PBS Discussions

santalone · Moderator Joined: 27 Apr 2004 Posts: 50

What role should the international community have in providing support to impoverished African Nations? Use this space to discuss your thoughts.

davysally · Joined: 26 Jul 2005 Posts: 1

I am a 24yrs old engineering student at OSU,and originally from Tanzania,it hurts me to see when one of our neighbours (botswana) became succsessful they don't wanna help the havenot.They discriminate the under priviledged under the name of "national patriotism" or "territory".The botswana was surposed to be frontiers to provide the formula for success to poor sub-saharan countries.

I am just praying to God that we Africans be as one,i can only imagine if we start building fences separating our people then who will love us?

Clara Listensprechen · Joined: 30 Jul 2004 Posts: 9130 Location: At large

A lot of African citizens have been praying that for years, and I remember the Pan African Movement of the 70's, which really didn't get a whole heck of a lot anywhere. Certain interests are against it, and whether you like it or not, colonial days never really left the continent.
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O · Joined: 26 Jul 2005 Posts: 1

I agree with Ayittey with regard to assisting African countries: 1) change should come from within; at the same time, 2) African democracies should be fostered from outside (e.g creating a Radio Free Africa, increasing internatinal student education); 3) Assistance to and interest in Africa should be sustained and continual; and 4) tough love is an absolute. In the last part, countries like Zimbabwe should be so easily allowed to displace white farmers by pushing race buttons for example.

Ayittey mentioned Africa returning to it's "roots" - which he describes as a tribal democracy. He should develop this idea more.

I disagree with Ayittey's dismissing the realities of colonialism (e.g manipulating tribal animosities). Liberia was never colonised by Europeans, and yet it's in utter chaos. As is Ethiopia, which was loosely colonized (if at all).

Africa is a very diverse continue. Africa's diversity is not simply betweem countries, but within countries. Zambia, a country the size of Texas, has over 70 unique languages.

Tough love, and compassion are simply not going to cut it. Something more drastic needs to be done. Perhaps, re-creating national borders -until a certain level of development is achieved. Drastic situations call for drastic solution.

katkim · Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2005 9:32 pm Post subject: Re: Border Jumpers

Until Mubage is removed, the voice of the "border jumers" will not be heard in any sense. Through a free press and safeguards for expression, the people know what to do. No one (esp. the US) has to tell them. They will seek the best life they can and should have, given the abundant natural resources and the proud traditions of the culture. The rest of the international community has been sadly silent about isolating Mugabe as he uses food to pay hungry people for votes. What more evidence can there be that tyranny and corruption have silenced the country. Empowering the citizens through provision of basic infrastructure is the obligation of authentic leadership. Professor Ayittey has explicitly stated the problem and its solution. it is not for Botswana to solve, with their own 30% unemployment, therefore the pbs poll was badly worded. It is insulting to think the situation can be reduced to a yes/no vote.
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Bonefro · Joined: 18 Jun 2005 Posts: 967 Location: Egypt

I think we should try to help the people without giving money to greedy and corrupt politicians. I wonder if many of these people are better off than they were under European rule. It seems that the only ones to benefit from independence are the rulers and their friends. There is very little democracy now and lots of oppresiion of the little people.
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elsabe · Joined: 26 Jul 2005 Posts: 1

Hi, I am an ex-Zimbabwean, we had our family farm confiscated with no compensation. My one brother-in-law was jailed, got out on bail and smartly left for England. The biggest tragedy of that whole affair was the plight of our 100 farm workers - Mugabe's Youth Brigade burned half their houses down, it sickens me to imagine what has happened to them - they have been working on that farm since 1948. If anyone had a right to take our land, it was them! I am outraged that our farm was taken by a minister's wife - who ordered them torching of their homes. If I had a solution, I would say forcibly remove these dictators and hold free elections. Our farm workers were told that if they did not vote for this monster, they would be tortured raped, killed etc.... My older sister is still stuck in Zim. She has not found any gas to be able to drive out the country.
I sometimes wonder why the people don't rise up, but Mugabe rules with fear.

Mwana Mboka · Joined: 26 Jul 2005 Posts: 1

Great documentary....
I sat here watching the professor from the American University (his name escapes me) talking about corruption by African leaders as being the primary problem of Africa!!!!
Let's thread through the ****.....these are the same so-called educated guys that sound so good when they finish their studies and accumulate a bunch of degrees here in the U.S. or Europe and convince the the idiots in power that they have the solution for Africa....but as soon as you put them in power, these so-called intellectuals are the ones turning tyrans....cut the ****!!!!! and stay in Maryland or wherever you are....Africa does not need you....UNCLE TOM!!!!

kazeem19 · Joined: 16 Sep 2004 Posts: 321 Location: At large

.African leaders hold the key to the prosperity of their states and there is no question about that. The region's main problem is more political than economical because all the loans and aid in the world cannot help one unless one is prepared to. However I think the world's financiers can still do way more than they do. I will be the first person to corrupt a system if I too had to live on 60 cents a day. For a start let us spend half of what the world spends on defense on Africa. There is so much money floating around the world but no one really wants to bother. Each year governments of the world spend tons on recreation, research, defense, biotech, exploration, socio-economic programs e.t.c. Africa’s poverty problems can be eradicated within five years if the world governments really wanted, after all what is money compared to human life right? It’s like walking on a street and seeing a beggar, half the time you have the money to give but you choose not to, so that’s the way it is with third world nations. Then there is the question of power. What's all this nuclear armors and war heads for anyway? Power. Everyone wants power, all races, cultures, and ideas. This is the reason for the arms race, the terrorists and freedom fighters, and the killings around the globe from all civilizations. Power is the root of all evil, it has eaten up the world from the Atlantic to the Pacific and Africa is the one paying its price.
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Bro. Bill · Joined: 26 Jul 2005 Posts: 2 Location: Houston,TX

Africa will not come together until the missing link is in place! What is the missing Link? The missing Link is the Honorable Marcus M. Garvey!
Think through that for a minute! What would Africa be today if Dr. Garvey had been successful in re-uniting Diaspora with the MotherLand? What was taken out...Must be replaced! Stay Strong! May God Africa - Bless You and Yours!
Give me some feedback at GoFreeB@netscape.com
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tropic of capricorn · Joined: 26 Jul 2005 Posts: 1

I thought the documentary was really good. After leaving Zambia its been very hard for me to keep up with whats going on in Africa, so to actually catch the documentary on tv was nostalgic. I do agree that Africa needs to be helped from within, the aid that is coming into Africa needs to reach the proper hands, the people who are actually trying to make a difference. I think a lot more evaluation needs to be done before the money is just handed over. There should be people who oversee that the money is really going to good use. Anyway I hope that I later will be able to contribute my share to the development of Africa and I hope the same of others that grew up there.

rajit · Joined: 26 Jul 2005 Posts: 1

Great program and very educational. I didn’t realize the seriousness of the problems in Zimbawbe until recently. Growing up in India, only Zimbawbe I knew was their cricket team and their passion towards cricket. It was during 2003 World Cricket Cup I learned more about the civil problems in Zimbabwe when a cricket player wore a black armband protesting against Mugabe’s regime. I remember that was a big news, unfortunately it got shadowed with US war against Iraq news.

Several articles report that Mugabe’s regime could be a time bomb where in Zimbabwe can be the next Rwanda. I wonder why international community hasn’t stepped up to curtail Mugabe’s regime so far.

mwiley2881 · Joined: 26 Jul 2005 Posts: 1

I don't believe this foolishness, that if your a black african and you criticize an african head of state your an "uncle tom". I really can't recall any great country or society being built by name calling. Some african leadership need
to hold some responsibility for their homelands current condition. Everyone needs to speak out if a countries leadership is causing its people to suffer. How in the hell will anything ever change if you don't; or if your affraid that someone will call you an "uncle tom".

Ontarioite · Joined: 26 Jul 2005 Posts: 1 Location: Ontario, Canada

Very informative view of Africa. I don't think power is the only problem in Africa but it certainly is a major one. I think we need to keep supporting the good organizations like World Vision and Compassion, and many others, to help the present problems but we do need to help rid the countries of terrible leaders. Not militarily though. Education, free radio, free press sounds great but may be impossible in some areas. Uganda is turning around incredibly these last years. Some people say it's because of prayer. I agree.Their churches are growing by thousands. North America needs a whole lot of prayer too. Other than that I don't have any answers.
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Isla · Joined: 26 Jul 2005 Posts: 1 Location: Orlando, FL

The show was great. I volunteered/lived in Zimbabwe in 1998 when prices were beginning to sky rocket and Mugabe was beginning the retaking of the country's votes by force. The Veterans were complaining about not being paid, and Mugabe had one of the largest motorcade's in the world.

Common people were being intimidated and whistle blowers disappeared. Shocked

I disagree with O's statement that Liberia and Ethiopia were not colonised. Colonization has occured in multiple forms. Liberia: when freed slaves came from America didn't this cause drastic changes? Variations of economics and culture colonize tribes, nations and governments. Liberia suffered from this new population.

Zimbabweans do have an internal resistance to Mugabe's regime. Their resistance has been muffled and diluted with fires, beatings, and threats. If I remember correctly Chaminuka prophecied that the people would not truly rule when they first came to power. Wasn't there supposed to be a flight of a Mozambican Sea bird? Can these birds be seen in Harare today? Where will the MadziMoyo ne Zimbabwe find the Chaminuka spirt, the determination seen in Nehanda's meeting with the "knee less whitemen", sitting upon the back of a knelt man.

I believe it will take more than the resistance from within Zimbabwe. Globalized effort, the trial of Mugabe, free elections, proper destribution of already ceased lands. There are many trained farmers who can operate these large farms. The breadbasket of Southern Africa needs to be refilled. Idea

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Where is the lion spirit of Chaminuka and Nehanda?

eve · Joined: 27 Jul 2005 Posts: 1

First, I would say that I'm grateful to PBS for bringing this story to light. I am amazed at how much we know about what we are supposed to do yet we choose to be quiet about it. The leaders of Africa have put so much fear in us that we would rather watch from the distance our own economic and political demise unfold.
Financial Aid to Africa has only made the situation for African People Worse.
Solution: Just like George Ayittty Said, the Leaders of the Developed countries should not be afraid to confront the leaders of Africa about Corruption and their dictatorship. Human rights Groups should also encourage African people to have said in the way their government is being run.

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I think that for Africa to lift themselves from the ashes of Poverty and Political oppression, THEY MUST TAKE THE FIRST INITIATIVE, NO MATTER WHAT THE COST IS.
We have to take back the power from our BLack COLONIALIST .

LaJoyce · Joined: 26 Jul 2005 Posts: 1

What role should the international community have in providing support to impoverished African Nations? Answers: Negotiations with Multi-National Corporations (MNC) for the resources of Africa--Create a new game.
Border Jumpers follows the same history as our Mexicans/Latino concerns coming into America. A few weeks ago the President of Mexico refused to not issues stamps that represented African Americans in the image of the 1940's. Further he spoke and apologized for saying that Mexicans take jobs that Black Americans won't do...to paraphrase. We thought we had finished with such racist views Laughing

. He insulted AfAms and Al Sharpton accepted the hand shake. Is (Al) a Leader or Messager to enbrace power for the few or the many? I have not elected him to anything, much less to received the handshake from a President that upholds old racist sterotypes. Leadership is taken, given or elected--so what do you do about it? Start a war? Or have an Upraising--Remember Cincinnati Ohio...people get tire of being tired.
Folks, People of Color are under seize on serveral fronts, our skin hue, history, emotional development, economics growth/consumer power, our locality, and gender bias to name a few of the critical issues we all are feeling and facing. Its time for a new perspective on the problems of changing our enviroments so people can live decently and therefore, do not replicated past histories of mass bad behaviors on this globe.
Border Jumpers is a systemic of what the future is requiring to change from within and needing to become empowered. That comes thru common goals and wanting better and be willing to fight for it. In other words, we the people, the global citizens need to get it right this time as far as the issues that are faced in the central cities of America as well as the rural roads in Africa.
The OAU need to flex their power towards Zimbabwe in the context of--it ant right--stop it! Or else the OAU needs to get out of the business of trying to be world players. The OAU needs to get their priorities straight.
The professor was correct, in my opinion, Africa of all places should not be in the conditions its in without somebodies being held responsible for the aid that has gone thru its systems and serious lack of democracies rather cultural or modeled after others. Go find these gansters and retrieved the funds.
To help Africa is to help their citizens to become citizens with voices-it will take showing how to do it ((the practical) and (theory) empowerment. And it can be done without war... a leader needs someone to lead... Remember the women of Nigeria! In addition, we all need the help of a grassroots movements to the educated philosophers--we need them all. Ask them (Africans) what they want and need to make it happen and put the tools there. Money is not always the answer. Education, entrepreneurship and job creations on a level that grows from the poorest up...rural areas need new agricultural assistance, central cities needs better transportation, services and vitable school systems (post graduated studies are key). And a creditable spiritual based.
Key assistance can be in addressing new a model for instance dealing with the resources that is about to become the key issues of OAU,EU and CAFTA and China's labor supply. Contracts negotiations with the corporate giants that want the resources from Africa need to be on first on the agenda. Let the MNC take up the slack the goverment can not do for short/long term building of Africa's infrasturucture. It may be tax deductible Idea

. Neogiations is the key skill factor which is a vital skill base African Americans have acquired and much needed in African, today. The world needs the African resources and we need to come to the table with skills of experiences that does not allow the repeat of corruptions for the few in leadership.
It's the land/resources that hold the power...that's where focused needs to be place to support all Africans and their resources for future generations. Its the equity. What was that the prime reason for coming to Africa and destoying its systems-resources: human and natural. Will his-tory repeat itself with Black Rule?
There are no simple solutions, but we have to start somewhere and that means us/you, those who are African educators go home and teach build a school, send books or colloborate with a non profit you have clout (you can fly back-to a home-based), if you are a business person, do trading(AGOA ant perfect, but it is a start), if you are into Pan Africanism rekindle the intentions, medical practicioners, hook up with organizations once a year. Bring on the skills, but not like in past, create models that fit the cultural needs and African ways of understandings. People of Color across this globe do some thing, today. Our babies are dying because of what?
We all can do much and more...and better yet we have the skills (African Americans, particularly can be the X factor to invest in Africa's futures and our own). African Americans music alone had changed the face of the globe--we can do better with that influence. We are the orginal survivors!!! We know this place, time and feelings in Africa and where many Africans are today (we are the disapora-we can be the difference)...we have been there and still are feeling and experiencing similar conditions with Africans --its just not discussed.
Africa is about all of us!

Thanks PBS, great programming to address the subject....
The Year of Africa--2005.
LaJoyce
USA

EcoEconomist · Joined: 26 Jul 2005 Posts: 1 Location: Indiana

Regarding “Border Jumpers” on the PBS show Wide Angle, solutions will be very complex. Whatever the solution(s), it (they) must anticipate and avoid unintended negative consequences. I fear that Dr. George Ayittey’s passion/solution about mineral wealth COULD invite another set of problems, such as the push for oil that not only has created oppression in Nigeria but also supports more global warming.

Instead of focusing on minerals, or any massive resource extraction, it would be better to emphasize the ecosystem services. Robert Costanza and others point out that land conversion is over regarded in contrast to the benefits of ecosystem services that are under estimated. For instance the forests of Asia, Latin America and Africa have benefited the entire world by controlling our climate with absorption of greenhouse gases, and it is my guess that the forests have something to do with supporting our rain cycles. (See the below description of “Economic Reasons for Conserving Wild Nature” which is at the end of these comments.) For these and many other precious benefits of ecosystem services we in the West owe a great debt of gratitude to the people of these locales, much more than we could owe for extracted resources be they lumber, diamonds or petroleum. In paying it off from our abundant excess wealth, we must not create negative unintended consequences such as the forgiveness of debt that gave more power to the powerful and failed to benefit the people. Moreover, economic activity that enhances, and perhaps even restores, natural lands benefits local people much more than land conversion in light of “Economic Reasons for Conserving Wild Nature.”

Now do not get me wrong I am not saying that the people of the West need not protect and restore more wilderness in our homelands; we must. Nor am I saying that Africa and the rest of the third world must not develop; they must. What I am saying is that on the whole the physical scale of economic activity must be reduced and attain a steady state. In the planning for quality of life for Africans, also plan on sustainability for the people of the planet. The following link to a position on steady state economics even stipulates that increased per capita consumption is appropriate for nations with high proportions of poor people: <www.steadystate.org/PositiononEG.html>.

In the developed world from this perspective of ecological economics, instead of neo-classical economics, the goal is sustainable development (improvement without growth because the Earth is full), which replaces economic growth.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Economic Reasons for Conserving Wild Nature.
Author(s): Balmford, Andrew; Bruner, Aaron; Cooper, Philip; Costanza, Robert; Farber, Stephen; Green, Rhys E.; Jenkins, Martin; Jefferiss, Paul; Jassamy, Valma; Madden, Joah; Munro, Kat; Myers, Norman; Naeem, Shahid; Paavola, Jouni; Rayment, Matthew;
Rosendo, Sergio; Roughgarden, Joan; Trumper, Kate; Turner, R. Kerry

Source: Science; 8/9/2002, Vol. 297 Issue 5583, p950, 4p, 2
graphs
Document Type: Article
Subject(s): CONSERVATION of natural resources
Abstract: On the eve of the World Summit on Sustainable
Development, it is timely to assess progress over the 10 years since its
predecessor in Rio de Janeiro. Loss and degradation of remaining natural
habitats has continued largely unabated. However, evidence has been
accumulating that such systems generate marked economic benefits, which
the available data suggest exceed those obtained from continued habitat
conversion. We estimate that the overall benefit:cost ratio of an
effective global program for the conservation of remaining wild nature
is at least 100:1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Full Text Word Count: 4554
ISSN: 0036-8075
Accession Number: 7351113
Persistent Link to this Article:
http://search.epnet.com/direct.asp?an=7351113&db=f5h
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Ndue · Joined: 27 Jul 2005 Posts: 2 Location: California

thnx to PBS for the show I think it was a great program and I think African leaders should be criticised if they are doing a bad job, BAD JOB is an understatement in this case. Robert Mugabe is a DISGRACE right now he is turning on the very people who put him there in the first place.
I think Ayittey had some valuable comments about Africa and for Africa as a whole, Zimbabweans who don't have basics like bread, milk etc would agree with most of the things Ayittey had to say about the current regime.
So what should happen in Zimbabwe before the Super powers or somebody intervenes ??????
I would love to be a part of or contribute to Radio Free Africa and or related projects, I think empowering and investing in the people in Afrca could be part of the solution.
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zuzu_ · Joined: 27 Jul 2005 Posts: 62 Location: Darknet

The real problem whether we look at borders in Africa or the one that divides the United States and Mexico is the very artificiality of these borders themselves with regard to economy.

The use of citizenship as a credential for employment is a shameful activity which robs people of the dignity of self-determination and disadvantages everyone economically.

It seems easy to point to lost jobs due to "cheap Mexican labor", but hardly anyone points to the lost jobs due to inefficiencies in overhead and over-priced resources necessary for production of other products. Are jobs which go uncreated due to inflated prices from trade barriers not "lost jobs" too?

The creation of value and improvement of quality of life through mutually beneficial trade know no borders -- those borders are enforced with organized violence. We need to stop asking our governments to exercise violence on our behalf for a purpose which harms our interests.
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Bro. Bill · Joined: 26 Jul 2005 Posts: 2 Location: Houston,TX

Ayittey "Hit the Nail on the head"! As he had done when I noticed his comments on "Terrorism" about 2yrs. ago. His comment then regarding the terrorist attacks in Kenya and Tanzania was that Africa was about to explode into a "Religious War"! That so impressed me that I put his name in my must contact book. I am so thankful to Bill Moyers(who is a true American) for spotlighting this insightful brother!

Look, Brothers and Sisters! ( that includes everyone that truly understand that we are ALL Africans!) That includes Western Euporean Caucasians) And if you havent reached that Level of Consciounesses yet, you got work to Do!, On top of all the problems that beset us, eg., Dictators, Poverty, Disease, Dis-Unity etc., There is a Win-Win Situation Awaiting! I have invested over 36yrs into Analysis and Self-Education into the possibilities of the MotherLand! (My oldest and first born was named after Jomo Kenyatta!),
And that's not brag or hyperbole! that is just to show that there are those of us that take the Issue seriously! But we MUST stop Talking and Procrastinating and Start Doing! I am Proud to be an African-American Citizen! Proud thet God Africa has allowed me to Live and be here to witness
what has happen and Can Happen! PBS has delivered a stunning documentary for all of us to spread the word! This Forum should be receiving More Hits and Threads than the "We are not Afriad" Site that was put up right after the London attacks! Lets's start Talking Solutions!

As a starter, Let's start talking about this over $700 Billion Income we Africa Americans bring in each year! What would a small percentage of that Income do towards solving some of the problems of Africa and The Diasporo
Do! What would that small percentage do towards finally Re-constructing the Dream of our beloved Dr. Marcus M. Garvey? While we all respect and try to Live out the Dream of our beloved Dr. Martin L. King, we should hold Dr. Garvey's dream in the same esteem!

Give me some Feedback! I have some thoughts and actions I would like to share with you! CIA, you're welcomed Too!
Smile

And please pardon my misspelled words, everything is always such a RUSH!

GoFreeB@netscape.com
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Selah · Joined: 27 Jul 2005 Posts: 1 Location: Phoenix, AZ

HOW LONG IS THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY GOING TO ALLOW THE SITUATION IN ZIMBABWE TO CONTINUE?
Honestly, I think it's shameful and pathetic that such a tyrant has been allowed to continue ruling Zimbabwe and its people up to this point.
Are they waiting for a "Rwanda like situation" or what?

I'm glad that PBS aired this broadcast just to let the world more aware of the situation in Zimbabwe. What's even more sad though is the fact that border jumping has been going on since like '94.
I lived in Botswana from 1990-2000 and during this time, I recall the radio/print media reporting about boarder jumpers and warning Batswanas not to employ anyone who does not have proper documentation (most of the jumpers seeked domestic type of jobs). And I also remember at least 3 or more Zimbabweans knocking at people's homes per week, asking for any kind of job availabe.
Between 95-99 I attended high school in Zimbabwe and again I recall crossing the Botswana/Zimbabwe border and going through hell because they wanted to make sure that we were not sneaking anyone back into Botswana. Things were even worse when some of my friends would go back with me for part of the vacation (and mind you these were mere kids) and they would be asked everything under the African sun, just so that it can be determined that yes, they will return to Zimbabwe. Evil or Very Mad

I don't think the focus should be on whether or not Botswana is handling the situation properly. Does the Botswana-Zimbabwe relationship need to be improved, absolutely yes but should that be our focus right now, probably not.
I think the focus right should be on removing the so-called president. Zimbabweans need to be empowered (as was the case with Namibians 'til they managed to recieve their independence in 1990.)
Botswana is where it is today because Batswanas don't have time to fool around while leaving a person/government mess up their country. When the president makes a mistake, he's called on it, he is expected to explain the situation and correct it as needed. And you can bet your last dime that when the next elections roll around opposition parties will do a good job of bringing up those past mistakes, to remind Batswanas of what they are really voting for. (Similar to the presidential campaigns and debates in America.)

Unfortunately, most Africans do not have this kind of power. Looking at Tanzania my home country, we as a people have the same problem in that we do not have power. We are told we have it, but when it comes time to using this 'power', we are painfully reminded that the people's power is all just in writing period. Ultimately the president/government have the power and I believe this is applicable to Zimbabweans as we speak.

All 12 million Zimbabweans can be allowed to flee to more accommodating nations but bottom line is that you are allowing 12 million people with the mindset that "we are powerless" flee an uncomfortable place, but they are still fleeing with the same mentality.

Those mentalities need to be changed, likewise the tyrant needs to be removed. We do not need to wait untill half the population's blood is shed just for one man, before recognizing the problem in Zimbabwe.[/quote]
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rogergoudiaby · Joined: 27 Jul 2005 Posts: 3 Location: Kansas City

I think and I beleive that no one will develop Africa if it is not us African who do it. Develpped country don't have their interest in our development. They say that "they care" but truly they don't , as an example in Rwanda everyone knew what was happening but no one helped(WHY???). I have my answer THEY JUST DON'T CARE, it's AFRICA.
I am not saying that the developped country are our only problem but they bear a big part of it. WE as African have our part of responsabilities too an a big part. WE should stop acting like " grands enfants ". I think I can translate this french expression by " big children".
It is a shame for me to see an African country build a fence like that against another african country.
I am not completly satisfy with Ayittey's intervention because he said only one part of the problem. The realities of colonialism and until now the Europeen and American interests in Africa have to be take into account. He didn't talk about that. WHY?
The only think who can make us move forward is that all AFRICA need to stand as ONE COUNTRY side by side, shoulder by shoulder so that WE can work our AFRICA. No more nepotism or tyran in Africa.
It's not the amount of help we receive from dvelopped country( I hate that help because it make us look like beggar) who will help us improve our quality of life but the quality of help.
We only have to be positive and beleive on ourselves to make the dream of Unity become true.
GOD BLESS AFRICA
Very Happy

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"How good and pleasant it could be before GOD and men to see the unification of all African. AS it's been said already let it be done"............We all are the children of AFRICA......Oh my GOD I LOVE AFRICA.

summathetes · Joined: 27 Jul 2005 Posts: 1

I appreciate PBS publicizing one of many struggles that are transpiring on a daily basis within Africa that are having a detrimental affect on their society, culture, and people at large.

It's unfortunate to know that change will never occur overnight. I do not agree with the G8 and their solution of throwing money into an existing money pit. I think absolving the debt of a country is good if they are structured for immediate success; primarily, the absence of political corruption and tyranny that oppresses its own people and prohibits democracy.

The issue is much grander than simply providing jobs for Africans. Health & education play an intricate part in the viability of Africans as a whole. I understand that in order for their to be a change in those areas their must be economic restructure so that the resources which are needed to insure and increase education and health are provided. Right now, Europe & America should do what they can immediately for those African countries who are not under colonial rule. They need to establish a set of ground rules so to speak if they are to alleviate the debt of our African friends.

I agree that an indigenous system of authority should be at the forefront in turning Africa around as a whole. The voice of the people through a democratic system headed by village chiefs insures controlled power and a mentality that takes into consideration the well being of its people. It is unfortunate, but understandable why the other political leaders throughout Africa have not voted to intervene in the current travesty that is taking place in Zimbabwe. Understandably because it holds true to tradition not to intervene in the life/problems of others. This is why Western Political figures need to be a voice for Africa, but only a voice. The people of Africa must rise and put forth the necessary labor to gain their freedoms that they have been stripped of because of the greed of those who rule over them.

I have been to Africa on multiple occasions. I love the African people. They humble me by the love they have for one another. We must pray and if possible begin to invest in Africa through organizations that directly help their various people groups. Most of us do not have millions of dollars, but together we can make a difference so let's help feed Africa, provide them with clothing, shelter, or water wells.

Gandhi · Joined: 27 Jul 2005 Posts: 2 Location: USA

I had lived in Tanzania for 20 some odd years and I can tell that Africa’s major problem is bad rulers like Zimbabwe’s current president. What Africa needs are leaders who understand that ruling a nation is a privilege granted by the people and its not to be taken for granted. African leaders need to follow in the foot steps of Tanzania’s Nyerere, South Africa’s Mandela and more recently Moa of Kenya. No one leader can run a country for ever. There is a need of strong federal system that will preserve the Democratic process like in nations like India where they have had free and fare elections since the end of British Rule in 1947.
Until such a process is not put in place Africa will continue to suffer under the hands of corrupt dictators like the President of Zimbabwe.
The international community along with UN should impose sanctions on a nation that does not follow the democratic principles. All forms of trade should be frozen with Zimbabwe with the exception of imports of food and medicine for its civilian population. This would force the leadership to step a side or create a climate from with in that will eject the leadership.
Living in US I can clearly see why people of Botswana are fear full of the incoming immigrants. That’s normal with any nation that is doing well to feel insecure when immigrants from poor or unstable nations start to pour inn. The problem is not for Botswana alone which is a developing nation too. This is a problem for Zimbabwe, Africa and the international community as a whole that needs to deal with by putting more pressure on Zimbabwe’s government.
Unfortunately powerful nations like South Africa have so far failed to take any positive action to end this dictatorship. Instead they have supported the government. It’s shocking to imagine a nation like South Africa supports Zimbabwe’s government especially after what they had gone through under the white rule.
I am very positive that this would not have been the case had Nelson Mandela still been the president of South Africa.
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Gandhi