Woes in Africa

The economic and political turmoil of Africa has combined to create an unstable environment for many African countries. Over several decades, groups around the world have given large amounts of aid to African countries in the hopes of supporting their economies, only to see the money either misspent or placed directly into the pockets of politicians or elite members of the population. Education, health care, defense, housing, and many other necessities have been largely neglected. Some of the money sent to Africa is reinvested outside of the country further weakening the economies. New plans are in the works to provide even more monetary relief for struggling African economies and governments. So many of the countries are near to collapse and total anarchy that we feel that something must be done. However, if we are to learn anything at all from history (or even common sense) we cannot expect to hand millions (or billions) of dollars to a government that has previously failed to create any lasting sort of financial stability and see any different results.

Corruption has led to governments being completely unreliable and untrustworthy. Seemingly under our noses, millions of dollars have been pocketed or spent somewhere other than intended. This may not be a popular or even feasible solution, but it may be time to simply replace or support the incumbent governments with task forces that are intended to supply a long-lasting government and economy free from corruption that will actually do some good for the common citizens. I cannot see how at the present state of things, giving any more money will help matters. It too will simply disappear.