Secessionism on the Islands of Bioko and Annobón Justo Bolekia
1 Secessionism on the islands of Bioko and Annobón Justo Bolekia Abstract The cultural diversity that distinguishes the African states observes special consideration even when it does not serve to strengthen their self esteem or their political systems. The traumatic experiences suffered by many ethnic groups in the past did not prevent the eventual establishment of ethnic or tribal states (or governments). These newly established states were strongly centralized, ruled by tyrannical governments, with ¨lifetime¨ posts and patronage systems given to some groups at the expense of others, depending on the government of the country under which it was colonized. I am convinced that the issue of secessionism in Africa is fairly extended across the continent, because of the colonial oppressions and divisions among Black ethnic groups, which were never reconciled, where a single government was created. Bioko and Annobón (in Equatorial Guinea) were no exception. First, there were atrocities and tragedies historically experienced during the cultural collision between Black and White Guineans that weakened Black self-determination for minority groups, such as the Bubis. Second, that conflict was at odds with finding a singular identity, necessitating the reconsideration and the reassertion of the psychological, ethno-cultural and historical dimensions, which distinguish the majority and minority ethnic groups. Third, the minority Blacks asked to engage in a dialogue and negotiation for secession with the colonist and post-colonist government at the time, with the option, either to create a single state again with the intent to guarantee everybody’s participation and involvement, without any discrimination based on ethnic, historical and political reasons, or, separating and creating two states, both of which were rejected.
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