{UAH} AFRICA IS JUST A CEMETERY FOR AFRICANS ->President Vladimir Putin

What do you think about Putin's claim that "Africa is just a cemetery for Africans?

Omotayo Fakinlede

As I write, there are four answers already to this question. A new answer is necessitated my my dissatisfaction with the previous answers. Let us take a look at these first:

1.  Some have argued that Putin did not make that statement.

2.  Others have said that Putin himself is a White racist and should not be taken seriously.

3.  Yet others have disputed the statement.

Even if Putin did not make the statement as some have claimed, it appears to be relevant as we are all looking for answers to how our people can shed the yoke of underachievement, poverty and want in a globalized world. Of course Putin’s Russia has its own problems. Apart from enormous military assets, it is not achieving at a level commensurate with its potentials either. However, the statement itself, whoever made it, is food for thought!

Another article trending on Quora tried to reason that colonization was not responsible for the underdevelopment of Africa. Rather, the article states, among other reasons,that we have lower IQ, our weather is so good that we can survive without thinking too deeply, etc. This statement, allegedly made by Putin was the final argument.

I will not deign the IQ argument with a rebuttal. It is not necessary. I am a student of history. I read how the US press described the Japanese during the World War; I have also read how British manufacturers categorized same Japanese as makers of inferior goods until Toyota knocked out their car manufacturing companies. Until 20 years ago, there were several books written showing that the Chinese can never develop industrially. From these, I have reached the conclusion that emotive responses to abuses from ignorant people do not help our cause. In fact, when we respond as rudely as we are abused, we confirm that we cannot think deeply.

Now, is Africa a Cemetery?

Is it true that rich Africans spend their money in Europe, Dubai and USA? Is it true that we usually live in these places and only ask our survivors to carry our dead bodies home for burial? Is it true that those who steal our money deposit same in Swiss bank accounts? Is it true that those who make their money in a clean way prefer to invest in the developed countries and rarely think of developing the homeland? The answers to these questions may provide some clues.

I was always worried when travelling to USA or Europe, my friends ask me to buy them Swiss or British chocolates on my way back. I always tried to resist these requests on the grounds that we make the cocoa in my part of Nigeria and we have several universities offering Food Technology/Engineering in Nigeria. And, producing chocolates does not appear to me to be so difficult. But the request continues!

Luckily, I was in Kumasi, Ghana last week. I was pleasantly surprised to see that I could purchase chocolates there that rival the European brands - and they are made in Ghana! I doff my hat! Ghana, please keep up the good work and please let any “African Giant” out there take a lesson!

There is absolutely nothing wrong with anyone looking for better places to spend the rest of their lives. If a person is tired of trying in Nigeria, and prefers to move to Poland or Chile, why should anyone bother? After all, these countries in America were only populated by the present inhabitants in the past 3–400 years. Prior to that time, they mostly lived in Europe! Why should the African be treated differently?

One possible answer, and it is the reason for the statement is that, why do these people want to get buried in Africa? Why don’t they say bye bye to Africa and know they are now Polish, Argentines or American? Nigerian primary schools are too low quality, send your children British schools in Lekki. The secondary schools sulk: Let them continue in American schools in Abuja until they are old enough. The universities are no good, send them to Britain.

Now they have degrees. They will earn dollars so look for the UN, or European or American jobs! We continue on this track until it is time to bite the dust! Does it mean that despite all our problems, the African dust is competitive with those of Europe and America! Our depravity has not taken that away from us yet! Should not we be grateful?

As Africans, let us make up our minds. Check out like a good Andrew and forget it if you want. However, if you still have it in you that this is home, we don’t need any Valdimir to tell us that we need to think of ways of remaining relevant at home. Even if we have tried and failed, let us try again!

EM         -> {   Gap   at   46  } – {Allan Barigye is a Rwandan predator}

On the 49th Parallel          

                 Thé Mulindwas Communication Group
"With Yoweri Museveni, Ssabassajja and Dr. Kiiza Besigye, Uganda is in anarchy"
                    Kuungana Mulindwa Mawasiliano Kikundi
"Pamoja na Yoweri Museveni, Ssabassajja na Dk. Kiiza Besigye, Uganda ni katika machafuko