This was the silly question asked of me and my colleague today by an expat who has lived throughout Africa for over 10 years.
The question should be what are the French, Americans, Canadians, Germans, British, etc. doing in CAR? And more importantly, what have the French done to CAR in over a century of occupation because this country is still chronically underdeveloped!
I find it ridiculous, though unsurprisingly that many people we meet are surprised that two Cameroonian women are conducting an assessment of the situation in CAR. Besides the fact that we were sent here by our organization, I don’t see why anyone should be surprised that Cameroonians are concerned about the humanitarian situation in a neighboring country, considering the conflict has directly affected Cameroon! I think that is an issue that needs to be dressed on so many levels. Too often we expect and wait for Western powers to come to our aid and as neighbors are not as concerned as we should be for our welfare. In fairness, the countries of Central Africa, have come together and formed a peacekeeping force for the Central African Republic. And many countries, including Cameroon and Chad, have opened their doors to refugees from the Central African Republic. This being said, we need to be as proactive as possible in helping one another solve problems within the continent, so that foreigners are not shocked that neighboring countries are interested enough in the wellbeing of their nation that they would conduct assessment missions in order to deduce the necessary level of response and fill gaps in coordination. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, “If we don’t save ourselves, who will?”
Showing posts with label humanitarian aid. Show all posts
Showing posts with label humanitarian aid. Show all posts
9.08.2008
US Aid to Africa is Not Interest Free
This article by Andrew Natsios contends that soon to be former President George W. Bush's approval rating in Africa is so high because of humanitarian and economic aid he directed into the country. Despite the extreme political tension that pervades globally and especially in the Middle East and Central Asia, Bush has left a long lasting legacy in Africa that the author contends is due to his overwhelming generosity and the numerous campaigns he has launched to provide social services and spur economic growth on the continent.
However, upon news that the US plans to give $1 BILLION in aid to Georgia in the midst of a highly politicized and violent conflict with Russia, the allocation of $5 billion in aid to the whole continent of Africa, somehow dwarfs in comparison.
African countries have always viewed the US in a positive light. And President Bush has made it a point to publicly esteem African leaders who he had a vested interest in, in order to maintain positive and friendly diplomatic relations. President Mugabe and Bush have had a quite volatile relationship, but that was due to Mugabe's public outing of Bush as a dictator and exploiter in his own right.
I would argue that many citizens who "appreciate" Bush's efforts are unaware of the economic capacity of the US and would probably be insulted by the level of aid handouts from developed countries thus far, if they were aware of how much money was spent on the occupation of Iraq and what was just pledged to Georgia for their reconstruction over two years.
A country like Liberia, which was ravaged by civil war almost a decade ago is still lacking in basic infrastructure. Running water, consistent electricity, fully paved roads are still largely absent in the capital city of Monrovia. I use Liberia as an example, not because of the brutal civil war that the country suffered from, or even the fact that though their governance has dramatically strengthened- basic services are still not fully available, but because the US founded the country! The US can't even offer adequate support to a former colony, but within a heartbeat will pledge to aid in the complete restoration of a political ally.
So you see, the US hasnt done anything that it can't do or shouldnt have done- for that matter- for Africa, but the little it has done has made Africans grateful. So, unlike Mr. Natsios, I wouldn't confuse thanks with adoration for President Bush, but for all of America. Because as much and for how long foreigners have exploited and continue to exploit Africans, minimal acts of kind are a welcomed relief. And Im sure you'll find the same level of appreciation expressed towards Bush as it would be towards an everyday humanitarian aid worker. And I guarantee that regardless of the amount of humanitarian aid allocated by the next administration, there will be a mutual level of respect and gratitude for any assistance that is offered.
And more importantly, as much as America is now doing for Africa, let's not forget what Africa has and continues to do for America. Putting the obvious implications of slavery and colonization aside, today the US is faced with a serious shortage of oil and the favorability of Nigeria and other oil producing African nations have increasingly become more valuable. Also, the never ending war on terrorism has increased the number of US funded democracy initiatives, in an effort to prevent Al Queda from using Africa as a breeding ground and hub for global attacks.
Ultimately, though a great deal of the US' aid to Africa is genuine, we cannot ignore the increasing value that Africa has on US interest, nor the fact that US contributions are only a smidgen of its true capabilities.
But with all of this being said... I'm rebutting a claim from a man that doesnt even believe that Africans know how to tell time... so of course he would overlook the political and economic implications of US aid to Africa. As far as he's concerned, they'd be hopeless without it...
However, upon news that the US plans to give $1 BILLION in aid to Georgia in the midst of a highly politicized and violent conflict with Russia, the allocation of $5 billion in aid to the whole continent of Africa, somehow dwarfs in comparison.
African countries have always viewed the US in a positive light. And President Bush has made it a point to publicly esteem African leaders who he had a vested interest in, in order to maintain positive and friendly diplomatic relations. President Mugabe and Bush have had a quite volatile relationship, but that was due to Mugabe's public outing of Bush as a dictator and exploiter in his own right.
I would argue that many citizens who "appreciate" Bush's efforts are unaware of the economic capacity of the US and would probably be insulted by the level of aid handouts from developed countries thus far, if they were aware of how much money was spent on the occupation of Iraq and what was just pledged to Georgia for their reconstruction over two years.
A country like Liberia, which was ravaged by civil war almost a decade ago is still lacking in basic infrastructure. Running water, consistent electricity, fully paved roads are still largely absent in the capital city of Monrovia. I use Liberia as an example, not because of the brutal civil war that the country suffered from, or even the fact that though their governance has dramatically strengthened- basic services are still not fully available, but because the US founded the country! The US can't even offer adequate support to a former colony, but within a heartbeat will pledge to aid in the complete restoration of a political ally.
So you see, the US hasnt done anything that it can't do or shouldnt have done- for that matter- for Africa, but the little it has done has made Africans grateful. So, unlike Mr. Natsios, I wouldn't confuse thanks with adoration for President Bush, but for all of America. Because as much and for how long foreigners have exploited and continue to exploit Africans, minimal acts of kind are a welcomed relief. And Im sure you'll find the same level of appreciation expressed towards Bush as it would be towards an everyday humanitarian aid worker. And I guarantee that regardless of the amount of humanitarian aid allocated by the next administration, there will be a mutual level of respect and gratitude for any assistance that is offered.
And more importantly, as much as America is now doing for Africa, let's not forget what Africa has and continues to do for America. Putting the obvious implications of slavery and colonization aside, today the US is faced with a serious shortage of oil and the favorability of Nigeria and other oil producing African nations have increasingly become more valuable. Also, the never ending war on terrorism has increased the number of US funded democracy initiatives, in an effort to prevent Al Queda from using Africa as a breeding ground and hub for global attacks.
Ultimately, though a great deal of the US' aid to Africa is genuine, we cannot ignore the increasing value that Africa has on US interest, nor the fact that US contributions are only a smidgen of its true capabilities.
But with all of this being said... I'm rebutting a claim from a man that doesnt even believe that Africans know how to tell time... so of course he would overlook the political and economic implications of US aid to Africa. As far as he's concerned, they'd be hopeless without it...
6.06.2008
It's Getting Worse
First CARE, now all aid groups have been suspended from operating in Zimbabwe. I think I've already made it clear how I feel about this whole situation. Now it's just getting downright sad...
Food distribution has been banned, in the middle of a food crisis.
The publicized rationale behind the ban is to prohibit aid groups from politicizing their operations and influencing the vote of citizens. But if Mugabe has been leading his country in a fair and just way, what is he so afraid of?
Since Tsvangirai's return to Zimbabwe, he's been detained twice. American and British diplomats have also been harrassed and detained. Now the government is using its power to turn on it's citizens. This situation is completely out of control and I can only imagine what June 27 holds in store.
Food distribution has been banned, in the middle of a food crisis.
The publicized rationale behind the ban is to prohibit aid groups from politicizing their operations and influencing the vote of citizens. But if Mugabe has been leading his country in a fair and just way, what is he so afraid of?
Since Tsvangirai's return to Zimbabwe, he's been detained twice. American and British diplomats have also been harrassed and detained. Now the government is using its power to turn on it's citizens. This situation is completely out of control and I can only imagine what June 27 holds in store.
6.03.2008
Yes, Mugabe, You've Officially Lost Your Mind!
CARE provides assistance to 500,000 of Zimbabwe’s most vulnerable people, including orphans, the sick and the elderly. This month, it would have fed more than 110,000 people in schools, orphanages, old age homes and through other programs.
And last week, President Mugabe suspended CARE from operating in Zimbabwe. He asserts that CARE has been financially supporting opposition parties in Zimbabwe and encouraging people to vote against the ZANU-PF, the current ruling party, which has been in power for almost 30 years.
CARE, like most humanitarian aid organizations are nonpartisan and deny the accusations levied against them. Of course, I do not know whether or not CARE staff was speaking against the government in the name of CARE, but what I do know is that President Mugabe and the ZANU-PF have been institutionally silencing all citizens and organizations that have criticized their regime. I have spoken out about this in previous posts, especially when their abuse extended to US Ambassadors and diplomats, but if I thought they crossed the line before, now they've completely erased it.
To suspend the operations of a leading and reputable humanitarian organization is blasphemous, especially on the brink of a mass repatriation of tens of thousands of citizens who have been run out of South Africa and seek support at all levels.
When will our leaders embrace a true democracy that involves a critique of our leaders and support of opposition groups?!?!? Why is it a crime to have a differing of opinions? For centuries we've sought to be viewed as a diverse people and not one monolithic group, yet we persecute those who challenge our perspective. But to continually risk the livelihoods and development of your people is sick. And all I am left to believe is: Yes, Mugabe, You've Officially Lost Your Mind!
And last week, President Mugabe suspended CARE from operating in Zimbabwe. He asserts that CARE has been financially supporting opposition parties in Zimbabwe and encouraging people to vote against the ZANU-PF, the current ruling party, which has been in power for almost 30 years.
CARE, like most humanitarian aid organizations are nonpartisan and deny the accusations levied against them. Of course, I do not know whether or not CARE staff was speaking against the government in the name of CARE, but what I do know is that President Mugabe and the ZANU-PF have been institutionally silencing all citizens and organizations that have criticized their regime. I have spoken out about this in previous posts, especially when their abuse extended to US Ambassadors and diplomats, but if I thought they crossed the line before, now they've completely erased it.
To suspend the operations of a leading and reputable humanitarian organization is blasphemous, especially on the brink of a mass repatriation of tens of thousands of citizens who have been run out of South Africa and seek support at all levels.
When will our leaders embrace a true democracy that involves a critique of our leaders and support of opposition groups?!?!? Why is it a crime to have a differing of opinions? For centuries we've sought to be viewed as a diverse people and not one monolithic group, yet we persecute those who challenge our perspective. But to continually risk the livelihoods and development of your people is sick. And all I am left to believe is: Yes, Mugabe, You've Officially Lost Your Mind!
5.15.2008
Humanity Before Politics
Relations between Somalians and Ethiopians in Mogadishu have been marked by distrust and conflict due to Ethiopia's support of the interim Somali government. However, in the midst of the current food crisis, Ethiopian troops in Mogadishu were able to put aside political feelings and channel their humanitarian spirit. The soldiers raised a collection with their own salaries and bought and distributed food to needy families in Mogadishu.
This was more than necessary on the brink of a series of food riots, that left two protesters dead.
This was more than necessary on the brink of a series of food riots, that left two protesters dead.
5.02.2008
Hostility Hurts the Needy
Humanitarian aid workers often find themselves torn in hostile situations, where the most needy are often the hardest to reach due to security issues. Yesterday, an aid worker with Save the Children was shot and killed when her convoy was attacked by gunman. Rebels often attack aid fleets in order to steal food, medication, and other supplies, making it difficult for aid workers to reach the most needy. As a result of this fatal attack, Save the Children has suspended their operations in Eastern Chad, indefinitely, and other aid organizations have suspended their operations there for two days. This a region overwhelmed with about 250,000 refugees from neighboring Darfur and over 100,000 displaced Chadians. Unfortunately, though the fatality of this attack was shocking, there have been at least 70 aid agency vehicles hijacked in Chad in the past two years, including the non-fatal shooting of a UNICEF worker.
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