Erik Prince, a controversial military contractor and founder of Blackwater, has sparked outrage among Nigerians with his recent remarks advocating for the recolonisation of Africa.
In a clip shared on X by ‘Africa Facts Zone,’ Prince suggested that African countries should undergo recolonisation due to the perceived corruption and incompetence of their leaders. He argued that if African nations struggle with self-governance, it is justified for them to be invaded once again.
Former US Navy officer Prince conveyed his belief that African leaders prioritize personal gain over the welfare of their citizens, leading to challenges in governance. He boldly asserted that it is time to reimpose foreign governance on incapable nations.
Reacting to Prince’s statements, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, a former governorship candidate in Lagos State, condemned the advocacy for recolonisation. He questioned whether Prince would offer the same advice to countries like Iran, India, or the Middle East, highlighting the danger of such rhetoric.
“This is how it starts. Every move against indigenous populations starts exactly like this. Visionary leaders that can put Africa in a position it can defend himself. Mr Prince will never say this about Iran, India, or the Middle East. Elections matter,” Rhodes-Vivour wrote.
Another wrote, “This is the disrespect that comes with selfish African politicians selling out their own people for personal gain. 💔”
Prince’s history is marred with controversy, with allegations linking him to internal conflicts across Africa.
In November 2023, he faced trial in Austria over the criminal export of military aircraft without proper permits. Prosecutors accused him of equipping agricultural planes for military purposes and diverting them to conflict zones.
While defending his actions, Prince claimed transparency in the export proceedings, stating that technical issues led one plane to land in South Sudan despite Kenya being its declared destination.
The outcry from Nigerians reflects the rejection of colonialist attitudes and underscores the importance of self-governance and sovereignty in Africa.
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