26 Apr Humanitarism and Development in Africa
As an intern I participated to a lecture on 22nd of April 2024 about Humanitarism and Development in Africa. I learnt about different opinions and viewpoints on the subject.
The conference was presented by Agnese Pacciardi, a researcher in the Department of Political Science in Lund university. She specialises in migration, borders and development in West and North Africa. She spoke to us about her experience as a researcher, activist and member of the feminist anti-racist collective Fundacion Luvo.
Topic: In this conference we have tackled the subject of decolonisation and tried to provoke thought in everyone and deconstruct the ideas and prejudices urrounding development cooperation and humanitarianism. We tried to think together about alternatives on this subject, by reflecting on more respectful forms of cooperation between North and South, drawing inspiration from African scholars and Decolonisation is the process by which colonies gain political and economic independence from the colonial power that ruled them. This process can take different forms, such as national liberation movements, diplomatic negotiations, popular revolts or even armed conflict.
Decolonisation often involves profound changes in the social, political and economic structure of former colonies, as well as challenges in rebuilding a national identity and establishing functioning government institutions.
One of the topics that struck me most was the persistent hold of Western countries over many African countries, which can be attributed to a number of historical, political, economic and cultural factors. This resonated with me because I am French and a descendant of African parents.
Firstly, there is the colonial heritage of many African countries that were colonised by European powers over the past centuries. During the colonial period, these powers exploited natural resources, exploited labour and imposed their political, economic and social institutions on the local populations.
Even after independence, many African countries continue to maintain close economic and political ties with their former colonial powers. The economies of African countries have often been shaped by the priorities of the colonial powers, such as the CFA Franc. In the discussion the topic of CFA franc was raised, which is the currency used in several French-speaking African countries, as well as in some Central and West African countries. Historically, theCFA franc was linked to the French franc, now currently to the euro since inception.The CFA franc was introduced in the French colonies of Africa during the colonial period and survived the independence of these countries.
The CFA franc keeps former colonised countries economically dependent on France and other European countries, because of its link with the euro and the monetary policies that flow from it.
In addition, the fact that the foreign exchange reserves of countries using the CFA franc are deposited in the French Treasury and that the BCEAO (Banque Centrale des Etats de l’Afrique de l’Ouest) and the BEAC (Banque des Etats de l’Afrique Centrale) are linked to the Bank of France raises concerns about the independence and monetary sovereignty of these countries.
These currencies are often integrated into global economic networks favourable to their own interests. This has led to persistent economic dependence on Western countries, particularly in terms of trade, investment and development aid.
This leads to the instability of many African countries which have faced persistent governance challenges, specifically dictatorships, civil conflicts, coups d’état and widespread corruption. This political instability can be exploited by external actors to maintain their influence and interests in the region. The DRC is a case in point, where political instability is exploited by international players to further their geopolitical interests.
Rivalries between regional and international powers can increase local tensions and conflicts by supporting different armed groups or political factions, thus contributing to the perpetuation of conflicts. The DRC is surrounded by countries with important geopolitical interests. Regional rivalries, alliances and tensions between neighbouring countries can manifest themselves in support for armed groups or political factions in the DRC, fuelling local conflicts.
Then there are the geopolitical interests that are presented by Western countries, just as other global players such as China and Russia, often have geopolitical interests in the African region such as the Congo. These can include access to natural resources, maintaining regional stability, fighting terrorism and securing maritime trade routes. To protect these interests, Western countries may maintain a military presence, enter into security cooperation agreements or provide conditional economic aid. Persistent global economic, social and political inequalities also contribute to maintaining the stranglehold of Western countries on many African countries. Power imbalances between industrialised and developing countries often limit the latter’s ability to negotiate fair trade agreements or influence international policies.
Western countries contribute to the conflicts in several African countries such as the DRC, whose economic interests are extremely rich in natural resources such as gold, diamonds, copper, cobalt and coltan. These resources are essential to many Western industries, including electronics, automotive and mining. Western countries have often supported local actors or rebel groups who control these resource-rich areas, with the aim of securing access to and control of these raw
materials. The DRC is located in the heart of Africa and is a strategic gateway for regional and international trade. Western countries may seek to exert influence over trade routes, transport corridors and infrastructure to secure their commercial interests in the region.
Western countries may seek to maintain political influence in the DRC by supporting governments or factions that further their own economic and geopolitical interests. This may include supporting authoritarian regimes or corrupt political elites that guarantee the stability needed for foreign investment, even at the expense of the well-being of the local population. Such foreign intervention can exacerbate the suffering of local populations and hamper efforts to achieve peace and stability in the country.
The persistent hold of Western countries over many African countries is the result of a complex combination of historical, economic, political and geopolitical factors that reflect the inequalities of power and the dynamics of domination in international relations.
This conference has been enriching for me from the point of view of the child of a marginalised immigrant parent. I think that the presence of Western countries in Africa since colonisation has left many dysfunctions in the advancement of the African continent and it remains complex to change certain mentalities because there are still after-effects of the colonial era. I think that the countries of Africa must take their independence from Western countries. The question of Africa’s
independence from Western countries is complex and gives rise to a variety of debates.
Independence would allow African nations to take full control of their political, economic and social affairs, without foreign interference. This means that political decisions, economic policies and development priorities would be determined by African governments and their citizens, rather than by outside interests. Some argue that economic independence would enable African countries to better manage their natural resources, invest in local infrastructure and industries,
and promote sustainable economic development. This could help reduce economic dependence on Western countries and promote autonomous economic growth.
Independence offers African countries the opportunity to promote and preserve their cultural, linguistic and historical identity without the dominant influence of Western countries. This can foster a sense of national pride and strengthen the social fabric of African societies.
And it will enable Africa to position itself on an equal footing with other regions of the world on the international stage. This means that African nations could participate fully in global decision-making processes, defend their interests and contribute actively to solving global problems.
However, it should also be recognised that achieving full independence can be a complex and difficult process, and that relations between Africa and Western countries are often closely intertwined economically, politically and socially. Some therefore believe that cooperation and partnership between Africa and Western countries can be beneficial if based on mutual respect, equal partnership and the promotion of sustainable development.
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