I have different associations when it comes to Africa, but one that is stuck in my head is colonization and exploitation by countries who are nowadays the best sellers of democracy, human rights, freedom and religions beliefs. The fact that the crime of apartheid hasn't been recognized as a crime against humanity, defined by the 2002 Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, only by these countries says actually more about them than Africa itself.  

There was one similar discussion where I've already expressed my opinion and other members, too: 

https://www.italki.com/discussion/167691

An analogue discussion was started some weeks ago and I wrote “the cradle of humanity “.

I rewrite it here since it is correct. Humankind started in Africa and from there colonized the whole world.

But Doug how can we speak about a whole continent which is so diverse, geographically and culturally? So many languages? I would like to ask YOU if you think that there are common values and identies among the inhabitants of your continent.

If you ask me what I think about South Africa I also tell you that I admire Nelson Mandela and how south Africans were able to overcome Apartheid. I am hoping that this model of reconciliation will be adopted by many more countries in the world.

Ah...and I am (almost) able to make the click sound of Xhosa language that was popularized by Miriam Makeba song Qongqothwane.