IKENGAONLINE EDITORIAL
In the 21st century, Africa’s engagement with the East or West should evolve beyond predation, reflecting the symbiotic interplay akin to the relationship between the Egyptian plover bird and the crocodile. Just as the plover cleans the crocodile’s teeth while gaining protection, mutually beneficial partnerships can redefine Africa’s global engagements
In contemporary times, encountering African commentaries that do not imprint the notion of the Western realm—embodied by the United States and Europe—as anything less than an embodiment of pure malevolence is indeed a rarity. Conversely, the East, steered by China, Russia, and India, assumes the role of a magnanimous elder sibling, dispatched by celestial providence to emancipate Africa from the clutches of these gargantuan malefactors.
In tandem with the preceding narrative, a resounding directive to divest oneself of any assets or reserves denominated in US dollars reverberates, accompanied by predictions of an imminent plummet and ruination in the ensuing months. However, does this truly encapsulate the complete reality, or are these responses shaped by years of enduring Western-induced trauma?
While these pronouncements might carry a modicum of validity, they fundamentally echo a predilection for one oppressor over another.
Truth is, deep-seated animosity towards the West among non-Westerners has solid roots. Centuries of exploitative economic actions by Western powers towards Africa, from the trans-Atlantic slave trade era to colonial times and persisting today, have fueled this sentiment. The inconsistency of Western values is evident: preaching democracy yet endorsing military regimes in Africa and Asia while overthrowing democratically elected governments. In essence, they redefine democracy to align with their interests and preferences.
The countries of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, collectively forming a regional alliance referred to as BRICS, have recently been in the spotlight. The creation of the BRICS alliance stemmed from the acknowledgment of shared economic potential and global influence among its member nations, challenging the supremacy of traditional Western powers such as the G7.
Coined by economist Jim O’Neill in 2001, the term “BRIC” spotlighted these burgeoning economies characterized by rapidly expanding GDPs and populations. The inaugural formal BRIC summit occurred in 2009, enabling these countries to deliberate over mutual challenges and opportunities, subsequently fostering heightened cooperation. This alliance evolved into BRICS with the incorporation of South Africa in 2010.
South Africa recently hosted the consortium for a meeting during which the prospect of incorporating additional countries like Saudi Arabia, Mexico, UAE, and Ethiopia into the alliance was entertained. Even Nigeria, often referred to as the “Giant of Africa,” expressed interest in joining; however, the alliance seemingly ignored our overture. To them, Nigeria is like that unattractive girl earnestly vying for your attention at a moment when you are pursuing more appealing options that will help bolster your self-esteem. Simply not interested.
There is no doubt that the East has been on an ascendant trajectory for the past several decades. Fueled by a burgeoning economy and a population with increased economic empowerment, notably countries like China and India are issuing a resounding proclamation to the world. China, in particular, stands as a globally acknowledged economic juggernaut, effectively rivaling the United States. Meanwhile, India is experiencing a surge, evident in the recent Chandrayaan-3 space mission successfully landing a spacecraft on the lunar south pole just a few days ago.
These nations are no longer content to play second fiddle, reserving that role exclusively for the West, which has historically dictated the contours of the global order. The pressing question is how the rapid ascent of the East translates into benefits for Africa. Do we now possess new significant allies in Beijing and Moscow, entities we can genuinely entrust with our interests and by extension, our future? Alternatively, do we remain aligned with the West, the familiar yet often challenging counterpart?
The advantages of aligning with the East or the West can diverge based on the specific objectives and priorities of individual African nations. Both regions present distinct prospects and hurdles.
Aligning with the West, particularly the United States and European countries, could provide access to advanced technology, investment, expertise, and support for governance and institutional development. It might also lead to trade agreements that promote exports from African nations.
On the other hand, aligning with the East, specifically China, can offer substantial infrastructure investment, trade partnerships, and development projects. China’s Belt and Road Initiative aims to enhance connectivity and trade routes across the globe, which could benefit African nations by improving their infrastructure and trade networks. However, concerns have been raised about debt sustainability, potential resource exploitation, and the terms of these projects. We have to be wary of our new friends from the East because just like the West, they also present some unique challenges.
China’s approach to lending in African countries has garnered attention due to concerns about its potential destabilizing impact. While China’s investments and infrastructure projects in Africa have the potential to boost development, there have been instances where loans come with unfavorable conditions and lead to debt burdens.
Such conditions can tie countries into long-term dependencies, making them vulnerable to China’s influence and potentially destabilising their economic and political landscapes. African nations are left grappling with the challenge of managing their debt while trying to ensure sustainable growth.
On a separate note, Russia’s involvement in African conflicts through the Wagner Group has raised alarm. The Wagner Group, a private military organization with ties to the Russian government, has been linked to various activities in conflict zones, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Reports suggest their involvement in providing military support to certain factions, which can exacerbate conflicts, hinder peace efforts, and contribute to the destabilisation of the region.
Also, while Western nations often hold corrupt politicians accountable for their actions, even when they evade justice in their home countries, a striking contrast emerges in Asian nations. Here, such stringent standards of enforcement seem to falter. It appears inconsequential to these regions whether the amassed wealth stems from the trade of illicit drugs (so long as their own country is not the recipient of these substances) or from the pockets of corrupt leaders governing the vulnerable nations of sub-Saharan Africa.
The indifference is palpable. This indifference parallels the audacity with which Chinese manufacturers introduce substandard and counterfeit products into countries like Nigeria, right under the watchful gaze of their own authorities. After all, they reason, they won’t bear the consequences themselves, so why should they care?
The fact is, as long as we continue on the current trajectory of irresponsible and inept leadership, Africa will be vulnerable to exploitation, whether from the East or the West. We must simply decide where to direct our course. Similarly, freeing ourselves from old shackles only to submit to new ones does not truly grant us freedom.
Ultimately, the optimal path for Africa hinges on the specific priorities and strategies of individual countries. It’s neither a one-size-fits-all approach nor a matter of choosing good over evil. Rather, it involves recognising a nation’s evolving strategic interests. In international relations, alliances are not fixed; they shift over time. Who could have predicted that Saudi Arabia and Iran would one day share a table?
African nations should aim to diversify their partnerships to maximise benefits and minimise risks, rather than exclusively aligning with one region. Our leaders should thoughtfully assess the terms, advantages, and potential drawbacks of any alignment, making informed decisions that contribute to our long-term development goals and regional prosperity.
In the 21st century, Africa’s engagement with the East or West should evolve beyond predation, reflecting the symbiotic interplay akin to the relationship between the Egyptian plover bird and the crocodile. Just as the plover cleans the crocodile’s teeth, it gets a free meal. Mutually beneficial partnerships can redefine Africa’s global engagements.
