Queen Elizabeth II's Death Sparks Mixed Feelings Across Africa DeutscheWelle: Africa
has sparked mixed sentiments across Africa, large parts of which her country colonized for centuries. Several African statesmen have paid solemn tributes, while others took a more critical view of Britain's colonial actions and legacy.
In several African countries that are members of the commonwealth, official flags are flying at half-staff for seven days in honor of the late queen.South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also described her as"an extraordinary & world-renowned public figure who lived a remarkable life. Her life & legacy will be fondly remembered by many around the world.
"She was a great lady of global stature, and virtually the whole world has been thrown into mourning for her. Naturally when I heard [news of her death], I was saddened because to me she came across as a very good human being. A lady of virtue, very human and considerate," he said. "The news of her passing is so devastating, her unmatched humility, dignity and value of service will continue to live in me and especially the lives of the young people, she inspired," Bawa told DW.But others in Africa have been less enthusiastic about mourning the British monarch, whose country has a checkered history in large parts of the continent. Britain's rule over African countries continued well into the 20th century, with Kenya only becoming independent in 1963.
"Queen Elizabeth had a very glorious chance and opportunities to right these wrongs by acknowledging the atrocities of the inglorious empire not only in Africa but also in Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean... .to apologize and to pay reparations for these, but she chose not to. That was her choice," said Yakubu."You cannot separate the person from the institution," Yakubu stressed.
The Economic Freedom Fighters faulted the queen for neither acknowledging the atrocities of her empire, or for apologizing for its wrongs in many parts of the world.
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