Why Africa Matters

We ignore Africa at our peril.

In vital resources -- oil, copper, diamonds, gold, timber and more -- the continent is rich beyond imagination.

Indeed, Africa is more breadbasket than basket case. The United States is projected to import some 25 percent of its oil from Western Africa in the coming years.

While the U.S. media pays Africa little attention, the Chinese leads by far in the mad dash for a share of the continent's natural treasures. Using some of the money it makes in trade with the U.S., China is investing heavily across Africa, building highways, hotels, bridges and dams, seeking to lock up long term access to resources and the good will of African leaders.

The United States is way behind.

The African continent will only become more important in the future. The whole world has a stake in what happens there.

For decades, Africa was little more than a pawn in the Cold War, before that the playing field of competing imperialist nations. Now it is a key geographic territory in the fight against terror after al-Qaida blew up embassies in Somalia and Kenya. The continent's mineral resources reinforce its strategic importance.

Africa matters.

Therefore it is in the U.S.' and the world's best interest that Africa's fledgling democracies succeed so that true democracy might spread across the vast continent.

That is why I recently spent five days in Cote d'Ivoire, meeting with its current President and opposition leaders and addressing youth groups and religious figures, as the West African nation prepares for a crucial Presidential election on Nov. 29 -- a day that will go a long way in determining the future of democracy in the region.

For most of its 49-year history as an independent nation, Cote d'Ivoire has been a shinning light of a dimly viewed West Africa. Politically stable, culturally tolerant and economically vigorous, Cote d'Ivoire was and is a regional powerhouse.

As one U.S. Embassy official described the nation of 18 million people to me, Cote d'Ivoire was to its neighbors what the United States is to Mexico and Central America. "This is where people went to find work,'' the official said. "If this economy gets shut down you will see a dramatic impact on the entire region.''

Cote d'Ivoire produces 40 percent of the world's coco and is a major exporter of bananas, coffee, cotton, palm oil, pineapples, rubber, timber and tuna. In recent years, according to U.S. Embassy figures, petroleum exports have risen significantly, and petroleum is now the country's largest foreign exchange earner.

As I toured its sprawling port -- the second largest in Africa -- I saw five cargo ships loaded with fruit and vegetables headed to Europe.

Abidjan, its biggest city once known as "Little Paris,'' was a popular destination for tourists from the United States and Europe for years.

But then there was a coup in 1999, followed by UN sanctions, another coup attempt in 2001 and a brutal civil war in 2002 that split the country between North and South, pushing Cote d'Ivoire to the brink of disaster.

Today, the shooting has stopped. But the nation remains on the brink.

A transparent and fair election is the key to restoring Cote d'Ivoire to its place among the family of nations. A world class democracy means world class investment.

That was my message as I met separately with President Laurent Gbagbo and leaders of the two opposition parties who are vying for the Presidential Palace. I had a long and fruitful discussion by phone with Henri Konan Bedie, a former president running for his old job, and I sat down with representatives of Alassane Ouattara, who was out of the country, seeking medical treatment in Paris.

As I made clear whenever and to whomever I spoke, I was there not to support a candidate but to support the process of democracy.

In addressing a pan-African youth conference and a meeting of Muslim and Christian religious leader I asked the people and the candidates to agree to three basic principles.

Number one: Campaign diligently and fairly.

Number two: Use the language of reconciliation and not destruction.

Number three: Publicly pledge to support the winner.

The will to build a great country must be stronger than personal rapaciousness. The winner must win with grace; the losers must lose with dignity. All must support and serve Cote d'Ivoire.

I also sat down with the Prime Minister, Guillaume Soro. Three years ago he was the leader of the rebellion in the North. Now he is overseeing the election, working night and day to heal his nation. He invited me back to act as a monitor of the election, which I intend to do.

I reminded him and everyone else I met that we in the United States had once been divided between North and South, locked in our own bloody civil war.

After that war we suffered through generations of American apartheid. It took a century before the right to vote of every American citizen was protected by law.

Through the depth of that pain, Americans are learning to live together across lines of class, gender and race.

America rose from the ashes of pain and division. Cote d'Ivoire can rise as well.

Comments

[Samaman]

Totally agree on the need to pay more attention to Africa. This week, there's an interesting series on Africa from a new Blog at the International Monetary Fund, which is really trying to help Africa through the current crisis and build conditions for renewed growth.

The posts are by Antoinette Sayeh, the former Liberian finance minister who is now head of the IMF's African Department. She has a remarkable story to tell.

Take a look at: http://blog-imfdirect.imf.org/

Her first post is: http://blog-imfdirect.imf.org/2009/09/06/africa-and-the-global-economic-crisis-weathering-the-storm/

[Hadji Beye]

Folks are missing the point...It is not about helping or servicing the needs of Africans, the old fashion of helping is not a good solution neither...
If the US want to send help: it has to be thoroughly monitored so that help goes where it should.

Otherwise I'm not a big fan of help myself simply because interaction between the US and Africa has to be a mutually beneficial relationship: that's my belief, so that it can last.

Currently, the recession is hurting the construction industry and that is what Africa needs the most so WHY aren't American Construction industries bidding jobs in Africa and exporting their goods and services not being sold here in the US?

Because we always neglect these foreign markets, and China is not they took the initiative we should have taken. Ultimately when Africa begins to rise from its ashes, we will be out of the loop if we don't get in right now.

We should intervene in Africa, but smartly so that it helps America AND Africa through intelligent and long lasting investments that will propel Africa and grow American interests worldwide.
We have been sending this message for a long time and I'm glad Rev. Jackson made this trip to mediatize this even more.

Thank you

PerformanceConsultantsIntl.com

[Hadji Beye]

It seems like many readers are completely missing the point, there is a very slow shift in energy markets and China took the initiative that America should have taken....b­ut because Africa has a terrible reputation in the US, America neglected to enter African markets and establish itself.

Now China is doing it and they dominates many aspects of African markets.

For those who comment for the US to stay out of Africa: bad choice, because when Africa begins to rise significantly and all its resources are still going to other nations...­then we'll really be in trouble because a large portion of world'resources is in Africa. So America should not neglect but participate in it.

If America choose to help Africa, it has to be smart through monitoring and ensuring fair use.

The USA should also encourage private enterprises in trade increase between the US and Africa so that entering African markets is beneficial to everyone.

Rev. Jackson brought a point that we have been trying to stress for the past few months, Africa is being taken over by China.

The fact is Africa is one of the fastest growing markets: they need a lot of infrastructure, construction, ...at the same time these sectors in America have been suffering the American recession, so American companies should do business in Africa (sell their product and services there while the economy here is suffering)­....it is an outlet being neglected.


Thanks

Hadji

PerformanceConsultantsIntl.com

[EgyptianMysterySchool]

Obama is upping the Bush investments in Africa and it's obvious that the money is being spent on military/ police state methods of control...

http://allafrica.com/stories/200906110882.html

This article doesn't even mention the $6 billion AFRICOM control base in Djibouti, right at the mouth of the Red Sea. Strategically located where oil shipments can be controlled­...
http://www.globalpolicy.org/empire/us-military-expansion-and-intervention/africa-general-analysis/47848.html

So while China is gearing up to do business by investing in infrastructure - the U.S. is gearing up for a fight, by investing in military power and control.

Obama is a colonialist's favorite..­.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zUIjP4KWok

[Klimb]

You are wrong b/c the colonialist did exactly what China is doing today in Africa. They built infrastructure, schools, major highways, judicial and military institutions that would correspond with that from their countries. The only thing Africans need to realize is that all the goody goodies from China are the same thing as the previous (Arabs, Russians-coldwar era and Europeans) colonialists gave but this time it is a different Agent! You may not see the infrastrcures, etc today b/c when they were being done it was for the interest of the colonialists and they had not used or trained Africans to do it (in E.Africa, the British brought Indians from India to construct the Railway system from Uganda (Kilembe Copper mines to Mombasa seaport to ship their iron ores to England).
The Africans who have been abreast with their history would not let the same happen to Africa, today! But there are so many immigrants in Africa today who either never left during so-called post-colonial era or have just recently migrated and are not bothered about the African history. Additionally, b/c the govt and political structures have always been shaky, nobody is currently paying attention to the eminent invasion from China.

[EgyptianMysterySchool]

I have no doubt that China would love to rule Africa's resources and there's no depth that they could go to to that end that would surprise me - I'm no fan of China. However, as far as I know, China's not building military bases and militarized police units in Africa - so there is a difference.

The endgame is that Africans must do for themselves and demand ownership of every resource on every inch of their soil. Wholly back just, progressive government and get rid of western puppets and criminal dictators. If they were to cancel all foreign ownership and do-for-self Africa would be an economic powerhouse and a global super power in less than 10 years.

[biotechwoman]

For more information read:

"The Bottom Billion. Why the Poorest Countries are failing and What Can Be Done About it." But Paul Collier. This book, written by an ex World Bank economist, addresses why traditional strategies for poverty reduction do not work and will not work. Simply donating money will never develop a sustainable economy. Nor will exploitation of resources by other countries.

Also read:

"Africa.. Altered States, Ordinary Miracles." By Richard Dowden.

Then go an work in a few African countries and comment on this topic.

[Klimb]

African countries need good PR organization and they will be on board with the world. There are so many Europeans, Arabs and Asians residing happily in Africa more than the most indigenous pple and moreover, better than they would in their own countries. But MSM only shows wildlife, tourists and starving children/ war torn or conflict zones and never show any form of devt or happiness. Yet there are several well-to-do communities and educated Africans who comfortably live, earn and go to school in Africa. MSM on Africa is like watching FoxNews. For centuries, MSM has played with pple's intelligence on Africa but the truth is that mass media is expanding and many, I mean many pple are reading (books, internet, newspapers, etc), discussing (twitter, blogs) and are waking up to the propaganda and lies by MSM. Pple need to go and visit Africa (or any place around the world) instead of just listening to MSM and drawing conclusions.

[Reachout]

Niko73 don't you make any link between puppet African governments and corruption ? I think you miss the point in that you are confusing two completely different things here namely, the symptom and the cause. To me corruption is a symptom of inept, unpatriotic and puppet governments. In other words puppet governments create corruption for they come to power through fraud and hence are not accountable to the people they govern but to their masters in Washington and other western capitals.

Also, I must disagree with your analysis of your second point, for you tend to isolate the activities of individuals or group of individuals from the wider system within which they operate. In actual fact the corrupt elites you refer to are an element within the neocolonial system put in place by outside powers. The so-called humanitarian and development assistance you refer to is not so free as you would like readers to believe. The dynamics of economic assistance to Africa have demonstrated that for every dollar received Africans pay back five fold or more. Aids has therefore not empowered Africans economically. Rather it has impoverished them. I personally decry it as one of the major pillars of the neocolonial system. What Africa needs is fair trade and less meddling by outside powers.

[mikefina]

We must stay the heck out of Africa. Nothing good can come of American involvement there. If we want to do poverty alleviation or nation building, there is plenty of need in our own hemisphere--Haiti, Jamaica, the wider Carribean, Mexico, Cetral America and much of South America--just for starters.

Let Europe or the Chinese work with Africa. We have enough on our plate, and quite sadly, many of Africa's problems are not solveable. Not by us.

The Europeans have much more experience in Africa, are more proximate, and have populations in their own countries that can liason much more effectively than we could manage.

More cynically, the Chinese have no compunctions about swapping their financial resources for Africa's natural resources, damn the social consequences--and that just might be the only way to promote development. Trying the sensitve models of US and Euros may make us feel better about ourselves, but perhaps some ruthless extractive-industry dollars might go further, faster.

[JIzin]

That was an awesome twist at the end. I wasn't expecting it and it fit the blog (felt more like a blog than a news article, but still worth the read) perfectly. When other nations prosper we prosper as well.

[a human being]

That's the only way out: support democracy, not only in Cote d’Ivoire, but everywhere in Africa. The list of the countries where the process of democracy should be supported is unfortunately very very long.
Starting in the south west From Angola , the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Guinea, Mali, Tchad, Sudan, Egypt, Tunisia etc etc
So yes Rev. Jackson, Africa matters, and everybody should help with the process of democracy after decades of rulers who spent their time stealing all the resources they could find, and loading their Swiss bank account.

[Balzac]

The United States is obviously going to have a strategic relationship with sub-Saharan African countries. Now that we've passed the milestone of having an African American as president, it should be pretty clear from now on that it's a natural alliance.

[huffponewbie]

I stopped reading as soon as I noticed that the Rev. referred to diamonds as a "vital" resource. Sans monopolistic manipulation diamonds are cheap rocks. Useful, but plentiful and cheap.

[nightwind928]

While Rev. Jacksons point about the investment of China into Africa's infrastructure is factual it convieniently overlooks the other side of the coin. The United States has been the leader for decades in the fight against Aids and other diseases that adversely affect the ability of the African people to propel themselves forward in the 21st century, not China. We give a tremendous amount of food to combat starvation in war torn areas of many African countries. We help build schools, hospitals and send doctors and medicine into those same areas and have done so when China was still struggling under Mao. We are the most vocal about the genocide in Darfur ( China is almost mute on this issue) and been criticized by many in Africa and China as being colonialist for our efforts. China's ambitions should be understood for what they are, which is solely their concern with the future revenues they can extract from this continent. That is the difference between America people and the Chinese. To compare these values fairly and the differences in our efforts for the people of Africa is to compare apples to oranges. China, who's own human rights record within it's own borders is abysmal, can hardly be confused by anyone as a caring nation. Rev. Jackson should know the difference and quit blowing smoke.

[eddiesengola]

But those wars in Africa are caused by the opposition leaders supported and financed by the USA, from Zimbabwe, to Congo, and Sudan to say the least.

Take a blue pill and stop believe what the USA media tell you. Go in the internet and do research and you will finally have a different persepective and the really truth about Africa and USA foreign policy.

[nightwind928]

You are naive if you believe all the woes of Africa can be attributed to America. Most of the continent was colonized and exploited by the European countries long before the the Americans came into the scene. Do you think it's just Americans that wear diamonds, use oil, and precious metals? Americans, as a whole, have been far more generous in their help to Africa than any other single nation on earth. If you believe otherwise perhaps you should be taking some kind of pill and stop bashing America for it's generosity.

[Flavor]

Nightwind928, you are exactly right. I was thinking just on what you stated. What africa needs honestly is good leadership. Whenever leaders are out of order then the people become bait for anything. Americans have not forgot africa we give and give to africa and as an african american I know first hand had it not been for america some of the precious people of africa would not be here today. Missionaries from all over america are there, as well as missionaries from other countries, letting us know the needs of the poor people, yes diamonds are there but if you don't know how to utilize what riches you have your still poor. Africa is in desperate need but I know we are helping but their government continues to keep them hungry and desolate, we come to give a hand up not a hand out to africa, these precious people need good leadership who will put the people first. Just my view.

[drjasonmd]

Giving for AIDS treatment, while noble, is nothing more than a handout to the pharmaceutical companies. The same can be said for disaster relief, funneling tax dollars to agribusiness for their surplus foodstuffs. All the while, AIDS and starvation continue to run rampant over the continent.

When you give away aid, you put a band-aid on a gunshot wound. When you invest, not only are you developing, you're buying something. So at the end of the day, there will still be plenty of AIDS and starvation, but China will own the place. It's not comparing apples and oranges, it's comparing fruit and orchards.

Don't pat yourself on the back for something that will have a negligible effect and nothing to show for it in the end.

[SuzyQuzyMuzy]

They might not be caring but they sure are pouring money into the country. It appears that we are now in a very venerable position as big debtor; the more we give them, the more they invest in Africa and around the world. They are increasing their visability and power in the world with American money. That 'ol Trickle Down Economics -- looks like it trickled down to the Chinese

[niko73]

While I see your point, nightwind, charity and good will often does not result in food on African's tables. We should not judge the winner of the “which country cares about Africa more” contest by measuring how many aid dollars are dumped into the continent. If Africans had to chose between a business getting established in their country or aid money coming in, most would take the business. I’m not saying China is doing better, but I would be wary of patting ourselves on the back for what we’ve done in Africa. The Big Aid machine helps the US and corrupt African politicians more than it helps poor Africans.

[eddiesengola]

Mr. Jackson,

The USA never ignored Africa. Without coltan, a product found only in Africa, 80% of it, you chose to ignore, USA Citizen could not have used now a cell-phone or a computer. All usa multinationals from VERISON, AT&T, CISCO to just name the fews could not prosper without coltan.

USA never ignore Africa, rather it uses IMF and Word-Bank to continue enslaving Africa through it fiat money that are even payed by Gold and Diamond from Congo.

While China has chosen to empower Africa and prosper herself, the USA elites never thought it's a good idea to create an African middle class.

[Renee27]

Interesting

[drjasonmd]

Co-sign!

[Klimb]

Good argument but Africans shld know that China is doing exactly what many colonialists of the did to the African Continent. After Arab colonialists, came the European in the 18th Century invasion of Africa...A­rabs have never left Northern and Eastern Africa regions. China is currently in the baiting stage in Africa. Once Africans are hooked, true colors will reign and watch their iron fists (Chinese) force Africans to learn Cantonese, Mandarin and acculturate them, otherwise, no more Mr. nice guys.

Anyway, when Britain so-called left Africa, they did exactly what China is doing right now in Africa. Britain created middle-class citizens (in Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Zambia) and built several Educational institutions, infrastructure (hospitals, airports, railway) and judicial and govt systems (to correspond with their post colonial ties). Other former colonies e.g., DRC (Zaire), Rep. of Congo, Cameroon, Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, etc. did not benefit much from indirect rule in infrastructure, educational institutions, etc.

[KyleGilde]

FACTUAL ERROR: "Now it is a key geographic territory in the fight against terror after al-Qaida blew up embassies in Somalia and Kenya. "

Blew up the embassy in Somalia??!! They blew up the U.S. embassies in Nairobi, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.