Alagi Yorro Jallow
Fatoumatta: In light of recent decisions regarding US foreign aid, particularly during President Trump’s administration, it’s essential for us to engage in a thoughtful conversation about the deeper issues affecting our global landscape. Our world thrives on interdependence; nations support one another, sharing resources and ideas, which propels our mutual growth and cooperation. However, there is a fine line between healthy support and unhealthy dependency, where the flow of aid can unfortunately turn into a tool for control, creating imbalance and irresponsibility.
To my fellow Africans, let’s take a closer look together: while USAID has served as a component of America’s soft power globally, we must recognize that it’s not the fundamental issue at hand. It’s time to move beyond the narrative that portrays the United States as the sole “Leader of Global Kindness.”
It’s important to remember that generosity isn’t a competition but a common human trait. Despite claims that American goodwill has diminished, it’s worth noting that the United States allocates less than 1% of its federal budget to foreign aid. While this may equate to the largest donation by any single nation, it hardly makes a dent in the global needs we face.
Moreover, Africa has a rich history of intra-continental generosity. For instance, remember the incredible act when a Maasai village in Kenya contributed fourteen cattle to the United States in solidarity after the 9/11 attacks? That was an awe-inspiring act of humanity that demonstrated our ability to give, regardless of economic status. Those who shape the narrative often steer its outcomes.
Now, if those in power decide to reallocate USAID’s funding, so be it. Change is on the horizon, and we may witness the transformation of resources intended for aid into facilities with dubious intentions, perhaps even in places like Guantanamo. Let us not lose sight of what truly matters—let’s focus on addressing the systemic issues that perpetuate poverty and inequity on our continent.
The real conversation lies not in how much aid flows into Africa but in understanding what has historically been taken out of our nations. For too long, Africa has seen vast sums of money leave its shores due to exploitative corporate practices, often amounting to trillions. The funds siphoned from our continent far surpass the contributions made by any foreign aid.
It’s a poignant reminder that, at times, we have witnessed pride overshadowing necessity, leading to an unwillingness to request assistance, to the extent that resources meant for our development are exploited elsewhere. Unfortunately, corporations operate under the guise of fair trade, ultimately dismantling African resources while leaving little in return.
This is a wake-up call for all of us. The age-old wisdom suggests, “The strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must.” Yet, we must challenge this narrative. How can we continue to suffer when we possess remarkable wealth and potential within our lands? It’s time to hold ourselves accountable and challenge our leaders to do the same.
We, as citizens, must urge our African leaders to seek transparency and accountability from their governments. No more blind negotiation with external entities—we possess the power to reshape our future! Organizations like the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) play a significant role in facilitating investment, but we must ask ourselves who truly benefits from these arrangements.
When multinational corporations set up to utilize our resources, they often prioritize their interests. They seek to harvest our ingredients without investing in the local economy or workforce. Take, for example, the proposed Lobito Corridor project aiming to transport minerals from the Congo to Angola; while it presents opportunities, it’s crucial to evaluate who ultimately retains control and profits.
It’s imperative to question our leaders: Why are they not adopting a broader perspective? We need visionaries who prioritize long-term growth for our continent rather than short-term gains. Many leaders have witnessed economic turmoil while allowing dependence on foreign aid to continue, often benefiting personally through questionable dealings.
While we acknowledge the shortcomings of USAID, let’s be clear: it is not the root of our challenges. Instead, we must empower our African leaders to embrace true sovereignty, manage our resources wisely, and elevate our economies. With effective governance and sustainable practices, we can significantly reduce our reliance on external assistance.
Fatoumatta: Africa brims with potential, and it’s time for us to seize it with both hands! Together, we can direct a bright future where we stand confidently on our own feet, create equitable opportunities, and nurture the remarkable gifts our continent has to offer. Let’s strive for meaningful change and build the prosperous future we all deserve!
