Why Are African Passports Devalued in the United States? – M. Frindéthié

Patriotism and national pride are not mere emotions; they form the bedrock of a nation’s unity and progress. To be patriotic is to recognize the collective heritage, honor the sacrifices that have shaped history, and act responsibly to uphold the values that define a shared identity. National pride is not simply an attitude but a profound conviction that drives citizens to protect what is invaluable, the integrity of institutions, the respect for traditions, and the preservation of cultural heritage. When fully embraced, patriotism and pride become transformative forces, inspiring individuals to engage in the collective effort of nation-building, where devotion to one’s country is demonstrated through tangible actions rather than hollow rhetoric.

Yet, what do we observe? In far too many African nations, this ideal has been overshadowed by greed, as the pursuit of profit supersedes national dignity. The elites, who ought to embody responsibility and long-term vision, have instead turned into merchants of the nation’s most sacred symbols. Passports, once emblems of sovereignty, are traded on street corners; identity cards are sold on the black market; and land assets are misappropriated and auctioned off to the highest bidder, sometimes even to multiple buyers simultaneously. This insidious degradation does not merely weaken the foundations of the state; it erodes the confidence that international partners once placed in these national symbols. How can a nation expect global respect when its markers of sovereignty are undermined from within?

And when these internal failings lead to consequences on the international stage, some opt to denounce discrimination instead of confronting reality. In response to the unreliability of these symbols, a proud American citizen has, without hesitation, placed the citizens of compromised African nations on a blacklist, denying them entry into the United States. But is this truly an injustice, or simply a reflection of chaotic governance in Africa?

Rather than retreating into a victimhood complex and accusing America of discrimination, African elites must engage in a profound introspection. How can they restore real developmental pathways for nations that, in just a few decades, have been transformed into hubs of drug trafficking, centers of money laundering, and stagnant swamps of moral decay and misgovernance? The devaluation of African passports is merely a symptom of a larger affliction, the moral deterioration of the African leadership.

The restoration of national dignity will not come from defensive rhetoric but from a collective awakening, one that reestablishes patriotism and pride at the heart of national priorities before it is too late.