Question

Most African nations won their independence after 1959. They were independent but still faced many problems. For example, the Europeans didn't establish stable governments. What was another problem facing the newly independent African nations?

Answer 1

Newly independent African nations faced the struggle of creating stable governments and sustainable economies in the aftermath of colonialism. National boundaries imposed without consideration for ethnic groups and Cold War geopolitics added to these challenges.

Step-by-step explanation:

Another problem facing the newly independent African nations after achieving independence post-1959 was the challenge of creating stable governments amidst competing groups within the society. These struggles resulted in part from European influence during the colonial period which often incited division among indigenous people to simplify control and exploitation. With national boundaries drawn during the Berlin Conference with little regard for ethnic or cultural territories, the legacy of colonialism contributed to ongoing social and political tension.

In addition, these countries faced economic challenges as they had been mainly structured to deliver raw materials and labor to European markets rather than to build a self-sufficient economy. As newly independent countries, they had to develop economic structures which were sustainable and benefited their own populations. Moreover, during the Cold War, the geopolitical landscape forced many African states to align with either the United States or the Soviet Union, further complicating their internal politics and impacting developmental strategies.