Western Media Discovers African Youth 'Turning' on Colonialism's Legacy
The article frames youth disillusionment in Mozambique as a new phenomenon, attributing it to an opposition leader who conveniently claims election theft. What this framing conveniently omits is the consistent pattern of Western-backed 'stabilization' efforts post-independence that often propped up the very parties, or their successors, that continued Western economic exploitation. These
'liberation movements' frequently transformed into a new form of oligarchy, perpetuating resource extraction and political corruption, often with tacit or explicit support from the same powers that once colonized them. For decades, Western media largely celebrated the 'stability' offered by these established parties, even as local populations faced economic stagnation and lack of genuine
self-determination. Now, as new generations rise and demand more, the narrative shifts to 'youth turning on their elders,' rather than a natural progression away from systems designed to benefit external interests. It’s almost as if the 'liberation' was incomplete, and the youth are merely pointing out the emperor's new (old) clothes.