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Can Europe be Africa's Kinsman Redeemer?
By
Sunny Lawrence-Oputa

The ultimate salvo from the curious arsenal of the reader of this article could be: Is Europe really Africa's kinsman?

Yes is the answer. Whether from the creationist or Darwinist perspectives, all men are one. Therefore, there's a natural relationship between all Homo sapiens, which Europeans and Africans are among. Europe and Africa maintains close geographical proximity and an age long political and trade ties. The history of both continents cannot be complete without a major focus on one another.

To reveal but a few, on the historic relationship between the two continents, it is compelling to recollect that European explorers were among the first outside indigenous Africans to land on African paths and rivers. European merchants prominently pioneered and exacerbated the plundering of Africa's wealth; the exploitation of Africa's labor force, dehumanization of Africans and horrendous erosion of its human capital base through the evil slave trade. Basically, Europe colonized almost all African countries and maintained both direct/indirect rules. From the First World War, to various peacekeeping operations, African soldiers have bravely served along their European counterparts. Both continents have always worked harmoniously for the benefit of each other.

As the European Union steps up to have a summit with Africa in Lisbon, which commences on December 8 through December, 13, 2007, it becomes imperative to ginger European leaders implement policies and actions which will vigorously assist Africa in its onerous work of ensuring meaningful human development.

Before leaving office, Tony Blair the British Prime Minister apologized to Africa for the evil consequences of slave trade that was callously unleashed on the continent. Apologies and remorsefulness is good and humanly acceptable. But while Africa is not asking for reparation and has always maintained good relationship with Europe, it is morally okay for European Union leaders to move a little further in its talk with Africa on how to assist the continent in redeeming its human capital base which Europe had a hand in destroying. Walter Rodney, in his book: How Europe Underdeveloped Africa had argued that the collapsed state of Africa's political and economic development was a result of the concomitant power politics and economic exploitation of Africa by Europe.

To help fix Africa's human development, EU should employ the method of transformational diplomacy as conceived by Dr. Condoleezza Rice - U. S Secretary of State. That is doing things with Africa and not just doing things for Africa.

For long, Africa leaders have relapsed, depending much on aids from foreign countries for the development of their various nations. And when these aids are given, most of the time they are not well managed. While African leaders are been beckoned to sit up and see to the development of their nations, EU nations can collaborate with Africa in improving the quality of its educational system, by giving out grants to institutions, having exchange programs with lecturers and students, launching foreign direct investments (FDI), investing directly in health initiatives, agricultural programs, manufacturing, and also monitor how European companies working in Africa promotes sound corporate social responsibility and protection of the African ecology.

African leaders should also showcase their readiness towards creating enabling environment for their people to enjoy long, healthy and creative lives, by ensuring good governance, eschewing corruption, and by showing respect for human rights.

Apparently, Europe needs Africa as Africa needs her. While Africa would want the collaboration and connective presence of EU in its developmental efforts, Europe seriously needs local and international African labor for her to survive the competitive global environment especially where it involves United States and China.

There is a drastic decline in the relationship between the west and Africa. China's massive penetration into the African market is a big concern to the west. While U.S is trying to catch -up with China's sudden marriage with Africa and dilute what its long run effect will cost the west, Europe is gradually losing grip of its years of established relationship with Africa. This year's European Union - African summit might create another opportunity for the two continents to rekindle their relationship. In a situation such as this, African leaders would expect some love gifts to their nations from EU leaders like what China has romantically done for them recently.

However, the political and economic development of Africa hinges on the development of its human capital. Humans are the greatest asset of any nation or organization. For Africa to commence a massive human capacity development and create enabling environment for her people, it seriously calls for the collaboration of European Union, which owns Africa a kinsman redeemer's seed. But, the final call on Africa's human development will always be on Africans who can only determine their future and fix their continent. This is the greatest challenge facing African leaders as they march into Lisbon.