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Thomas Sowell: Geography and man have all but killed Africa

edenj on June 3rd, 2024 at 8:37

Published: July 14, 2005, 12:00 a.m. MDT Nature and man have combined to make Africa the most tragic of the continents — and the men who did this have been both black and white. The great... Login to read more

This is a personal reflection on Morning Prayer - Memorial for Sts. Charles Lwanga and companions, Mm.

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2 responses to “Thomas Sowell: Geography and man have all but killed Africa”

1. ANDRÉ HARKIN says:

   June 3, 2024 at 09:36

   What an excellent account of the actual physical situation in all african countries…. what a help for missionaries. André Harkin (Brasil).

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   • edenj says:

     June 3, 2024 at 12:14

     Unfortunately, Western and African Leaders seem to not have read this essay by Thomas Sowell. It is satisfying to know, however, that the question of WHY AFRICAN LEADERS FAIL is being looked at. Here is one take: “African leaders often describe globalization as an exploitative force keeping Africans in poverty. But in fact, it is the inept and corrupt governments of African countries which are robbing their citizens of the economic freedom to compete in the world market. Many leaders subvert their countries’ constitutions entirely in order to retain power and continue to feather their own nests with international aid payments meant for their citizens. Furthermore, artificially high trade barriers hinder inter-African exchange and the formation of a regional bloc, as well as expanded competition with outside producers and greater access to external markets. As a result, Africa remains, in many parts, unattractive to foreign investors and the everyday citizen cut off from the opportunities of global trade. – YaleGlobalHere is another: “Some countries outside the continent, particularly during the Cold War, worked behind the scenes to topple leaders they believed threatened their interests. Many African countries’ heavy dependence on external support, including military and economic aid, makes it easier for foreign powers to use several means, including coups, to remove leaders who prevent them from advancing their interests.” Nick Derden: “Western governments would like to be seen as generous beneficiaries, doing what they can to “help those unable to help themselves”. But the first task is to stop perpetuating the harm they are doing. Governments need to stop forcing African governments to open up their economy to privatisation, and their markets to unfair competition.OPINION: Investment in Africa – There’s room for everyoneIf African countries are to benefit from foreign investment, they must be allowed to – even helped to – legally regulate that investment and the corporations that often bring it. And they might want to think about not putting their faith in the extractives sector.With few exceptions, countries with abundant mineral wealth experience poorer democracy, weaker economic growth, and worse development. To prevent tax dodging, governments must stop prevaricating on action to address tax havens. No country should tolerate companies with subsidiaries based in tax havens operating in their country.Aid is tiny, and the very least it can do, if spent well, is to return some of Africa’s looted wealth. We should see it both as a form of reparations and redistribution, just as the tax system allows us to redistribute wealth from the richest to the poorest within individual societies. The same should be expected from the global “society”.To even begin to embark on such an ambitious programme, we must change the way we talk and think about Africa. It’s not about making people feel guilty, but correctly diagnosing a problem in order to provide a solution. We are not, currently, “helping” Africa. Africa is rich. Let’s stop making it poorer.  So where will we get real help for Africa?

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