The need for respectful diplomacy: Africa’s lesson for the great powers
In life, we always need someone smaller than ourselves, no matter how strong, powerful, capable or skilled we are. At some point, we need someone less dominant, less emphatic than we are. It’s all part of life.
For example, in our memories of elementary school, it happens that someone is much stronger than the others. At a certain point, the other students have had enough and stand up to this person to try and knock him down. It’s a way for the little ones to defend themselves.
Americans are absent from Africa
Here, we have an American diplomat discussing the negative impact of American foreign diplomacy. After the UN called for support for the march against Russia in Ukraine, many African countries abstained from voting against Russia. Not because they support Russia, but because history shows that Russia did no damage during the colonial period in Africa. Western countries, on the other hand, have impoverished and persecuted African countries. Russia was not present in Africa, and when it was, it was to support certain African nations in their struggle for freedom, in this case South Africa.
The American diplomat clearly underlines his concern and incomprehension at Africa’s inaction during the vote. And yet, the answer is simple: the Americans are nowhere to be found in Africa.
A Lire: Modern colonization in Africa: Injustice, abuse and the call for fair reciprocity
China-Africa: win-win cooperation
Meanwhile, China is working day and night to invest in Africa with lighter diplomacy. China does not use military force or sanctions, but proposes development projects such as road and rail construction. For example, China has built transport infrastructure in Kenya, making it easier to move economic goods from Nairobi to Mombasa.
It also offers opportunities and mutual benefits, even if not always perfectly balanced. This does not mean that China is better, but rather that the United States recognizes that its international diplomatic approach has been too imposing and recently criticized, as Kamala Harris’ visit to Africa underlines.
The Americans admit their mistake and propose solutions
Indeed, the United States has asked Africans to accept their way of life, and has imposed sanctions on countries like Uganda that have refused to comply. American parliamentarians and politicians have come to Africa to demand that Africans align themselves with the West, only to be met with resistance. On the other hand, China offers partnerships and tries to adapt to the local culture. The United States needs to adopt a foreign policy based on respect and acceptance, rather than moralizing and imposing its way of thinking on a population that cares about its everyday needs.
The diplomats thus proposed an alternative course of action based on mutually beneficial collaboration. The aim is for Africans to acquire the knowledge and skills to build their own future, rather than depending on aid and begging. It’s important to recognize that American politicians are calling for a change in international policy on the part of the US government, adopting a respectful, win-win approach where everyone can move forward.
In conclusion, it is important for Africans to learn from past experiences and seek mutually beneficial partnerships, without succumbing to a form of Eastern colonization after rejecting Western colonization. What’s more, Westerners need Africans.
Totally inspired by Zack Mwekassa’s video
