The Current Task in Africa Is to Oppose Imperialism¹

(February 21, 1959)

The task of the whole of Africa is to oppose imperialism, and to oppose those who follow imperialism, not to oppose capitalism, nor to establish socialism. To propose the establishment of a socialist society in Africa would be a mistake. The fact is that imperialism relies on its lackeys and unites with a section of the African people to oppress Africa.

At present, the nature of this revolution in Africa is a bourgeois democratic revolution, not a proletarian socialist revolution. Generally speaking, the struggle of the whole of Africa will still be a protracted one. First, do not think that victory can be won immediately, that it will arrive tomorrow morning. Be prepared for a protracted struggle. If you are not mentally prepared for a protracted struggle, and imperialism is so powerful, you will be disappointed. Second, rely mainly on your own strength and seek foreign aid only as a supplement. I have these two suggestions; please consider them. I am not familiar with the situation in Africa, nor am I an African. I offer my views for your reference.

The current revolution in Africa is to oppose imperialism and to carry out the national liberation movement. It is not a question of communism, but a question of national liberation. On this point, our views are all in agreement. The other two points are: first, the question of whether victory will be fast or slow. Victory may come quickly, or it may come slowly; it is nothing more than these two possibilities. Be prepared for both, and you will not be disappointed. Second, the question of what strength to rely on. Should Africa be liberated by relying on foreign countries, or should Africans liberate Africa themselves? It must be the Africans themselves who liberate Africa. African affairs should be handled by Africans themselves, relying on the strength of the Africans themselves.

¹ This is part of Mao Zedong's conversation with representatives of the Union of the Peoples of Cameroon and youth representatives from Guinea, Kenya, and Madagascar.

At the same time, friends must be found in the world, including China. As for China, it certainly supports you. Whether these two points are correct, please consider.

It seems that Africa today is different from Africa in the past. Since World War II, the anti-imperialist movement in Africa made great progress in 1958. It can be anticipated that in the future, the anti-imperialist movement in Africa will develop faster than it did in the past. As for countries wanting to help you, that is entirely without question. The peoples of all countries, especially the socialist countries and the countries that have already achieved independence, will certainly help and support you. You need support, and we also need support, and all the socialist countries need support. Who will support us? It is none other than the national liberation movements of Asia, Africa, and Latin America; these are the most important forces supporting us. The working class of Western Europe also supports us. So, support is mutual. The anti-imperialist movement in your region is precisely what supports us. When the Soviet Union and China do their work a little better, that is supporting you. You may consider that China can be a friend of yours. We can tie down imperialist forces, dispersing their strength so that they cannot concentrate their forces to oppress Africa.