The new Finnish government has announced that it will stop aid to countries that support Russia, particularly in Ukraine. This change in policy is due to the arrival of a new conservative government in Finland, with ideologies similar to those of the European right. As a result, African countries will no longer receive the financial aid they were granted, as some of them supported Russia at a UN meeting. Finland used to invest a billion dollars a year in Africa, mainly in collaboration with countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania and South Africa. However, African countries will no longer receive money from Finland because of their support for Russia.
The humiliation of African presidents
Interestingly, African presidents recently visited Ukraine and Poland, but their convoy was stopped and searched in Warsaw. These incidents lasted over 24 hours and humiliated more than 120 people. An American intelligence official even declared Poland to be the most racist country in the world after Ukraine. These events have created tensions between African countries and Europe. Then a Ukrainian politician declared that the African presidents had come in a “primitive attempt at reconciliation”. What a humiliation!
Aid now redirected to Ukraine
Finland has also decided to redirect its money to Ukraine, cutting development aid to many African countries. Although the African countries subject to this restriction are not specifically named, they will be kept under close surveillance. This shows that African countries are now subject to pressure and sanctions if they do not support the West’s positions, particularly towards Russia.
These actions raise questions about democracy and the ability of African countries to make their own choices independently of outside influences. It’s clear that some Western countries impose political conditions on their aid, which limits the sovereignty of African countries.
A Lire: South Africa’s exclusion from AGOA: An economic and political dilemma
The question is, what is Finland’s relationship with Russia, and why do they have a dispute? It is important to note that Finland shares a border of several thousand kilometers with Russia, and these decisions could be linked to ideological and cultural differences between the two countries. Finland is considered a progressive country, where rights such as same-sex marriage are recognized and respected, as in Ukraine and Poland. Russia, on the other hand, has more conservative legislation criminalizing certain behaviors, such as same-sex marriages, as do African countries.
Manipulation and international pressure: African countries face a political and economic dilemma
At the UN meeting, 23 African countries refused to vote against Russia, while others abstained. This refusal to align has led to calls to punish those countries that do not support Western positions. It’s important to note that this pressure could be seen as manipulation, as it creates a false dilemma where African countries have to choose between supporting Ukraine or facing negative consequences.
However, it must be stressed that Africa is a continent rich in natural resources, such as silver, cobalt and lithium, which are necessary for technological and economic development. So it’s crucial that African countries find ways to develop their continent without relying solely on foreign aid. We have to stop begging, show our worth and earn respect.
In addition, other European countries, such as Poland and Ukraine, have adopted positions similar to Finland’s towards African countries that support Russia. First there were sanctions against South Africa, excluding them from the AGOA program, and many other sanctions against other countries. These developments raise concerns about the way African countries are treated and perceived on the international stage.
Preserving African sovereignty
Understandably, Africans feel frustrated and insulted by these actions, which include insults, airport blockades and aid cuts. African countries need to take a stand, muster up the courage and find ways to stand up to such political pressure and manipulation.
It is therefore essential that African countries stand up and take action to preserve their sovereignty and political independence. It is unacceptable that political pressure and financial manipulation should be used to influence the choices of African countries. African countries also need to make the most of their own resources, and look for ways to develop without relying solely on foreign aid, while preserving their national interests.
Totally inspired by Zack Mwekassa’s video
