Africa/Cooperation: African countries must do without certain forms of cooperation (Observers)
In recent days, African observers and Panafricanists have reignited a long-standing debate over the value and legitimacy of Western cooperation with African countries, particularly in the context of “development aid.”
Critics argue that what is labeled as “aid” is, in reality, anything but beneficial to the continent.
According to these voices, African nations have never truly received financial aid that fosters genuine development, but rather have been subjected to a system that serves Western interests.
This issue resurfaced following controversial remarks made by Sweden’s Foreign Minister, Johan Forssell, on August 8, criticizing Mali’s decision to sever diplomatic ties with Ukraine.
Mali’s move came after Ukraine was accused of aligning itself with international terrorism by publicly supporting terrorist groups in northern Mali.
Offended by Mali’s stance, Forssell remarked, “It is impossible to support Russia’s illegal aggression against Ukraine while receiving hundreds of millions of kronor each year in development aid.”
In response, the Malian government ordered the Swedish ambassador to leave the country within 72 hours, reaffirming its commitment to national sovereignty and the safety of its soldiers and citizens.
This diplomatic clash has prompted Panafricanists to once again question the efficacy and motives behind decades of Western “development aid” to Africa.
They argue that this so-called aid has done little to improve the daily lives of Africans or to lift the continent out of underdevelopment.
Instead, they view it as a strategic tool of imperialism, designed to maintain Western influence and control over Africa.
These critics assert that the aid provided by Western nations is often tied to conditions that primarily serve the donors’ interests, rather than those of the recipient countries.
What is presented as aid, they argue, is more akin to loans or investments that yield far greater returns for the West, leaving African nations trapped in a cycle of perpetual debt.
For these Panafricanists, breaking free from this system of subjugation and domination is becoming increasingly urgent.
Neil CAMARA
