Released in Feb. 2011, 51 Pages

Articles Include:
-Africa struggles against imperialism
-WikiLeaks on U.S. role in Africa
-Tunisian masses rebel
-Women at the Forefront of liberation struggles
-Africa increases trade with China
-Famine in the Sahel
and others

Copies of publication can be ordered from:
Workers World
55 W. 17th Street, 5C
New York, N.Y. 10011

WikiLeaks release over the last several months of U.S. classified military documents and diplomatic cables with specific reference to the African continent confirms what has been written on extensively in the pages of Workers World newspaper for quite some time. These documents taken directly from the reports and assessments of military operatives and state department functionaries reinforce the world view that the ruling class in the United States is driven by imperialist aims and objectives and that the efforts of both Washington and the multi-national corporations have become even more aggressive in the current period.

It is the U.S. that has backed both the Ethiopian regime of Meles Zenawi as well as the Transitional Federal Government in Somalia in efforts to prevent the people of the Horn of Africa from excercising their right to self-determination and sovereignty.

In Zimbabwe, the U.S. and British imperialists have attempted to both destabilize and overthrow the government of President Robert Mugabe's ZANU-PF party after the former British colony seize land that was stolen from the people with the onslaught of colonialism in the latter 19th century.

These revelations printed in the corporate media are not new to the readers of Workers World. The WikiLeaks cables only provide further ideological material for the constantly developing global class struggle against capitalism and imperialism.

These articles published over the last year have covered events including the 50th anniversary (1960-2010) of the independence of 17 former colonial states on the continent known as the "Year of Africa." Unlike other publications which acknowledged this historic anniversary, we have paid special attention to the role of women and workers in the national liberation struggle, which was essential in gaining independence for most African countries.

In addition to events taking place in Africa, we have also paid special attention to the role of the continent in world affairs. These articles have focused on Africa-China relations and the impact of the global economic crisis on various states.

Although drought, food deficits and political instability has been the legacy of colonialism and neo-colonialism, the U.S. has responded to the current crisis in the Sahel and in other parts of the continent with increasing military involvement in the region. The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has sought to form alliances with individual African states and regional organizations, and in doing so contributes to the growing instability rather than enhancing security.

The issues covered in this publication illustrates clearly why Workers World newspaper is a critical weapon in the ideological arsenal of the working class and the oppressed throughout the globe. The paper provides information on all the major struggles against capitalism and imperialism and the ongoing struggle for socialism.

With the information and analyses supplied by Workers World, the proletariat can enhance its solidarity with the aspirations of workers and oppressed peoples all over the planet. It will be this increasing cooperation and solidarity among workers and the oppressed throughout the globe that will ensure a socialist future.

Abayomi Azikiwe,
Editor, Pan-African News Wire
Contributing Editor, Workers World