Poor governance in Africa - whose fault?

Question

I wonder if the reason we see such poor governance in Africa is at least partly due to the psychological and sociologial scars left by the colonialists who so ruthlessly tore the continent apart?

I also wonder why after all these years African leaders in general still seem to be intoxicated with power and riches and aren't more determined to establish the principles that will lead to lasting prosperity for all their people throughout future generations?

I don't know all the facts so don't shoot me! I'm asking you to tell me if I'm thinking in the right direction or not.

Answer 1

It would be a nice excuse, but I really don't think that's the answer.

In truth, I think the answer is too much aid. All the aid that has been given directly to the governments in Africa has made the temptation for corruption far too high, and the governments have become dictatorships who skim money off and send it to their private accounts in Switzerland.

I think it is unwise to put so much money into the hands of a government at any time. I prefer the approach that Bill Gates has taken with his efforts to improve healthcare in Africa...his money is being spent on developing new vaccines, etc., that will be useful to the Africans, rather than just doling out money.

Why should the African leaders be anything but despots? There seems to be no penalty for bad behavior, and lots of opportunity. Given those incentives, there will always be a few bad people who will use force to push any good people out of the way, and the worst will always rise to the top.

You've got to change the incentives, before any real change will come to the governments.

Answer 2

Africa indeed has massive massive problems that seem impossible to overcome but I know that Nations like China and India were also subjected to these same psychological and sociological scars maybe not as extreme but nonetheless they experienced it but today they are competitors on the global market and have made a stride forward to the betterment of their respective nations,there are many similarities and differences between the African continent and these two nations and that is fact. African leaders have inherited a system that has been used to recieving assistance from the outside for a long time now and it is this system of dependance on outside powers to fix Africas problems that`s one of the reasons the continent continues to suffer, Aid can be a blessing to some but it is a curse to many, a continent that has so many natural resourses "from the people to the stuff that comes out of the ground" which can enable it to finally join the ranks of the major world players must be put into action yes Africa needs solid leaders but it is not the leaders alone who must do this it is also the people

Answer 3

Like all things in life, is it not easier to lay the blame at other peoples feet. I think if you delve a little deeper into the cultural history, you may well find that the way of life was structured as a dictatorship (Kings who had sole rule) with the ability to take anything at will. Life was pretty simple and uncomplicated without the necessary "evils" (trade and wealth) brought to the fore by so called Colonisation. There is a natural tendency to survive at the expense of others.
The colonials did not tear the continent apart but built it to benefit from the natural riches. Those natural riches are still there and being exploited by the rulers of the countries. It would be great if they thought along the lines of the ruler of Dubai and Brunei's king, spreading the wealth amongst their people for self improvement instead of practising the seven deadly sins. More of a case of a leopard never changes it's spots. This also happens in other continents, and not just Africa. Greed, not blame! Nelson Mandela was different and quite special, considering what he went through, but he is not part of the class you refer to. Maybe the answer also lies in education, but then again, Robert Mugabe has a Doctorate.

Answer 4

Power Corrupts IMany African Leaders Simply Steal their countries wealth (usually by selling the rights to resources to foreign companies) Then cite colonial abuse as the reason for the deprivation and economic decline of their nation as they stand in the queue for Foreign Aid. Yes Colonial Rule Devastated africa but that is not an excuse Africa has to start taking responsibility for its own future Europeans made a real mess of Africa but they have neither the ability or power to undo what is done or put it right.
Zimbabwe is a perfect example 40 years ago it was the breadbasket of Africa and produced enough to feed the continent 40 years of Black African rule and it can barely feed itself I wonder if Mugabe will go hungry though

Answer 5

It could be due to curse. Ever wonder why once they have managed to get on power (by all means) they don't seem to be leaving it? Well to me, I think only God could help. I am sure even if you were to represent your nation the same mentality would be inflicted unto you.
We ought to pray and ask God to intervene otherwise, it will be a long wait before such will happen if it eventually does.
All Africans home of otherwise should be united in that effort, I don't know how to achieve that. However, our heavenly father is a God of wonders, He will surely show us the way shall we make the commitment to ask Him frankly yes it is feasible. Everyone must put their hands in. We should stop thinking we are too small to make an impact. Well if you are too small to have an impact , I'd suggest you go to bed with a MOSQUITO and tell me!
Yeah I have already started myself to pray, and I constantly pray to God to expand my horizon so that I can meet more interesting people like yourself who are concerned by the situation of our land so that we can contribute toward the development of ours dear beloved land. Science, politic or whatever have so far fail. Therefore I remain determine that God is the only answer.

Answer 6

* * * there is not any as such that you may call a decrease IQ if someone has adequate academic history. to boot, i am going to replicate that this variety of question is a racial discrimination, through the indisputable fact that is quiet glaring that you're centred on some thing. yet i imagine you fail with this and your IQ shows it, because, why may you ask a question if who's poorer, Philippines or the poorest areas of Africa, you in ordinary words provide a incorrect post understanding a words poorest is a few thing that no one can beat. . . . . . . . .

Answer 7

Do you believe that colonialism is over. Or do you think that the Africa dictators are propped up by European Governments to give them access to the rich resourses of Africa.

Answer 8

I agree with you, because could you imagine if all the world would have descend upon Europe and stripped it of their culture, leaders and natural resources and just totally destroyed their civilizations for years without anyone to prevent it. Would they have recovered and became an international world power?

Answer 9

It's hubris!

Answer 10

LOL sorry, sparky, no free welfare check for you...