G8 Summit and Democracy in Africa
Abdul - Kadir O. Etuazim
July 08, 2005
The G8 meeting in Gleneagle, Scotland, is historic for two main reasons. It is the first time that emerging economic powers – Brazil and India – are recognized by way of invitation to attend. Another historic aspect of the conference is that there is a consensus among the big guns about the dire state of affairs in Africa. This is hinged on the insurmountable debt burden resting on the weak shoulders of most African countries. As an African, it is encouraging to witness the economic and industrial giants of our time agree to a common destination in the quest to save Africa. The path(s) have to be charted in such a way to minimize dissipation of energy and resources.
Furthermore, the meeting provides an opportunity to invest more in the move to entrench democracy, reduce corruption, lessen the impact of diseases ravaging the continent and launch the continent on the path towards self-reliance. It is possible to have an Africa free of dictatorships, an Africa that spares European and American taxpayers additional levies to enable their governments provide aid and an Africa that is fully on board the train of democracy. In fact, the global war against terrorism makes it imperative to salvage the continent before the recruiting sergeants of the thugs make inroads into the continent. Just as an idle mind is the devil’s workshop, a hungry man/woman can be a terrorist’s delight.
Formerly, the G8 gathering was regarded – in Africa – as a forum to further the interests of rich nations. Previously, it was not uncommon for Africa to be chided about lack of democratic ideals and unending internecine wars by the G8. And that was it. Most Africans could not make sense out of the inability of the G8 countries to grasp the daily hardship faced by millions in Africa. Can we practice democracy in a climate of starvation? Interestingly, the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights acknowledges four basic rights. They are Political, Social, Economic and Cultural. As such, the emphasis on only political rights, probably accounts for the seeming disinterest of Africans towards democracy.
The present proposition of working towards canceling the debts owed by many African countries would go a long way to strengthen democracy in Africa. Democracy coupled with liberalization leads to seismic changes that continue to threaten democracy. This has to be put in context to make sense. In most African countries, the largest employer is the government (Public service). With the advent of economic restructuring measures, the government had to reduce the workforce. Inevitably hundreds of thousands were affected. Going by the extended family system in Africa, where a worker is obligated to cater for all less fortunate in the extended family, millions were really affected. Given the absence of a strong private sector most families have no breadwinner. One of the only alternatives is to engage in agriculture. Unfortunately, due to an unfair advantage enjoyed by – highly subsidized – imports, farming is out of contention. Farming is predominantly manual, therefore the underfed and hungry are incapable to undertake the venture.
For the majority, the only option left is to consign itself to surviving on hand outs. It might appear to be a simplistic analysis but, generally, this holds true. When inclement weather is thrown into the fray then a better picture is portrayed. The above points partly explain the recurring incidents of starvation in Africa. Therefore, to further embolden democracy in Africa the G8 leaders have to visit the troubling issue of farm subsidies. Liberalization cannot be accepted if the preachers practice otherwise. Subsidies should be phased out. Agricultural activities in the developing world do not stand any chance in the face of the current regime. One of the greatest safeguards of democracy is food security.
The governments are compelled to spend over half of their paltry revenue to service debts. For example, Nigeria borrowed $17bn in the 1980s. By 2005, the country had paid over $40bn and it is estimated that she still owes about $30bn. The country's federal government spends over 45% of revenue to service the unending debt. How can poverty be avoided under such circumstances? This is incomprehensible to the common man. Complaints got so rife, over there, that the National Assembly, equivalent of the Congress, threatened to stop honoring debt payments. The military, which dominated the political scene since independence in 1960, capitalize on such discontent to truncate the march towards a more democratic environment. So far, the global trend towards greater freedom has put them in check.
Consequently, the process of debt cancellation would empower civil society to hold the leaders to account for mismanagement of public funds. The umbrella provided by the excuse of debt servicing would have been blown away and the political leadership has to stand under the scorching effects of public scrutiny. Additionally, governments will not be able to explain away inadequate attention to critical sectors such as health, education and provision of potable water. The battle to preserve and sustain democracy would have new foot soldiers willing to defend the new lease on life to be provided by debt cancellation.
Finally, the G8 team should take on the issue of discouraging corruption. Most of the proceeds of corruption are lodged in western bank accounts. It is incumbent on us all to plug this pipeline used to siphon scarce resources from the poorest region of the world. It should be the priority of the developed world to ensure that their banks do not serve as safe havens or economic caves for ill-gotten wealth from the impoverished peasants in Africa. This is quite possible in a heartbeat. What is missing is the political will. Some Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) allege the existence of billions of dollars stashed away in foreign bank accounts by past leaders of some African countries. Something needs to be done and urgently too. The government of Nigeria, according to news reports, has not been able to recover the loot left in a Swiss bank by a one time Nigerian leader. There is a court judgment authorizing the release. Can someone fathom the foot-dragging?
Furthermore, the meeting provides an opportunity to invest more in the move to entrench democracy, reduce corruption, lessen the impact of diseases ravaging the continent and launch the continent on the path towards self-reliance. It is possible to have an Africa free of dictatorships, an Africa that spares European and American taxpayers additional levies to enable their governments provide aid and an Africa that is fully on board the train of democracy. In fact, the global war against terrorism makes it imperative to salvage the continent before the recruiting sergeants of the thugs make inroads into the continent. Just as an idle mind is the devil’s workshop, a hungry man/woman can be a terrorist’s delight.
Formerly, the G8 gathering was regarded – in Africa – as a forum to further the interests of rich nations. Previously, it was not uncommon for Africa to be chided about lack of democratic ideals and unending internecine wars by the G8. And that was it. Most Africans could not make sense out of the inability of the G8 countries to grasp the daily hardship faced by millions in Africa. Can we practice democracy in a climate of starvation? Interestingly, the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights acknowledges four basic rights. They are Political, Social, Economic and Cultural. As such, the emphasis on only political rights, probably accounts for the seeming disinterest of Africans towards democracy.
The present proposition of working towards canceling the debts owed by many African countries would go a long way to strengthen democracy in Africa. Democracy coupled with liberalization leads to seismic changes that continue to threaten democracy. This has to be put in context to make sense. In most African countries, the largest employer is the government (Public service). With the advent of economic restructuring measures, the government had to reduce the workforce. Inevitably hundreds of thousands were affected. Going by the extended family system in Africa, where a worker is obligated to cater for all less fortunate in the extended family, millions were really affected. Given the absence of a strong private sector most families have no breadwinner. One of the only alternatives is to engage in agriculture. Unfortunately, due to an unfair advantage enjoyed by – highly subsidized – imports, farming is out of contention. Farming is predominantly manual, therefore the underfed and hungry are incapable to undertake the venture.
For the majority, the only option left is to consign itself to surviving on hand outs. It might appear to be a simplistic analysis but, generally, this holds true. When inclement weather is thrown into the fray then a better picture is portrayed. The above points partly explain the recurring incidents of starvation in Africa. Therefore, to further embolden democracy in Africa the G8 leaders have to visit the troubling issue of farm subsidies. Liberalization cannot be accepted if the preachers practice otherwise. Subsidies should be phased out. Agricultural activities in the developing world do not stand any chance in the face of the current regime. One of the greatest safeguards of democracy is food security.
The governments are compelled to spend over half of their paltry revenue to service debts. For example, Nigeria borrowed $17bn in the 1980s. By 2005, the country had paid over $40bn and it is estimated that she still owes about $30bn. The country's federal government spends over 45% of revenue to service the unending debt. How can poverty be avoided under such circumstances? This is incomprehensible to the common man. Complaints got so rife, over there, that the National Assembly, equivalent of the Congress, threatened to stop honoring debt payments. The military, which dominated the political scene since independence in 1960, capitalize on such discontent to truncate the march towards a more democratic environment. So far, the global trend towards greater freedom has put them in check.
Consequently, the process of debt cancellation would empower civil society to hold the leaders to account for mismanagement of public funds. The umbrella provided by the excuse of debt servicing would have been blown away and the political leadership has to stand under the scorching effects of public scrutiny. Additionally, governments will not be able to explain away inadequate attention to critical sectors such as health, education and provision of potable water. The battle to preserve and sustain democracy would have new foot soldiers willing to defend the new lease on life to be provided by debt cancellation.
Finally, the G8 team should take on the issue of discouraging corruption. Most of the proceeds of corruption are lodged in western bank accounts. It is incumbent on us all to plug this pipeline used to siphon scarce resources from the poorest region of the world. It should be the priority of the developed world to ensure that their banks do not serve as safe havens or economic caves for ill-gotten wealth from the impoverished peasants in Africa. This is quite possible in a heartbeat. What is missing is the political will. Some Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) allege the existence of billions of dollars stashed away in foreign bank accounts by past leaders of some African countries. Something needs to be done and urgently too. The government of Nigeria, according to news reports, has not been able to recover the loot left in a Swiss bank by a one time Nigerian leader. There is a court judgment authorizing the release. Can someone fathom the foot-dragging?
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