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CONFLICTS in Africa have become a thorn in the nerve centre of economic emancipation. It is a reality that political and economic emancipation are inseparable. Yes, the African continent enjoys political power but "total" political liberation cannot be realised without economic and social power or development. It was noticed in one of the debates on African affairs when one of the panelists asked whether African countries have not produced enough good soldiers or police to defend the continent. He went further to note that it is becoming a tendency to think that foreign troops are competent to serve as peacekeeping forces, especially in Africa. In response, someone said that some African leaders still pay allegiance to the former colonisers. They think they cannot do better when they are alone in Africa. Who are these leaders? We will not mention them as it may cause division among the leaders. Are foreign troops coming to Africa to serve our interest or not? Are they political or apolitical? The answers are awaiting African analysts and scholars to cue. In reality, one would say foreign troops come to Africa by invitation by the host government but the acceptance has a hidden political agenda. In other circumstances, the Western countries demand to come to Africa in anticipation of reaping the natural resources. It has been noticed that when their aircrafts are returning back they are not searched by the authorities because the military personnel are accorded VIP status. In such situations, precious materials find safe passage to their respective countries. The politicians send soldiers to Africa to serve as peacekeeping forces and at the same time pave way for politicians and business people to come later to reap Africa’s natural resources. Those who are analytical may have noticed that among the foreign troops who come to Africa there are economists, geologists and political analysts. When they are performing their duties in a given country, thorough economic analysis is conducted in paving way for the politicians to determine who shall be their best future leaders, those who have the potential to perpetuate Western interests. We see soldiers from outside Africa being awarded medals, even those who were on a sight seeing mission in the African country in question. Is Africa for resale? One is compelled to say "No", but in essence Africa is being gradually undergoing a siege. It is easier to negotiate for the coming of troops than their pulling out. If the trend of foreign troops coming to Africa is not quickly addressed or harnessed, the continent will notice the presence of not less than 50 000 foreign forces within a few years to come. Indeed, fighting the rebels in Africa by foreign troops has become not only a very lucrative business but also a scarecrow for the maintenance of their grip on power. Someone said that it is the African people who are paying so dearly in this sick circus. l About the author: Dr John Mvundura is Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Libya. The
Mulindwas Communication Group
"With Yoweri Museveni, Uganda is in anarchy" Groupe de communication Mulindwas "avec Yoweri Museveni, l'Ouganda est dans l'anarchie" |
