The Beautiful Bride must choose her Suitor wisely: China and USA tussle for dominance in Africa.
Trump trade war against China and the former Soviet Union countries is a resurrection of the cold war post world war II in a dramatic fashion. This time with Africa being the battle field is putting its fragile economy in dangerous waters.
In recent times, U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton in his speech at Heritage Foundation expressed worry about the predatory practices of China in Africa and vowed a determined response. (www.foreignaffairs.com). This is critical and Africa governments ought to worry and prepare for anything.
No one needs to be told that, "When two elephants are fighting, it is the grass that suffers the consequences"
The White House and the Trump Administration should note that, Africans are now using their black sense and desperately crawling out of their shitholes. Africa resorted to China because, the China's alternative is curative unlike the US palliative care for diseased Africa.
Let's do a quick analysis of the two countries and their aids and policies towards Africa.
The United States policy on Africa is to counter terrorism to foster development and also invest in infrastructure which normally comes with interwoven strings. US aid, loans and grants come with conditions and directions on how the money should be spent making it very difficult for African governments to actually invest the funds in areas that will bring long lasting solutions to the African's problems which is the reason I describe it as palliative care.
In the other hand, China is ready to partner and more opened to business. They are ready to provide loans which may have high interest rates but without strings attached. They give out loans to improve key infrastructure on strictly business terms which inspires rather than the US system. China is investing in key areas of the African economy that sets it on the path of development far off better that of the US aids and support. The United States policy does not encourage political independence and economic self-reliance.
The US meddle in Africa politics and interfere in its governance. A classical example was the killing of Muamar Gaddafi of Libya and the bombing of Tripoli which plunged the first class country into insurgency, political unrest and a habitat for terrorists.
The hour has come for the beautiful bride to be strategy and make sure she selects the best suitor with the best dairy for her family. African governments must revise their policies and take bold decision in this critical moment where development and technological revolution is at trajectory. Africa has the right to feel pompous and believe in itself.
The African continent has always been described as a continent of disease and poverty and the most recent one is shithole. If indeed the continent is diseased infected and a true dictionary definition of poverty, why should the capitalist and the socialist fight for dominance? Africa should position itslef well and be prepare for business deals that will rather have their airports seized than deals that come with conditions that are not directed toward the best interests of the citizens.
The Chinese alternative will rather inspire governments to invest wisely in other not to have their major assets seized. We need industrialization and technology. The Americans can revise their policies from palliative to curative for the bride to be faithful to him.
Authored by:
Moses Akurugu Ade-ena
+233547193748
adeenamoses@gmail.com
Enter your comment...Nice piece, however; I think whether palliative or curative care, Africa has a long way to go and still deserves to be called a shithole. Do you think these our leaders would be bold enough to think of way forward and make decisions if not deals which will benefit their businesses and personal interests. Our leaders are corrupt, hence; there will be a need for self discipline before any other thing.
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ReplyDeleteNice write-up,weldone.
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