Editor, REFERENCE IS made to Gerald Mpyisi’s article, “The Africa we want: A reflection from the AfDB meeting debates” (The New Times, May 26). Here is what touched me the most in the article: “Currently there is a mismatch between the aspirations of the youth and most government policies.” Why this mismatch? By revisiting colonial and post-colonial events, you will clearly understand that some African leaders are direct representatives or agents of Western countries. They helped and continue helping Western governments to control Africa’s minerals, oil, timber, humans, animals, and any valuable assets. This is why poverty and wars persist in Africa. Current African leaders are aware of the situation but they can’t publically tell their citizens about it. Few African leaders who are trying to speak out also face a challenging dilemma. Their countries heavily depend on foreign financial and in-kind aid. How can these leaders cut ties with Western donors? How can they develop their countries without aid? Apart from the Western control over Africa’s resources, some African leaders have also become oppressors of their own people. Once in power, they become kings. The more they stay in power the more they create tensions or ethnic conflicts which in return create wars. Dear Mr. Mpyisi, this is the situation that the African continent is facing and might face in the next 100 years or more. Yes, there is hope for Africa’s socio-economic sustainable development. However, young African leaders and potential leaders have to rethink much about how to gradually counter-balance Western policy toward Africa. No single government in the Western hemisphere will be frankly pleased to see African countries become big powers. Eddy Chico, Baltimore, USA
