With the long drawn-out military action against international terrorism in response to last month’s suicide attacks in America, African analysts believe that it could overshadow the global efforts in helping the continent. Africa is dependent on foreign aid and it ranks among the poorest and most deprived continent in the World.
A World Bank report has recently stated that the economic shock waves from the terrorist attacks in the United States could put as many as 10 million people into poverty in developing countries. “But the worst-hit region will be Africa where the combined effect of lower growth and falling commodity prices may plunge 4 to 5 million more people into abject poverty. The 300 million poor in sub-Saharan Africa are most vulnerable because most countries there have little or no social safety nets, and poor households have minimal savings for bad times,” said the report.
Some African expatriates, who work for different companies, told Arab News of their feelings on how a long global war against terrorism could affect the continent’s political and economic future. They suggested that the international community should take steps not to stop aid to the continent.
“The military response of the US and Britain to the deadly suicide attacks could neglect Africa’s problems. It could also set back the dramatic changes under way in the continent, and the efforts of its leaders to seek economic progress and democracy,” remarked Bulle Ahmed from Kenya and he added, “Beset by ethnic tension, economic decline and new threats from AIDS, African leaders have increasingly looked to Washington and international donors for assistance and mature partnership for the past few years.”
“Africa’s mineral wealth, its actual and potential markets for global products would guarantee continuing a strong US involvement. We fear that a long US-led war on terrorism could only halt the continent’s efforts toward economic growth,” Yusuf Haggi from Tanzania said, “I still remember the impact of the bombing attacks of US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. Therefore, African leaders should show their goodwill by participating in the coalition against terrorism. “
A Nigerian Muslim who declined to give his name has a different idea. He said, “The US should investigate who was behind the assault. And the people proven guilty of involvement in the attacks should be brought to justice, rather than launching long retaliatory attacks against suspected countries and individuals.” He said the military action could only create barriers to Africa’s free trade with its world partners.
On the other hand, some experts believe that the continent would be a haven for criminals and subversives if it were abandoned and left behind. There are reports that note that the conflict zones in Angola, Congo, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, Sudan, Somalia and the area around the Central African Lakes are being used as transit points for the trafficking of narcotic drugs. They also may be providing hiding places for terrorists. These reasons should guarantee a continuing strong international involvement in Africa.
