RT International The debate over aid for Africa raises a vital concern: Is the true cost a loss of sovereignty?
Western engagement in Africa has for too long centered on humanitarian aid, portraying the continent as impoverished. However, beneath this veil of cooperation lie systemic issues that perpetuate dependency and obstruct true progress. History reminds us that ‘generosity’ often comes with hidden costs that stall the continent’s development.
A new position of the European Commission that came to the light last May is that aid to so-called poor countries in sub-Saharan Africa and Middle East should be attached to the strategic interests of the European Union.
“These [partnership] packages will reinforce the link between external action and internal priorities, such as energy security, the supply of critical raw materials,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Budget Commissioner Piotr Serafin stated.
The old story in new clothing
Africa has always attracted European powers due to its vast resources and youthful population, a reason for its colonial invasion and exploitation under the guise of humanitarianism, codenamed a “civilizing mission.”
The striking resemblance between the civilizing mission during the colonial period and some aid schemes in the 21st century speaks to one thing: that aid comes with a veil that must be uncovered to reveal its true cost.
The situation in the Sahel serves as a poignant example. Recently, aid was withdrawn/suspended from Burkina, Mali and Niger despite these countries grappling with armed insurgents, many of which can be traced back to NATO’s 2011 invasion of Libya. This was largely a result of their decision to channel their internal sovereign path to development.
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