About 60 years ago, the African continent gradually began its own journey. Ghana was the first country that became independent, in 1957, followed by other African countries by the end of the century. The end of the colonial period, however, did not mark the end of the colonial story. Today, the former colonial superpowers still retain their patronage status with various economic and political pressures. Humanitarian organizations are a clear demonstration of neo-colonial practice in the present. United Kingdom and France, former colonial powers, are today one of the largest donors and have a steady presence in the humanitarian sector. Despite the altruistic motives that are undoubtedly present in most humanitarian organizations there might be also different motives for their work. As a result, their operation may have negative consequences for the African countries in which they operate. The work of humanitarian organizations can be seen as a continuation of the colonialist model, where political and economic power are still centered in the Western world. Through a comparative analysis of existing practices and pre-existing literature, I will analyze through my thesis how humanitarian organizations can be understood today as neo-colonialism. In doing so, I would like to emphasize the importance and urgency of establishing a critical discourse in the field of humanitarian work and the media representation of Africa in the West.
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