Who is to blame?

Who is to blame:

When it comes to studying the problems in Africa since independence my prevailing theory has always been that the conflicts in modern Africa have a direct link to European Imperialism. Belgium, Britain, France etc are responsible for some heinous crimes against humanity in Africa , they also are responsible for leaving a continent oppressed, vulnerable and without structure. The last European country left Africa some 40 years ago. Since then the continent has seen three genocides, multiple civil wars, and the worlds “unknown war” the deadliest conflict since WW2. But how long does the blame lay on the past generations of European rulers before it switces to the people of this distressed continent. I am beginning to see that part of the problem is the ease some leaders have to blame others, to not accept responsibility for their countries problems. People like Mugabe in Zimbabwe lay the blame on colonial rulers but it is clearly obvious that he has destroyed that country far more than Britain ever did. There is a clear link between European Imperialism and modern African problems, but there is an equally strong link between the current and former leaders of Africa and the issues that plague it. Immediately following independence , many African countries were turned over to the hands of brutal dictators and ineffective leaders. The trend continues today with Bashir, Mugabe, and Museveni , leaders who allow their citizens to be malnourished, raped, and murdered. In turn these people are destined to lead a destitute life of poverty and despair. However, I think the citizens are also to partly to blame, I think their is an over-reliance on foreign aid amongst many people in Africa. I believe it is the role of humanity to protect and help the vulnerable, but I also believe that people have to be resilient to their circumstances and become leaders within their community. There are to few stories of Africans helping other Africans, of potential leaders being sworn into office and actually bettering their country. Even in Rwanda “a western love affair” of how Africa can rebound, there is still corruption. Mr. Kagame has done a miraculous job helping Rwanda recover from genocide. However it is a leadership still marked by corruption and accusations of retaliatory genocide (http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/sep/3/un-report-on-congo-genocide-strengthened/)

I think forgein aid can play a key role in helping Africa further develop but I also think that the citizens and leaders need to take responsibility for themselves and their actions. Their needs to be empowerment amongst the people to unchain themselves for continued oppression. As Mandela says “For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”