Most women in Africa do not fully open up to their partners when they hurt their feelings. They often hide anything that displeases them because of the fear of getting abandoned and losing them. As a result the men continue being abusive towards them, using violence against them, failing to take care of home responsibilities, denying them intimacy among the many various ways they hurt them.
This mindset of hiding one's desires from a partner begins at the start of the relationship. This is understandable because anyone would want to impress the person they have liked but it comes at a cost. Hiding feelings from your partner will push him to take them for granted and you too with time will feel they are not worthy to be expressed. The fear builds slowly until it gets to a point where you feel you will lose a lot if the relationship ends. Don't keep this tormenting you anymore, life is short no one has the right to steal happiness away from you.
Let go of the fear that comes when you think of life without him/her. Out there there are people that treasure your feelings, not forgetting your family. Allow your self to be vulnerable to the response when you open up to him. Chances are he didn't notice how much you were getting hurt and he could change for the better. But if he doesn't consider your feelings, walk out of that relationship and wait for the right person for you.