 Geldof has been shocked by the suffering |
We discussed the G8 and Africa with Sir Bob Geldof in our phone-in programme Talking Point.
Rich countries are not keeping their promises to implement fair trade terms for Africa, according to a British charity.
In a report published ahead of this weekend's G8 meeting, ActionAid says that Africa is slipping off the agenda of the rich world in favour of Iraq.
The claim comes days after Irish rock star Bob Geldof called the European Union's response to the food crisis in Ethiopia "pathetic and appalling".
However, the musician and campaigner reserved praise for George Bush's $15 billion package to help prevent and treat Aids in poor countries
Sir Geldof, along with U2 singer Bono, met Tony Blair on Friday and urged him to take a central role in tackling the Aids epidemic.
Is enough being done to help Africa? Is fair trade more important than aid? Is there enough emphasis on Aids? What role should the international community take?
This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.
The following comments reflect the balance of views we have received:
 Let Africa solve its own problems  |
We are doing too much for Africa. We give them billions in aid, now we expect our drug companies to virtually give away their products. While we're doing this, the African elite steals assets, starts wars and terrorise their neighbours. Let Africa solve its own problems.
John, France I am extremely tired of giving away my money to people in the world that have only hatred and disgust for my country, the US. I say close our purse to the world!
Lindsey Lambert, Mission Viejo, US
If the rich countries are not doing enough, our leaders are not helping matters. They are too corrupt and crafty, and are insensitive to the realities on ground.
Ighosuakpo Efegbaere, Benin City, Nigeria
How come there are still starving people in Africa? Where did all the [Live Aid] millions go? |
It's been almost 20 years since Live Aid. Considering all the charities which sprang from that wonderful idea and all the money raised, how come there are still starving people in Africa? Where did all the millions go?
Ian, Los Angeles, US The responsibility of aiding African countries in despair should be shouldered by the former colonialists who raped those nations' wealth and who have not done their part to leave behind proper infrastructures and education. I don't think the US alone should bear the brunt.
Chandran Sukumaran, Port Dickson, Malaysia
The question is not whether the world is doing enough for Africa, but whether Africa is doing enough for itself. South Africa is spearheading ways of promoting regional development, yet South Africa in some cases maintains an exploitative relationship with its own neighbours.
A P Karnell, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
The rich world has a responsibility to pressurise Africa's politicians into putting their houses in order. Greed characterise the rich world, but incompetence and mismanagement characterises much of Africa's ruling elites.
Tony Nelson, Hong Kong
The richer countries of the world do indeed owe a lot more to the African continent they exploited for so long. But Africans as a people and as nations should also bear their part of the task they have been shirking for so long. Tribalism and corruption plague every single sub-Saharan country. Blaming others for all of one's woes will only increase them.
Marvin Kredj, Columbus, Ohio
African farmers are too small and too disorganised to exploit this opportunity Ahmed Mohamed, Somaliland |
I think this is only part of the story. The truth remains that Africans have failed to benefit from the opportunities for "fair trade" that do exist. For example, Africa farm produce can enter the EU without punitive tariffs, but African farmers are too small and too disorganised to exploit this opportunity. Africa is falling behind because of bad governance, lack of access to capital, hedonistic work-ethic, and rampant corruption. Of course the blatantly unfair trade arrangements do not help. But countries like Kenya and Nigeria which were richer than South Korea and Singapore 30 years ago, have no one to blame but themselves.
Ahmed Mohamed, Somaliland I recieved an e-mail from a friend in Harare this morning. She told me there have been no fuel deliveries in two weeks and everything is grinding to a halt, and will stop for good when the opposition hold a mass walk-out next week. This crisis has also forced her husband out of his job with Mobil. If the British government sees fit to intervene when Saddam Hussein steps out of line, how can they sit back and watch a Commonwealth country plunge into chaos? The world is not doing enough when it comes to Africa - maybe because it's not sitting on an oilfield.
Heather, Manchester, UK
Until the tribal mentality and corruption are brought under control there will be no progress Terry Duplock, Albi, France |
I have been an expat for over 20 years and have had the pleasure of working with Ivorians, Nigerians and Ethiopeans. My role has been one of managing and training. There are some very capable people in these countries, but they are often held back or pushed aside due to tribal or political issues. Secondly, there are as many African doctors, engineers etc. in Europe and the United States as there are expats in Africa. These people are often educated on grants and then don't go back because they know there is nothing they can do under the existing system to change things. Until the tribal mentality and corruption are brought under control there will be no progress. We should not be giving aid without conditions that will force the Africans to help themselves.
Terry Duplock, Albi France I think the problem is multiple here, it cannot be said corrupted local officials are responsible, it also cannot be said that west only uses natural resources and cheep work force or that they are so generous to offer aid. The question I have is if the West is so smart to use Africa, why cannot Africa be smart to use the West? Many complain that there are so many conditionalites behind each aid that in the end it is hard to direct it to the neediest, or one just looses interest in applying for it. But my opinion is just make conditionalities work for you, be smarter than the West. Learn from success cases rather than from unsuccessful ones.
Giedre, Vilnius, Lithuania
If the western world does not change the attitude and behaviour towards the lost continent, there is no way that Africa will become an equal partner in the world community. Having visited several countries throughout the continent over the years (most recently Eritrea in April) it is shocking to experience the indifference this world shows towards a continent that is lying down, and whenever it attempts to get up, this world stamps them down again. Eritrea is so frightfully poor, and my own country took away the aid for them 2 years ago, claiming they weren't democratic. The truth is that our new government found out that there wasnt anything they could get in return from Eritrea. This has happened to a number of other African countries. People starving for no reason at all except the indifference from our world where we destroy food if it doesn't reach the minimum price agreed on! Shame on us.
Peter Eigil Pedersen, Copenhagen, Denmark
There in a lot of ignorance on the African continent even among the so called "educated" Africans. Quite a good number of power structures around the world have been taking advantage of this ignorance to enrich themselves. Even with the best of intensions, the rest of the world will never be in a position to help unless Africans honestly address the serious shortcomings of their political and economics systems.
Willy Abongwa, Buea, Cameroon
The widespread and growing famine is becoming a continent-wide famine Luciano F. Casiraghi-Ugoccioni, Uruguay |
No, the world is not doing enough. The widespread and growing famine is becoming a continent-wide famine in which millions across Africa face death either directly from malnutrition or from illness brought on by hunger. Extreme weather conditions are nothing new in Africa and are not in themselves the cause of the famine. The IMF`s policy of ending subsidies, breaking up state marketing boards and opening up African agriculture to the "free market" has resulted in the present famine. What is more, all the countries suffering from famine are heavily indebted. This is in large part due to previous IMF and World Bank policies that encouraged poor countries to take out loans. As a result of their debt repayments many of them are incapable of buying food on the world market and are reliant on donor assistance. The conclusions are obvious.
Luciano F. Casiraghi-Ugoccioni, Punta del Este, Uruguay There is no reason why aid and fair trade can't go hand-in-hand. Fair trade would guarantee a bright future for Africa, while aid would address more immediate concerns. As for the international community, there should be some sense of responsibility among western governments for two reasons: 1-They are a major part of the problem in Africa. In an era where 'fair trade' and 'free trade' are both some nonsense-dreams of economists, the real traders abuse such continents like Africa. Responsible trading would be more practical. 2 - For humanitarian reasons. We all deserve a fair shot in life. This should be a goal all of humanity is willing to work for. I agree with Geldof, the response to Africa has been extremely weak, pathetic, and cruel!
Banchi, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
One Billion dollars Aid given to the whole of Africa is peanuts considering at least 90 Billion dollars has been spend on the Iraq war. I think we need to get our priorities straight.
John, South Africa(living in London)
Everyone must buy fairly traded products and lobby their MPs |
I am a member of fair trade organisations and no, the world is not doing enough for Africa. The West still exploits places like Africa. One example is Ghana which exports cotton. Western countries buy the raw cotton for almost nothing and then refine it within their own country and so the finished product makes a huge profit. If Ghana could develop refineries it would start producing profits and therefore could start building schools etc etc. Everyone must buy fairly traded products and lobby their MPs on the 27th and 28th of June ahead of the WTO conference in September. It makes me sick that people like Bush are praised for giving out aid, but then refuse to change the policies of the WTO for the good of places like Africa. It seems we can give out all the aid we want as long as we are still the ones making the profit through the exploitation of our brothers and sisters across the globe.
Lizzie, Scotland Free trade is overrated. What is the point of free trade if African industries continue to die off (due to foreign interference) till there is nothing for them to trade? Africa needs to learn to depend on itself alone. Any Strategic partnerships should be formed with countries such as China which is the best and only example of underdeveloped country turned into a potential superpower. Enough with partnerships with the west. They have not worked for decades and they will never work. Third world countries need work together as partners and negotiate any terms as a block to gain more clout.
Naomi, Kenya/USA
Foreign aid is just another way of transferring funds into the pockets of corrupt African leaders |
I would ask a different question: Is Africa doing anything for itself? If not, what is keeping it from doing what it should be doing for itself? Africa has the saddest history of all the continents in the world. The world could never do enough for us. Foreign aid is just another way of transferring funds into the pockets of corrupt African leaders and their colluding partners in the West. Better terms of trade might be a good start, as might be the retreat of Western meddling in our conflict zones. Demands for diamonds, gold, oil, provision of arms to rebels etc...are just a few things the West could address to help Africa.
Esther, US The effects of the slave trade and colonialism are still deeply felt by Africans and African-Americans. Currently, Africa is still being stripped of its resources; both natural and human. Resources that the United States and other countries use in copious amounts, without regard to those who live in the areas where the products come from. I think that the $15 billion package to help prevent, educate, and TREAT those who are affected by AIDS in Africa. Also, there needs to be policy in place to eradicate poverty and provide access to adequate life sustaining resources (i.e. Education, Medicine, jobs, Trade, etc.) in Africa. Everyone cannot be a millionaire, however everyone in the world deserves an opportunity to peruse life of fulfilment. Happiness is not exclusively for the rich or the citizens of the G8 counties. Let's give back to the continent that has and continues to give so much!
Bobby Woodard, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.
Having healthy and prosperous African nations would benefit even more than the people of Africa. This would also help to preserve the wildlife and natural resources of the continent. Rich nations should help African countries offer their people other means of prosperity besides reckless logging of forests and the trade in ape meat. The whole world would regret losing the wilderness and wildlife of Africa.
Matt, Boston, MA
The West and other developed countries should help inject more capital |
I feel that what Africa requires at the moment is aid more than fair trade. The continent needs a lot of financial aid at the moment in order to make good exploitation of its many natural resources. Then we can talk of fair trade as there will be something to trade with. It does not create much good to emphasise more on fair trade now when most of Africa's exports is in the form of semi-processed or unprocessed materials which fetch poor prices at the world market. The West and other developed countries should help inject more capital for strictly capital projects which will boost the potential of African countries to earn more from exports and then finance its own growth and become independent of other countries help.
Alice, South Africa I think, in the case of Ethiopia, the world should also seek answers as to why the Ethiopian farmers are leading a hand to mouth existence, what their government is doing to help them or starve them. The Ethiopian government is too busy shooting its citizens, fighting meaningless wars, wasting money on meaningless international arbitrations, doing what it can to stay in "power" by performing bogus reforms by recycling its un-elected , corrupt leadership. When the country goes to pieces and millions of its citizens are starving, they always know they can cry drought and get the aid, and they still make money out of the aid.
Michael, Ethiopian
A few years ago one of the international economic bodies (possibly the World Bank) did a survey which showed that during the 1990s over 50% of all the aid that went into Africa ended up being stolen by corrupt leaders and never got to the people that needed it. Until Africa does a bit more for itself and stops this problem then don't expect too much more help from the rest of the world.
John Smith, UK
The world should do as much as is possible with regards to Africa. Number one reason is a healthy Africa would only make our world a more prosperous place. It seems to me at times that Africa is a forgotten continent. We should do what we can and I feel that education is the key to the future of Africa. Also with economic prosperity comes political stability this in turn would help lead to the end of tribal warfare which seems to be a serious matter there.
Joe, USA
Fair trade is by far more important to Africa than donor Aid Nicholas Ngugi, Michigan, USA |
Fair trade is by far more important to Africa than donor Aid. Donor countries know that through Aid they can control all aspects of Africa. With fair world trade and good governments through out the continent, Africa can become independent and have the ability to control its own destiny. Aid is only a temporary solution to a permanent problem that can only be solved through better management of Africa's resources.
Nicholas Ngugi, Michigan, USA I do think that most African nations have been abandoned in their effort to participate in the global trade that the Western world dictates. But at the same time, there is a lot of mismanagement and corruption within our own government that hinders any possible economic or political growth. My anger and disappointment mostly lies more within my own government who I feel has more responsibility over the development of continent than the western world.
Enkopa, Arussi, Ethiopia
Unfair trade terms are just an extension of the exploitative, zero-sum relationship that has existed between the world and the African continent. Starting with the slave trade, to colonialism, to proxy wars, to the neglect of the catastrophic conditions that now exist. Perhaps we should realize that the richest continent in terms of minerals will continue to be oppressed until fully dominated by its exploiters.
Alex Cerqueira, San Diego, USA
To fund as much aid for Africa as the continent wants, the G8 nations will have to divert aid to other world regions |
Dictators, corrupt government officials and little or no respect for private property and civil liberties are the main causes of Africa's problems. The people and governments of Africa cannot rely on foreign aid to save them. To fund as much aid for Africa as the continent wants, the G8 nations will have to divert aid to other world regions. Then those regions will claim they are being ignored. Africa is rich in resources, natural and human, and must use these to pull themselves up, rather than rely on fickle foreign aid.
Taylor, Starkville, Mississippi, USA Your question is phrased incorrectly. You should be asking, "Is Africa doing enough for itself with its riches?" Ask that to current Politicians who can be counted amongst the World's rich people when their populace is starving.
Makia Epie, Cedar Hill, Texas ,USA
I agree that African nations are being forgotten by the richer nations of the world. Unfortunately, this is nothing new. What's more, Africa has been forgotten by its own leaders who have mostly been absent from showing real leadership for decades. It is time that we start to address this before we extend one more empty hand toward the richer countries. African leaders also need to look to themselves and their "policies" to find answers to their problems.
Brian Pedersen, Washington, DC
The International community needs assume a collaborative rather than paternal approach in the way it relates to Africa. For instance we should talk of debt cancellation as opposed to debt forgiveness. One may say it's just a matter of semantics. But why should we seek forgiveness for debt accrued thanks to western supported dictators like Mobutu and Abacha. Africa has remarkable potential, we can do more to solve the current crises in the interests of peace, the respect for human rights and sustainable development.
Eddie Mandhry, Kenya
We should not forget the great contribution of some European countries with respect to development aid |
Even though it is a fact that the USA and Britain are at the forefront in terms of relief aid to Ethiopia, we should not forget the great contribution of some European countries with respect to development aid. The Netherlands and Germany deserves praise with this regard. At the same time I also agree that the other members of EU are doing less or not enough to the crisis. So in my view it is difficult to condemn the entire EU. It seems reasonable to pinpoint the member nations that are not helping enough.
Goradew, Ethiopia Certainly fair trade is more important than aid. The number one priority for Africa now is peace, which is very essential for free trade. The guns are to be silenced in Africa through appropriate solutions to the conflict-causing-factors. All the troubled African nations are busy with weapons trade, which is by no means a desirable trade for the continent. Africa should get her house in order, unite, and others will take them more serious. Lets pray African Union and NEPAD will help Africa achieve peace, unity, stability, investments, and free/fair trade. May God save Africa
Chief Charles O. Okereke, U.S.A
Aside from unfair trade practices which force African countries to open their markets to western goods while preventing them from selling their goods to the west, Developed countries have also contributed to Africa's misery by propping up dictators to suit their own selfish interests and by allowing these dictators to stash huge amounts of money in European banks.
Willz Odipo, Kenya
All the foreign debts should be cancelled and the West should pay reparations Jane Amugambi, Mankato, USA |
Africa has to arise and fight for her freedom and independence. If Africans wait for the West to solve their problems, they are awfully wrong! It is sad, that after many years of slavery and colonialism Africans still believe that their salvation will come from their former masters. Africans have to take pre-emptive steps in fighting for their human rights and challenging the international policies that are detrimental to the development of the continent. Africans need to demand for fair trade. Secondly, all the foreign debts should be cancelled and the West should pay reparations for all the physical, psychological and, financial ills committed against the continent of Africa. Certainly, for this to happen African leaders need to solve their local problems and unite. This is the only way to an African revolution.
Jane Amugambi, Mankato, USA I've written Mr. Bush and the U.N. security council members complaining that the powers have focused on "terror" only in areas and among peoples that are economically important to their agendas. It is an atrocity that the violence in the Congo is allowed to escalate unchecked.
John Dwyer, Naples, United States
I saw Geldof on television the other day, with the so-called leader of Ethiopia standing expectantly behind. The same ruler had earlier blamed the world for not doing enough for his own people. Yet, here was a man who, just over a year ago, was fighting one of the most senseless wars in history with neighbouring Eritrea. And just in case we have forgotten, wars cost fantastic sums of money. Did Geldof bother to ask him how much one of the warplanes costs? No. People like Geldof simply don't believe that African rulers owe any responsibility to our people; it's always the fault of someone else. My position is that if wild ants in Africa have learnt to store food in anticipation of the dry season, it should not be beyond human wits to build simple silos to store grains to feed our people during a drought. The cost of one warplane can build hundreds of such facilities. So, while I appeal to the world to feed the dying, I say, enough of the Geldofs of this world! A
UE, UK/Nigeria
Africa should be re-colonized and re-educated |
Having lived in Africa for most of my 32 years, it is incredible to see the rapid decline of society in every corner of this incredible continent. Nairobi, once one on the most beautiful cities in the world, reduced to open sewers and desperation. Khartoum, a pathetic shell of poverty. Lagos, riddled with corruption and violence. Jo'berg, don't even go there! Africa should be re-colonized and re-educated otherwise it will sink under an empty cloud of poverty, war, famine and disease.
Mark Pennington, Sydney, Australia I really wonder if Europeans, especially the French and British have the conscience to face up to the havoc they created in Africa. Fuelled by greed, colonial adventurism and land grab, the British and the French haphazardly bunched up ethnic groups that had practically nothing in common and created countries whose citizens have no idea how to get along. Of course the result is the endless cycle of civil and national wars that has ravaged the continent.
Europeans have been directly and indirectly calling the shots in Africa for over 400 years, but never managed to establish the rule. Colonial semantics taught African leaders to grab and transfer wealth offshore and to jail any one who dared challenge them. Africa needs help to establish the rule of law and to rein in self-serving leaders and highly politicized military. Talking about "aid" has never and would never help much.
Joe Chike
Africa is now fully independent and must take primary responsibility for its own development. Debates on the impact of colonialism never seem to take into account the transfer of technology, skill, modern governance frameworks, law and infrastructural development that have taken place but allowed to decline.
Let's take Zimbabwe as a prime example. The country has received over US$2.5 billion in foreign loans and substantial amounts of aid in health, education and agricultural development. In 1997 the country was booming and was the success story of Africa. In six short years that has been destroyed through greed and corruption and a strong underlying dislike of the west held by the Zimbabwean government. Zimbabwe agricultural output is down 50%, inflation is at 300% and fuel is unobtainable. The WFP is keeping many alive.
The concept of NEPAD is right; show your strong commitment to help yourselves and then we will help you.
Craig Henderson, Auckland, New Zealand
Many African leaders are incompetent in terms of international trade relations |
The problem is that of leadership on the African continent. Let's face it. Many African leaders are incompetent in terms of international trade relations. Whether it's lack of experienced economists, trade ministers, or prominent business men it's up to the respective governments to determine the cause of this growing problem.
A. A. Abdul, A Ghanaian Student in the USA I would suggest the question should be reversed into "Is Africa doing enough to help itself?" Unequivocally, the answer is no. Unless and until that changes, the majority of Africa will continue to endure it's endless series of civil wars, power crazed dictators and the consequent poverty, starvation of the majority of it's people.
Simon, Hong Kong
For along time Africa does not exist in the mind of the developed world, and if it does it exist only when they criticise our leaders and our weak economies. If the multinationals and their governments are really sincere in developing Africa what they should do is to invest in the continent like they are doing in Asia.
Harun Kabete, Kikuyu, Kenya
I'm an ex-Zimbabwean chased out of my home land. Africa's problems are to large degree self inflicted. Aid is constantly misappropriated throughout the continent. What is needed is a commitment to democracy and a tolerance for people of all races or tribal origin. Working together they then might find a few solutions.
Mr Douglas Will, Brisbane, Australia.
The world has truly forgotten Africa Chester Winn, Jarkaken, Liberia |
The world has truly forgotten Africa. It is not a question, this is reality, I think it is because the continent is plague with endless conflicts or because there is no oil like it is in Iraq. African refugees who have being in camps for decades or even new arrivals are not getting kind of needed relief assistance. If aid comes it is after many deaths or an outbreak of a killer disease. Even such help only lasts for a few day and again the people are left to solve the problem with no further assistance from outside. In Africa, conflict has to reach or get close to catastrophic point for eligibility for a "International Conference" to discuss what should be about it. After such meetings, weeks or sometimes month have to pass before action is taken.
Chester Winn, Jarkaken Liberia Based on the way Mbeki is handling Mugabe, anyone who invests in Africa is mad. Until Africans elect honest politicians then stay well out of this place. Also debt should never be forgiven - if a bank lends money to a corrupt leader who then steals the money and puts it into an overseas bank, why should tax payers in any country reimburse the bank?
Pier Myles, Harare Zimbabwe
Corrupt governments and internal wars make Africa unsuitable for investment. When NEPAD is capable of making leaders like Robert Mugabe more accountable the international community will have more confidence in Africa. I am not prepared to give financial aid to Africa until they implement a population policy.
Louise, Sydney, Australia
Aid to Africa is a little like a five course meal for a starving man Peter Wanyonyi, Nairobi, Kenya |
Africa's problems are largely of Africa's own making. The fact is that war is, in the words of the World Bank, "development in reverse". All over Africa are raging wars of all types - between countries (Uganda vs Rwanda in the Congo), within countries (Somalia, Liberia, Sierra Leone), between leaders and the people they ostensibly lead (Zimbabwe), and so on. All this while Africa's 'superpowers', South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt and (to a lesser extent) Kenya, look on. What Africa needs most is to clean up its act, before presenting itself to the international community as an entity worth dealing with. Corruption is so endemic on the continent that many companies (in Kenya, at least) tacitly include provisions for bribes in their yearly budgets! It would help if our governments checked corruption and helped end the wars that plague Africa. Then we can begin talking about free trade and equal partnerships with the West. As it is, aid to Africa is a little like a five course meal for a starving man: well-meaning but ill-suited, and ultimately unhelpful.
Peter Wanyonyi, Nairobi, Kenya In response to Mr. Geldof I for one am sick and tired of hearing about the food crisis in Ethiopia. All my life we have been sending aid which gets no further than the ruling bodies back pockets. If after 20 years nothings changed why bother. If we stop giving them handouts maybe those who steal the aid will be removed, or perhaps we should go in and remove them first. Until this takes place I for one will not support Africa again.
Keith, Sunderland; UK
Could promises be enough. Fair trade could help but how; while Europe and the US are subsidising their farmers how could an African farmer (almost 80% of the population) be productive? The international community should realise that we are sailing on the same boat and if one part rots then we all capsize; if Africa suffers we all suffer.
Isaias, Addis Ababa
The aid from the developed world is like a drop into the ocean. Instead i prefer the developed world to help us bring back our stolen money in their banks whose interest is even bigger than the aids we receive from them.
John Eleanya, Abia state Nigeria
Stop asking for help and do it yourself! |
To all the people here who bemoan the apathy of the west towards Africa I would say one thing. If Germany or Spain (or any western country you like) had oil, uranium, diamonds, gold or any other of Africas natural resources do you think we would be feeding them now ? The west had to work it all out from the beginning hundreds of years ago, African nations have clear templates for growth to follow and yet still they can't stop their leaders thieving long enough to make any progress. Stop asking for help and do it yourself!
Doug, London UK The biggest problem Africa has are the leaders. There is no question that they have played a far bigger role than the West in the destruction of a very wealthy continent. Look at the Zimbabwe army in the Congo. They went in there and put the ordinary soldier's lives on the line so the leaders could salvage the diamonds and deposit the wealth in to Western bank accounts while their own people starve. How many months were they aware of the situation in Zimbabwe, but continued to spend millions of US dollars fighting a war with no relevance except the rewards to the top brass.
Ralph, London
Aid is a double edged sword. Once given, it frees those people who would chose to fight, giving them the opportunity not to worry about food and surviving but to continue fighting. A lesson I am sure most of the world had to learn before Aid organisations, was War = Famine. A lesson that most warring African countries have fortunately never had to endure. So they will have to learn the Aid way which will take longer and is more humane.
Llewellyn Vaughan, UK ( from SA )
We cannot solve African problem overnight Comfort Adesuwa Ero, Vancouver |
Continually giving monetary aid to Africa is like pouring water into a basket. Apart from the money not being used for the purpose it was meant for, it will only scratch the problem we have on the surface. It will not eradicate it. We cannot solve African problem overnight. It is better for whoever is helping Africa to help her through educating her children in a functional educational system relevant to the needs of Africa. All, men, women children and adults should be given formal or informal education. When this culture is created, Africans will be able to handle their own problems themselves. The perennial problems will be gradually eradicated permanently. An adage says, 'Give people rice and they will go hungry again but if you teach them how to grow rice, their hunger problem will be solved forever
Comfort Adesuwa Ero, Vancouver, Canada Aid is the best means to combat hunger at the front line. Fair trade is essential to nurture a developing economy. But good governance is the key to making these other two effective. We should be co-operating with nations to make their governments more representative, efficient, and accountable. Then we might see some improvements for life in Africa - truly the greatest continent of them all.
Russ, London, UK
I don't believe the West can solve African problems. Unless Africans do it by themselves, nobody does. Foreign aid is formulated as give one and take two.
Alem
Billions of dollars which were meant for the development of Africa have been transferred back to the developed world |
While it is true that the world is not doing enough to help poor Africa, it is equally true that Africa is not doing enough to attract the positive attention of the world. It is no secret that the civil wars which always break out in the continent make any investment a waste of time and effort. The civil wars are a direct result of poor governance, flawed constitutions. If the constitution is not as bad then it becomes lack of respect for the constitution. Billions of dollars which were meant for the development of Africa have been transferred back to the developed world as individual savings by the African leaders.
Zicomo, Harare, Zimbabwe For how long will Africa continue to depend on the developed countries? Don't we need to look inward and fashion out a way of making life better for the people of Africa? When we do this, Africa shall then have the respect of other continents of the world.
Ademola, Lagos, Nigeria
I'm a Burundian activist living in the United States. There's no doubt that policy makers don't care about the continent. One of the reasons is that there's no strong lobby in Washington DC for Africa. This is in part due to our lack of interaction and understanding with the African-American community, who can vote and influence better policies towards the continent.
Frederic N. Gateretse, Cambridge, MA, USA
Some problems are caused by war |
We seem to pour millions in to help, and then it all goes wrong again. Some problems are caused by war, and some by foreign interference and debt problems. We can do something about some of those things, and do try. But just maybe man cannot expect to live in some areas of the world that are unable to sustain human life anymore!
Peter, UK The populations of these countries continue to grow, even though famine is not unusual. If you can't feed the people you have what chance has a country of feeding even more people during the next famine? Also these countries continue to spend money on buying weapons rather than solving these problems...why should we therefore get involved? Sorry Bob but I think you are just ranting at the wrong people...talk to the African governments themselves.
Helen, UK
While European colonisation is largely responsible for Africa's plight, the US is doing the most to help. Euros are too busy feathering their welfare nests to help. And they claim the US is bad? I'd rather US 'imperial intervention' than the 'Euro's' useless sympathy.
Jamban Ogulikani, Lagos, Nigeria
Africa could feed itself if it were allowed to freely trade in the world Samuel Kabiswa, Newcastle Under Lyme, UK |
When rich countries give aid to African countries they put their interests and those of the multinationals before those of the recipient countries. Aid will therefore never be a source of sustainable development as it is not designed to benefit the recipients but donors. Africa could feed itself if it were allowed to freely trade in the world.
Samuel Kabiswa, Newcastle Under Lyme, UK Africa slipped off the world's agenda a long time ago. At the end of the Cold War, the US and the (former) USSR had no further use for Africa, and the continent was more or less abandoned. Except for the French, of course, who will exploit anybody for their own profit. I was in Uganda in 1994 when the Rwandan genocide began. The international agencies got into a turf war among themselves rather than getting in and stopping it. For those of us who have lived in Africa and love the land and the people, the behaviour of the Western governments is sickening.
Mother Bonnie, Westchester, New York
Africa is deliberately being allowed to suffer, in order that out of desperation they will accept whatever 'aid' comes their way. Aid such as GM grain and baby milk. Petrochem companies offering employment at very low wages. Awful money earned by intensively raising cash crops that the locals don't need, ensuring that unless they import goods from the west they will starve. Since they can't grow their own food they will need 'jobs' to earn money to buy it. This is the WTO model for Africa. They must learn to be poor capitalists or starve.
Chris Hollett, UK
One-Minute World News 
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
Click here to watch 
Or click here to listen 