Monday, February 27, 2006
Quiet War In Africa
Redwine's blog, which is linked here, leads off today with an in depth article on Dutch Shell Oil's essential ownership of and oppressive control of the Nigerian people and their government. It is well worth reading in entirety. Since about 40% of our Forum readers are from the USA, they, along with those of Europe, might make particular note of the letter on Redwine's post that was written by Ken Wiwa and directed to those of the US regarding their interest and culpability in the matter.
The move of the US into the region is also discussed well in a People's Daily article titled U.S. Steps Up Military Infiltration Into Africa.
"...To ensure the oil supply, the U.S. government has taken many measures of infiltration such as selling weapons to oil producing countries including Nigeria. ... U.S. military presence in Africa has two obvious tendencies: one is to deepen military cooperation in North Africa and the Horn of Africa for anti-terrorism purpose; and the other is to cooperate with West Africa for oil security. From strategic perspective, Washington's Africa policy has combined anti-terrorism, oil and garrisoning."
The rape and plunder of Africa is nothing new - it has been going on for centuries.
As an 18 year old conscript in the SADF in 1981 I was unfortunate enough to take part in one of South Africa's many invasions of Angola. Invasions that were largely funded by the US at Kissenger's behest, with technological support to the SADF by Israel.
I witnessed the brutal and senseless annialation of a whole town, the sight and smell of corpses in the river will stay with me forever.
Since the European 'voyages of discovery' Africa has been nothing more that a bag of goodies from which to pluck whatever we desire, without the slightest regard to those who live there - to the Western mind (overtly and subconsiosly) Africans are, after all uncivilised savages who cannot conform to the holy grail we call Democracy. To the West's system of rampant capitalism Africa is nothing more than a source of wealth. And we alleviate our guilt with charitable donations for the starving masses.
The oil companies (and others) must be forced to renegotiate fair deals with the various states (both in Africa and elsewhere). The corruption perpetuated by the payments these companies make to smooth their way must be stopped at the highest level.
Speak out for Africa - things could be different, and we could all benefit from a free, productive and prosperous Continent.
