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Subject:
From:
Elizabeth <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
The Gambia and related-issues mailing list <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Tue, 3 Sep 2002 17:28:59 -0500
Content-Type:
text/plain
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As a young girl, growing up in the Gambia and now living in Europe, I
have being wondering whether kolonization has something to with poverty
in Africa (which todays African leaders do believe).

Well, I do have a few thoughts to share with you and maybe someone kan
help with some answers to my questions.

Africa and Asia are two continents, both suffered colonization and
still suffers corruption. Why is Africa poorer? Is it because of
Africas failure to elect demokratic governments and it's lack of
interest in promoting industrial sustainability and democracy.

Whatever method used in analising the situation in both continents
shows that the situation in Africa is worse. One reason I learnt about
is that the production power in Asia since the 60s has dubbled,
decreasing the poverty levels, whilst in Africas production power has
decreased. Why??

Why is Africa staving?

We Africans should take our own responsibilities and change our
attitudes, learn to listen more to our people, our women , and
children. Our leaders today are only elected to serve their families,
villages and tribes, ignoring the rest. An example is the situation in
the Gambia and Zimbabwe just to mention a few. Leaders in these two
countries only care about their personal interests: which are to stay
president until death, to shatter the opposition, controll the media,
lack of knowledge in democracy issues, poor human right records and at
the same time enrich themselves and their loyals on state loans (loans
from IMF, USA, EU, ...) which their poor will have to pay
back.Besides,they show no sign of concern over what resources they can
develop or produce in orde to improve the situation.

For instance, in the Gambia, after years of groudnut production, the
country still lacks a functional industry in the peanut bussiness, the
same thing applies with fishery, and agriculture. Why can't the state
start a ketchup plant, juice factory, oil, clothing, .....

I think we are not grateful to our moms and sisters efforts in
agricultute back home. When will those responsible take them seriously
and create a sustainable market for their products? Why should we
always plea for food when the rains fail? Can't we produce, consume,
sell and preserve the leftovers for next time? Why are we still
dependent on the west? What are Africans doing about their situation.

Your answers will be appreciated.

/Elizabeth

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