For the past 500 years, Europe and America have oppressed Africa. It started with slavery where our most able bodied were shipped to the West to offer free labour in European plantations. This formed the basis for industrial revolution in the West. Then, as if to that was not enough, colonialism followed. Here, African kingdoms were toppled and a new European establishment took over. We have since never recovered from the twin sins of slavery and colonialism. Our mineral and human resources were not just taken away, our culture, dignity, and way of life were also profoundly affected, and we have never recovered ever since.
Enter a new imperial power in Africa. China. China has grown by double digits in the last 30 years. It is now the world's second largest economy, and if recent economic projections are to be believed, it could well overtake the United States in the foreseable future. It has fashioned itself as the manufacturing center of the world, and the brand 'Made in China' is visible around the globe.
China needs resources. And Africa has those resources. China doesn't care about good leadership or human rights record. It does business with all and sundry. This has been godsend for African leaders. Dictators who were cash strapped certainly have a new source of income. However, this is detrimental to African citizens. Our resources are being auctioned cheaply. China is saddling African countries with debts that even our grandchildren will not be able to pay. What's sad, key national assets such as ports are attached as collateral to these loans and failure to service the loans, China takes over the key national assets. This is a huge disservice to Africa and must stop. Our leaders were puppets of the West. Now, they are puppets of China. This must stop. Read More Articles. Click Here
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