Are Africa’s Natural
Resources a Hindrance to Peace and Development?
Steven Spielberg, famous as the Director of the Star Wars films amongst
others, recently resigned as artistic 
adviser
to the Beijing Olympics in protest over Chinas role in the Darfur crisis.
Sudanese forces and militia
groups continue to murder, rape and pillage the innocent population despite
the global protests. The United Nations admit the situation is spiralling
out of control. Although more than 6 months have passed since the signing
of the UN Resolution which authorised joint UN/African Union force to
bring stability to the region, the Sudanese government has done everything
in
its power to prevent its deployment. The truth is that whilst China pulls
the purse strings and holds the keys to Sudan’s prosperity, only
a threat from China will make the government listen to international
protests and make it take positive action to end the crisis.
China’s demand for raw materials can be provided cheaply in Africa, investing in democracies and dictatorships alike to satisfy its ever expanding economy. Not too many questions are asked about corruption or human rights during the investment process. In return, these countries benefit from their links to Beijing, not only in terms of strategic protection but also through trade deals where, amongst other advantages, modern weapons are offered for sale. Africa is also a huge market for cheap Chinese goods, a process that strangles the efforts of local producers and their products.
Yet it doesn’t have to be this way. When Botswana became independent in 1966 it was one of the poorest countries in the world, with virtually no health care and just 4km of road. Now it is the 79th wealthiest in the world, has 20,000km of road and each major area has a hospital and school. So how has this transformation come about? The answer is the way a natural resource has been used for the benefit of the nation – a combination of the diamond company’s ownership and strategy, within a transparent democracy, by a government focussed on its country’s development above everything else. Botswana is the least corrupt country in Africa – throughout the land ‘Botswana has zero tolerance for corruption’ notices are prominently displayed. The question is how can this model be developed elsewhere? The answer is having ‘clean’ politicians in power who have an overwhelming desire to make their country better....and this requires youths, like yourselves, who presently offer their time voluntarily to take up the political reigns and ‘be the change’ for a fairer Africa.
It is my belief that only through your efforts will a new, peaceful dawn, rise over the continent. Paul Shaw