Alarm, China Is Taking Over Poor Africa!

Read an article recently that reported on China's unscrupulous arms deals with conflict ridden countries like Somalia and Ethiopia. The article explains that China thought it had it easy in Africa until a recent wave of attacks by sea proved otherwise. Somalian pirates backed by politicians within the country itself have been hijacking Chinese ships. Don't need to explain the entire article here. Frankly that aspect of the story doesn't affect my thoughts on China in the motherland


The point I want to make is that I find it interesting and almost hypocritical on the part of the western media that they suddenly care about how foreign governments conduct deals in Africa. Ever since China has shown increasing interest in the continent, western newspapers have bombarded readers with the risk Africa poses in the hands of the Asian giant. Reports that China seeks to exploit Africa and its supposed imperialist agenda towards the motherland are spread with the intent to create worry and concern among Africans and westerners with "fluffy" hearts. But is that really the motive behind these reports? Is it possible that perhaps western governments(which gets undying support from their media) is threatened by China's new "stronghold" in Africa? Is the United States, for example, threatened by China's emerging power? Or that there is another country who can treat Africa like a game of ping pong and in the process even beat them to it?


The truth is that the U.S or the media at large do not care about Africa or what happens there. If they did, they would make it a point to show a more balanced reporting of the continent. Instead of focusing on wars and starvation, they would also report developments that are occurring in places like Accra, Lagos, Johannesburg etc. They would showcase Africans making a difference in thier respective countries and once in a while, reveal beautiful images of people, buildings and landscape.


The media's sudden concern about China's motives in Africa is just another case of hogwash. Mr. media, pull the beam off your eyes first by reporting the U.S's slow response to the conflict in Darfur and Congo and how till today the United States continues to support unscrupulous leaders in various places in the motherland. At least China will look you in the eye and say they don't give a (you know what) about Africa. To them it's all business. This is something the U.S and the west at large do not have the guts to do.

Africa's Songbird & Freedom Fighter Passes On

She was so beautiful, her face, her voice-those pure looking eyes. The distinctiveness of her vocals and her fight against aparthied made her one of Africa's most beloved songstress. She endured 30 years of exile due to her anti-aparthied activities only to be allowed permission into her country once again by the newly freed and elected freedom fighter, Nelson Mandela. Words cannot describe the type of gem she was to me and millions of fans all over the world. I looked forward to attending her concert in Prospect Park, Brooklyn (NY) earlier this year, but the concert was cancelled due to her failing health. She died in Italy this past sunday while on stage. May this beautiful, black, heroic sister and MAMA! find peace in the Lord. Thank you Mariam Makeba for sharing your wonderful talent and gracious presence and for fighting for the rights of fellow africans. Nakupenda!

One of my favorite clips of her...

Obama Makes It To The White House

Last night the world watched as Presidential hopeful, Barrack Hussein Obama officially became the people's choice for United States President. This will be the first black man and first black woman (soon to be first lady, Michelle Obama) to occupy the most famous house in the world. I have observed people celebrate. I have seen some, mainly African americans, shed tears of joy in the media(we all saw Jesse Jackson, didn't we?), on the streets at work etc. Obama has created possibilties for people who only saw limitations enforced by a system that isn't always fair. He also, as his best selling book implies, has given us the audacity to hope. All over Europe, Asia and Africa people are celebrating. I have received phone calls from friends and families back home all filled with joy that one of thier sons will soon "rule the world."

Obama is for change! Obama will fix things! Yet only time will tell what Obama's presidency will contribute to an already deteriorating economy, two unfinished wars that have cost billions of dollars, a failing health system and other negative aspects of the Bush administration. Only time will tell-but as we wait, maybe a few of us, having the audacity to ponder at a time that calls for celebration(and deservedly so for its historic meaning) should ask ourselves what an Obama presidency means for Africa.

Africa is overzealous about this man and nowhere is this more pronounced than in Kenya, Papa Obama's birthplace. The question still remains, what does this mean for Africa? Will African countries comply with U.S policies/motives/agendas now that someone that looks like them is pulling the strings? Will conflict situations in Darfur and the Congo be dealt with swiftly and appropiately by the new adminstration? What about Africom? Will the militarization of the African continent fully take place or the reverse? What about the rising situation in the Niger Delta where armed militias are beginning to pose a serious problem in the oil sector? Only time will tell. But in the mean time, like millions, if not billions of people all over the world, I will take this moment to celebrate that a person of African heritage, a black man is about to rule the most powerful country in the world.

Now excuse me while I celebrate the American way by ordering some Pizza...