In the Mid 90s, President Clinton created the Commission on Critical Infrastructure Protection to review the nation's vulnerabilities to attacks on its infrastructure. “We recognize the enormous significance of physical threats, but we have a significant amount of experience in dealing with them,” the commission stated in its summary, “It is the cyber threat that is new." The recent release of over 250 000 secret cables from The United States of America by the whistle blowing website WikiLeaks ties to this reality.

What can Africa learn from the leaked cables that might see the US effect sweeping changes in its embassies worldwide? The continent ought not to stop at the US diplomats’ assessment of issues, places and personalities. Africa must put into cognizance that as it is busy building its military hardware, the developed world is operating from the software level; fighting with bits and bytes instead of bombs and bullets.

Such virtual warfare has repeatedly presented the continent as poor, helpless and dark. This has made Africans dependent on aid; passive as their resources are plundered; risk their lives as they flee to Western capitals; and lack proactivity to solve simple problems such as conducting peaceful elections and reaching a consensus.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has no doubt positively transformed lifestyles in Africa; but long term focus calls for a more cautious approach towards its utilization. There is need to debunk the stereotypes that have for long relegated Africa to the road of serfdorm.

The WikiLeaks saga also raises a fundamental question on whether the West upholds press freedom. Africa is keenly watching how the West is treating WikiLeaks.