AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT PUT TO THE TEST BY THE OLIGARCHIC AND EXCLUSIVE NATURE OF THE CURRENT INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM SINCE 1960

This article aims to demonstrate that the claim by some scholars and media that strong states and representative institutions are prerequisites for African development is a common misconception that underestimates the hobbling nature of the current international system. In fact, it oligarchy nature allows a small club of powerful and hegemonic states, permanent members of the UN Security Council with veto power, to subordinate the weaker states (mostly African), despite the legal validity of de jure interstate law. The result to the slavish dependence of African states to the West. This is an atavistic obstacle to self-determination, which is essential for the existence and development of a state. Total emancipation from this system is undeniably a prerequisite for African development. This absolutely requires the deconstruction of the Franco-African servile cooperation agreements and the achievement of African economic independence through the creation of Pan-African Financial Institutions, so dear to the late Libyan president Muammar Gaddafi. Considering the exceptional powers of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, it also calls for better African representation with veto rights in this body. To assume this responsibility, a new generation of transformational leaders not subordinated to the West is fundamental.