Can Africa Be Saved?
6 June, 2009 | by Robert R. Farrell
Despite its immense potential, Africa is drowning in seemingly
insurmountable problems. Is there a solution?
Africa is fabulously rich in natural resources, more than any other
continent. According to Capitalism Magazine, it has 50 percent of the
world’s gold and diamonds. It possesses a seemingly endless supply of
minerals, including most of the world’s bauxite, chromium, cobalt,
manganese and platinum, along with large untapped oil reserves. It has
an abundance of timber, millions of acres of fertile land, and lakes and
rivers capable of producing 40 percent of the world’s supply of
hydroelectric power. The list could go on.
Simply put, Africa is a treasure trove of natural resources.
Yet, despite these riches, most Africans live in societies troubled by
war, instability, corruption, poverty, hunger, disease and untimely
deaths.
Wars ravage the continent. Since 1981, no fewer than 28 nations in sub-
Saharan Africa have been at war.
Deadly diseases like AIDS and malaria wreak havoc throughout nations.
The world’s wealthiest countries have provided billions of dollars in aid,
but to no avail. Indeed, Africa is poorer now than when it first achieved
independence from the colonial powers some 50 years ago. Every year,
the continent is high on the list of the world’s priorities for development,
but its circumstances continue to deteriorate.
As the international community ponders the plight of this troubled
continent, the question must be asked: “Can Africa be saved?”
Why Africa Matters
Africa is the earth’s second-largest continent; a vast expanse stretching
some 5,000 miles (8,000 km) between its most northern and southern
tips, and 4,500 miles (7,000 km) between its most eastern and western
points. With a population of approximately 1 billion, it is also the world’s
second most populous continent, accounting for 15 percent of the
global population. It encompasses numerous ethnic groups in 53
countries, speaking over 1,000 languages.
The continent also leads the world in strategic minerals (rare minerals
absolutely vital for industry), possessing 80 percent of the world’s
platinum, 49 percent of its palladium, 55 percent of its chromium and 45
percent of its vanadium, among others.
Its fertile fields have the potential to feed not only itself, but also many
other countries. Its forests have enough timber to build homes for much
of the world. Moreover, Africa’s massive rainforests have the potential
for maintaining or destroying the equilibrium of the earth’s atmosphere
and ecology. For example, massive deforestation could deplete the
world’s ozone layer and adversely affect Earth’s climates.
If the continent’s economic decline can be reversed, a prosperous,
vibrant Africa, with its population of 1 billion, would become a huge
market of consumers for products and services. A talented, educated
populace would provide a skilled workforce, driving African economies
capable of competing on the world stage, thus reducing—and possibly
even eliminating—the need for aid.
Africa already contributes internationally in many fields of human
endeavor—and its contributions would be even more significant if the
potential of its peoples and lands were fully unlocked. All nations would
benefit.
A Beautiful Continent, a Litany of Problems
Those who travel to Africa are enraptured by its beauty. From majestic
Mount Kilimanjaro, to the exotic savannahs of the Serengeti, to the giant
Great Rift Valley, to beautiful Lake Victoria, to the mighty Nile River, to
the imposing pyramids, to the beauty of Table Mountain, Africa leaves
an indelible mark on many a visitor.
It is simply a unique continent. It has both the world’s longest river and
largest desert. Scores of animals not typically found elsewhere abound
in Africa: zebras, gazelles, rhinoceroses, magnificent giraffes,
impressive cheetahs and mighty hippopotamuses, to name a few.
Rainforests containing an immense array of flora and fauna straddle the
equator. Africa’s wildlife is stunning.
But the beauty of the continent also lies in its people. Africans—a
kaleidoscope of races and ethnicities of seemingly every shade under the
sun—are some of the most friendly, generous and easy-going people on
Earth.
Many envision images of Africa with only grinding poverty. However,
according to the Washington Post, perhaps as many as one third fall into
the middle income category. Like anywhere else, Africa has its share of
nice neighborhoods. The view of the entire continent as being
desperately poor is simply incorrect.
Still, Africa does face tremendous problems that have stifled its
development.
Poor Leadership
Lack of true leadership is a reoccurring theme in many African
countries. Since achieving independence, corruption, instability and
violence have hampered the development of former European colonies.
Dictators arose, oftentimes poorly educated military leaders. Instead of
serving the people, they served themselves and their cronies. Some
deliberately fanned the flames of ethnic rivalry, marginalizing other
ethnic groups, and applying a “divide and conquer” approach to
leadership. Some dictators amassed billions of dollars in personal
fortunes as they allowed their citizens to starve to death. Others favored
those of their ethnic group above others, establishing virtually one-man
states, killing or imprisoning the opposition, and fueling wars and
conflicts.
To say that Africans have been underserved by their leaders is an
understatement! Incompetence and lack of vision is prevalent: “Where
there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keeps the law, happy is
he” (Prov. 29:18).
Men have established governments based on their own ideas of right and
wrong, primarily to benefit themselves. They ignore the Law of God,
which is a lamp of understanding to any who keeps it (Psa. 119:105).
However, “The prince that wants [lacks] understanding is also a great
oppressor” (Prov. 28:16). Certainly, this verse describes Africa’s brutal
dictators, whose greed has been fueled by their own covetousness. On
the other hand, “he that hates covetousness shall prolong his days”
(same verse).
Africa has had many leaders who ruled for decades, yet their people
remained poor. With few exceptions, its leadership has been weak,
ineffective, oppressive, incompetent, corrupt and downright inefficient.
The strength of any society depends on the quality of its leadership. If
Africa is to recover, it must have leaders who can, and are willing to,
properly guide the way.
Widespread Corruption
From top to bottom, corruption permeates many African societies.
Graft, nepotism, discrimination, bribery and outright thievery are
prevalent in far too many nations. According to Transparency
International, in 2008 seven of the 10 most corrupt nations in the world
were African.
Corruption manifests itself in numerous ways (often blatantly) in
government, industry, politics, and even in obtaining basic services.
Sadly, to get important matters accomplished, individuals often face the
prospect of paying bribes.
For Africa to have any chance of improving, honesty and integrity must
become ingrained in its societies.
Poverty
The UN Human Development Report for 2003 revealed that the bottom
25 countries were African. Shockingly, 80 percent of Africa’s people
live on less than $2.50 per day. The average poor person in sub-Saharan
Africa lives on just 70 cents per day.
Adjusting for inflation, the average person was poorer in 2003 than he
was in 1973! In addition, the number of impoverished has almost
doubled over the past 30 years, from 200 million to 380 million,
according to the World Bank.
Along with poverty, illiteracy abounds—60 percent of adults in sub-
Saharan Africa are illiterate, and 40 percent of children in sub-Saharan
Africa are not in school.
Unless poverty and illiteracy are resolved, Africa will be unable to tap
the full potential of its citizens.
Underdevelopment
Throughout Africa, infrastructure remains a problem: 36 percent of
households in sub-Saharan Africa are without an improved water
source; 73 percent are without improved sanitation; only five percent
have a telephone; and 37 percent are without electricity (Africa
Infrastructure Country Diagnostic). Africa’s Sub-Saharan 48 countries
(pop. 800 million) generate roughly only as much power as Spain (pop.
45 million).
The continent suffers from impassible roads and broken-down railway
networks. Basic services such as electricity are unreliable. A satellite
image of Africa at night reveals a continent in darkness, the result of a
lack of electricity. Its agriculture is largely dependent on primitive
technology and, therefore, highly depends on rainfall. Irrigation is
seldom used: When it rains, crops are plentiful; when it does not, there
is famine.
Scarce resources are often used for military purposes instead of
benefiting the continent’s development needs, which could be channeled
into schools, roads, hospitals, irrigation facilities, telecommunications,
roads, and other areas vital for Africa’s development.
For trade, industry and agriculture to reach their potential, Africa’s
infrastructure must be drastically improved.
Disease
Disease stalks the continent: poor sanitation, inadequate water supply,
malnutrition, and ill-health afflict many people. More than 250 million do
not have access to clean water, and more than 200 million do not have
access to health services.
AIDS threatens the very foundation of African nations, with 15.5 million
people having died from health-related complications since 1981; at least
25 million were HIV positive in 2007 (WHO/UNAIDS). Sub-Saharan
Africa has an astonishing 70 percent of global infections. At least 95
percent of AIDS orphans are African (UN Food and Agriculture
Organization). A 2008 UNAIDS report revealed that more than 11
million children have lost their parents to AIDS. Average life expectancy
is 47 years in sub-Saharan Africa; just without AIDS, it would be 62.
Malaria is another major killer. Some 3,000 children die from it daily.
Tuberculosis is also significant, along with Ebola and other deadly
diseases.
Raging Conflicts
Africa faces severe and mounting problems that are not easily solved.
One of the greatest is war. Presently, 15 countries are either engaged in
war or are experiencing post-war conflict and tension, be it civil or
external. Africa, in recent times, has been wounded by the scourge of
war perhaps like no other continent. Here are just five:
• Democratic Republic of the Congo: During the past decade, this
massive country has been gridlocked in a brutal civil war. At times, up
to seven nations have been directly involved in this conflict for control
of the country’s vast mineral reserves. Since 1998, over 5 million people
have died, the highest loss of life in conflict since World War II. To put
this in perspective, its death toll is up to one thousand times greater than
the more widely reported Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
A peace agreement was signed in 2003, reducing the war’s intensity.
Nonetheless, skirmishes still flare up with significant loss of life.
• Sudan: A bitter war continues between the Sudanese government and
rebels in the Darfur region. Rebels took up arms after allegations of
decades-long neglect and abuse. Government forces retaliated swiftly.
Accurate details of the death toll are hard to come by, but the UN
estimates that over 200,000 have been killed and millions displaced.
Despite UN intervention, the war rages on, creating a humanitarian
disaster, with refugees flooding into Chad and other neighboring
countries.
• Somalia: The country collapsed into anarchy with the ousting of long-
time ruler General Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991. A U.S.-led intervention
to restore order was unsuccessful. In 2006, Islamic militants briefly
seized power, but were defeated by Ethiopia. Since then, Somalia has
been in a state of lawlessness.
• Liberia: This once peaceful country, created by freed American
slaves in the 19th century, was rocked by civil wars in 1989 and 1999.
The war came to an end in 2003 with the resignation of Liberian ruler
Charles Taylor. After several years of upheaval, peace was finally
restored, and the nation is moving forward under the leadership of its
first female prime minister.
• Sierra Leone: In the 1990s, rebels fought the government for control
of the country’s diamond resources. The rebels were notorious for
recruiting child soldiers. Human Rights Watch estimates that over
50,000 people have been killed and 1 million displaced. Since then,
Sierra Leone has started the long road to recovery.
The specter of war has never been too far from Africa. Other nations
that have been recently ravaged by war include Rwanda, Angola,
Mozambique, Ivory Coast and Uganda, among others. Even in nations
now at peace, various ethnic groups eye one another with suspicion in
an uneasy truce. Since the end of the Cold War, more than 9 million
have died due to civil unrest in Africa. War has also led to over 9 million
refuges and internally displaced people.
Africa’s natural resources have so far proved to be a curse rather than a
blessing.
Africa Will Be Saved!
Addressing Africa’s plight has been on the agenda of the United Nations,
the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the world’s
richest countries for decades, which have often described the continent’
s development as a top priority.
Aid has been poured into projects and industry in the region to improve
the standard of living. Over the last 40 years, more than $2.6 trillion has
been provided to developing countries, of which 25 percent has gone to
Africa, totaling a staggering $500 billion. Some of these initiatives have
achieved a measure of success. But overall, Africa continues to wallow
in war, poverty, hunger, disease and death.
For decades, Africans have tried to solve their continent’s problems.
For decades, the world has been trying to solve Africa’s problems. Yet
to no avail.
Why? Why have billions of dollars and good intentions been unable to
lift Africa out of its myriad of problems? Is there something that has
been overlooked?
The reasons behind Africa’s problems are fundamentally spiritual in
nature, not physical. War, oppression and corruption are rife in Africa,
the major factors that stifle development. The motivating factors behind
these are hatred, envy, malice, jealousy, lust and greed. When these are
prevalent, they lead to the downfall of any nation or continent:
“Righteousness [keeping God’s Commandments – Psa. 119:172] exalts
a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov. 14:34).
Until these things are removed, Africa’s problems will not be solved.
Throwing money at them will not work if the underlying causes are
ignored.
The good news is that there is a new world-ruling government coming
soon. With this government, wars, corruption and oppression will be
removed. True leadership will come to Africa. Under the government of
God, the laws of God will be enforced. It will not be a government by
the people, but for the good of the people (Isa. 11:1-5).
War, oppression and corruption will be removed. Everyone will speak
the truth with his fellowman, and will work for the benefit of all. People
will learn to love—have outgoing concern—for each other. There will
be no place for graft, nepotism, cronyism, discrimination, lying or any
other form of corruption.
At that time, with the government of God in place, Africa will become a
prosperous, vibrant continent, a place of joy, where every African—
along with all peoples—will realize his or her full potential!
Courtesy: The Real Truth
6 June, 2009 | by Robert R. Farrell
Despite its immense potential, Africa is drowning in seemingly
insurmountable problems. Is there a solution?
Africa is fabulously rich in natural resources, more than any other
continent. According to Capitalism Magazine, it has 50 percent of the
world’s gold and diamonds. It possesses a seemingly endless supply of
minerals, including most of the world’s bauxite, chromium, cobalt,
manganese and platinum, along with large untapped oil reserves. It has
an abundance of timber, millions of acres of fertile land, and lakes and
rivers capable of producing 40 percent of the world’s supply of
hydroelectric power. The list could go on.
Simply put, Africa is a treasure trove of natural resources.
Yet, despite these riches, most Africans live in societies troubled by
war, instability, corruption, poverty, hunger, disease and untimely
deaths.
The United Nations said that
Africa has the largest number
of poor countries of any
continent, including 34 of the
50 least developed countries.
Tragically, as many as 50
percent of Africans live on
less than $1.25 a day (USD
throughout article).
Wars ravage the continent. Since 1981, no fewer than 28 nations in sub-
Saharan Africa have been at war.
Deadly diseases like AIDS and malaria wreak havoc throughout nations.
The world’s wealthiest countries have provided billions of dollars in aid,
but to no avail. Indeed, Africa is poorer now than when it first achieved
independence from the colonial powers some 50 years ago. Every year,
the continent is high on the list of the world’s priorities for development,
but its circumstances continue to deteriorate.
As the international community ponders the plight of this troubled
continent, the question must be asked: “Can Africa be saved?”
Why Africa Matters
Africa is the earth’s second-largest continent; a vast expanse stretching
some 5,000 miles (8,000 km) between its most northern and southern
tips, and 4,500 miles (7,000 km) between its most eastern and western
points. With a population of approximately 1 billion, it is also the world’s
second most populous continent, accounting for 15 percent of the
global population. It encompasses numerous ethnic groups in 53
countries, speaking over 1,000 languages.
The continent also leads the world in strategic minerals (rare minerals
absolutely vital for industry), possessing 80 percent of the world’s
platinum, 49 percent of its palladium, 55 percent of its chromium and 45
percent of its vanadium, among others.
Its fertile fields have the potential to feed not only itself, but also many
other countries. Its forests have enough timber to build homes for much
of the world. Moreover, Africa’s massive rainforests have the potential
for maintaining or destroying the equilibrium of the earth’s atmosphere
and ecology. For example, massive deforestation could deplete the
world’s ozone layer and adversely affect Earth’s climates.
If the continent’s economic decline can be reversed, a prosperous,
vibrant Africa, with its population of 1 billion, would become a huge
market of consumers for products and services. A talented, educated
populace would provide a skilled workforce, driving African economies
capable of competing on the world stage, thus reducing—and possibly
even eliminating—the need for aid.
Africa already contributes internationally in many fields of human
endeavor—and its contributions would be even more significant if the
potential of its peoples and lands were fully unlocked. All nations would
benefit.
A Beautiful Continent, a Litany of Problems
Those who travel to Africa are enraptured by its beauty. From majestic
Mount Kilimanjaro, to the exotic savannahs of the Serengeti, to the giant
Great Rift Valley, to beautiful Lake Victoria, to the mighty Nile River, to
the imposing pyramids, to the beauty of Table Mountain, Africa leaves
an indelible mark on many a visitor.
It is simply a unique continent. It has both the world’s longest river and
largest desert. Scores of animals not typically found elsewhere abound
in Africa: zebras, gazelles, rhinoceroses, magnificent giraffes,
impressive cheetahs and mighty hippopotamuses, to name a few.
Rainforests containing an immense array of flora and fauna straddle the
equator. Africa’s wildlife is stunning.
But the beauty of the continent also lies in its people. Africans—a
kaleidoscope of races and ethnicities of seemingly every shade under the
sun—are some of the most friendly, generous and easy-going people on
Earth.
Many envision images of Africa with only grinding poverty. However,
according to the Washington Post, perhaps as many as one third fall into
the middle income category. Like anywhere else, Africa has its share of
nice neighborhoods. The view of the entire continent as being
desperately poor is simply incorrect.
Still, Africa does face tremendous problems that have stifled its
development.
Poor Leadership
Lack of true leadership is a reoccurring theme in many African
countries. Since achieving independence, corruption, instability and
violence have hampered the development of former European colonies.
Dictators arose, oftentimes poorly educated military leaders. Instead of
serving the people, they served themselves and their cronies. Some
deliberately fanned the flames of ethnic rivalry, marginalizing other
ethnic groups, and applying a “divide and conquer” approach to
leadership. Some dictators amassed billions of dollars in personal
fortunes as they allowed their citizens to starve to death. Others favored
those of their ethnic group above others, establishing virtually one-man
states, killing or imprisoning the opposition, and fueling wars and
conflicts.
To say that Africans have been underserved by their leaders is an
understatement! Incompetence and lack of vision is prevalent: “Where
there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keeps the law, happy is
he” (Prov. 29:18).
Men have established governments based on their own ideas of right and
wrong, primarily to benefit themselves. They ignore the Law of God,
which is a lamp of understanding to any who keeps it (Psa. 119:105).
However, “The prince that wants [lacks] understanding is also a great
oppressor” (Prov. 28:16). Certainly, this verse describes Africa’s brutal
dictators, whose greed has been fueled by their own covetousness. On
the other hand, “he that hates covetousness shall prolong his days”
(same verse).
Africa has had many leaders who ruled for decades, yet their people
remained poor. With few exceptions, its leadership has been weak,
ineffective, oppressive, incompetent, corrupt and downright inefficient.
The strength of any society depends on the quality of its leadership. If
Africa is to recover, it must have leaders who can, and are willing to,
properly guide the way.
Widespread Corruption
From top to bottom, corruption permeates many African societies.
Graft, nepotism, discrimination, bribery and outright thievery are
prevalent in far too many nations. According to Transparency
International, in 2008 seven of the 10 most corrupt nations in the world
were African.
Corruption manifests itself in numerous ways (often blatantly) in
government, industry, politics, and even in obtaining basic services.
Sadly, to get important matters accomplished, individuals often face the
prospect of paying bribes.
For Africa to have any chance of improving, honesty and integrity must
become ingrained in its societies.
Poverty
The UN Human Development Report for 2003 revealed that the bottom
25 countries were African. Shockingly, 80 percent of Africa’s people
live on less than $2.50 per day. The average poor person in sub-Saharan
Africa lives on just 70 cents per day.
Adjusting for inflation, the average person was poorer in 2003 than he
was in 1973! In addition, the number of impoverished has almost
doubled over the past 30 years, from 200 million to 380 million,
according to the World Bank.
Along with poverty, illiteracy abounds—60 percent of adults in sub-
Saharan Africa are illiterate, and 40 percent of children in sub-Saharan
Africa are not in school.
Unless poverty and illiteracy are resolved, Africa will be unable to tap
the full potential of its citizens.
Underdevelopment
Throughout Africa, infrastructure remains a problem: 36 percent of
households in sub-Saharan Africa are without an improved water
source; 73 percent are without improved sanitation; only five percent
have a telephone; and 37 percent are without electricity (Africa
Infrastructure Country Diagnostic). Africa’s Sub-Saharan 48 countries
(pop. 800 million) generate roughly only as much power as Spain (pop.
45 million).
The continent suffers from impassible roads and broken-down railway
networks. Basic services such as electricity are unreliable. A satellite
image of Africa at night reveals a continent in darkness, the result of a
lack of electricity. Its agriculture is largely dependent on primitive
technology and, therefore, highly depends on rainfall. Irrigation is
seldom used: When it rains, crops are plentiful; when it does not, there
is famine.
Scarce resources are often used for military purposes instead of
benefiting the continent’s development needs, which could be channeled
into schools, roads, hospitals, irrigation facilities, telecommunications,
roads, and other areas vital for Africa’s development.
For trade, industry and agriculture to reach their potential, Africa’s
infrastructure must be drastically improved.
Disease
Disease stalks the continent: poor sanitation, inadequate water supply,
malnutrition, and ill-health afflict many people. More than 250 million do
not have access to clean water, and more than 200 million do not have
access to health services.
AIDS threatens the very foundation of African nations, with 15.5 million
people having died from health-related complications since 1981; at least
25 million were HIV positive in 2007 (WHO/UNAIDS). Sub-Saharan
Africa has an astonishing 70 percent of global infections. At least 95
percent of AIDS orphans are African (UN Food and Agriculture
Organization). A 2008 UNAIDS report revealed that more than 11
million children have lost their parents to AIDS. Average life expectancy
is 47 years in sub-Saharan Africa; just without AIDS, it would be 62.
Malaria is another major killer. Some 3,000 children die from it daily.
Tuberculosis is also significant, along with Ebola and other deadly
diseases.
Raging Conflicts
Africa faces severe and mounting problems that are not easily solved.
One of the greatest is war. Presently, 15 countries are either engaged in
war or are experiencing post-war conflict and tension, be it civil or
external. Africa, in recent times, has been wounded by the scourge of
war perhaps like no other continent. Here are just five:
• Democratic Republic of the Congo: During the past decade, this
massive country has been gridlocked in a brutal civil war. At times, up
to seven nations have been directly involved in this conflict for control
of the country’s vast mineral reserves. Since 1998, over 5 million people
have died, the highest loss of life in conflict since World War II. To put
this in perspective, its death toll is up to one thousand times greater than
the more widely reported Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
A peace agreement was signed in 2003, reducing the war’s intensity.
Nonetheless, skirmishes still flare up with significant loss of life.
• Sudan: A bitter war continues between the Sudanese government and
rebels in the Darfur region. Rebels took up arms after allegations of
decades-long neglect and abuse. Government forces retaliated swiftly.
Accurate details of the death toll are hard to come by, but the UN
estimates that over 200,000 have been killed and millions displaced.
Despite UN intervention, the war rages on, creating a humanitarian
disaster, with refugees flooding into Chad and other neighboring
countries.
• Somalia: The country collapsed into anarchy with the ousting of long-
time ruler General Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991. A U.S.-led intervention
to restore order was unsuccessful. In 2006, Islamic militants briefly
seized power, but were defeated by Ethiopia. Since then, Somalia has
been in a state of lawlessness.
• Liberia: This once peaceful country, created by freed American
slaves in the 19th century, was rocked by civil wars in 1989 and 1999.
The war came to an end in 2003 with the resignation of Liberian ruler
Charles Taylor. After several years of upheaval, peace was finally
restored, and the nation is moving forward under the leadership of its
first female prime minister.
• Sierra Leone: In the 1990s, rebels fought the government for control
of the country’s diamond resources. The rebels were notorious for
recruiting child soldiers. Human Rights Watch estimates that over
50,000 people have been killed and 1 million displaced. Since then,
Sierra Leone has started the long road to recovery.
The specter of war has never been too far from Africa. Other nations
that have been recently ravaged by war include Rwanda, Angola,
Mozambique, Ivory Coast and Uganda, among others. Even in nations
now at peace, various ethnic groups eye one another with suspicion in
an uneasy truce. Since the end of the Cold War, more than 9 million
have died due to civil unrest in Africa. War has also led to over 9 million
refuges and internally displaced people.
Africa’s natural resources have so far proved to be a curse rather than a
blessing.
Africa Will Be Saved!
Addressing Africa’s plight has been on the agenda of the United Nations,
the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the world’s
richest countries for decades, which have often described the continent’
s development as a top priority.
Aid has been poured into projects and industry in the region to improve
the standard of living. Over the last 40 years, more than $2.6 trillion has
been provided to developing countries, of which 25 percent has gone to
Africa, totaling a staggering $500 billion. Some of these initiatives have
achieved a measure of success. But overall, Africa continues to wallow
in war, poverty, hunger, disease and death.
For decades, Africans have tried to solve their continent’s problems.
For decades, the world has been trying to solve Africa’s problems. Yet
to no avail.
Why? Why have billions of dollars and good intentions been unable to
lift Africa out of its myriad of problems? Is there something that has
been overlooked?
The reasons behind Africa’s problems are fundamentally spiritual in
nature, not physical. War, oppression and corruption are rife in Africa,
the major factors that stifle development. The motivating factors behind
these are hatred, envy, malice, jealousy, lust and greed. When these are
prevalent, they lead to the downfall of any nation or continent:
“Righteousness [keeping God’s Commandments – Psa. 119:172] exalts
a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov. 14:34).
Until these things are removed, Africa’s problems will not be solved.
Throwing money at them will not work if the underlying causes are
ignored.
The good news is that there is a new world-ruling government coming
soon. With this government, wars, corruption and oppression will be
removed. True leadership will come to Africa. Under the government of
God, the laws of God will be enforced. It will not be a government by
the people, but for the good of the people (Isa. 11:1-5).
War, oppression and corruption will be removed. Everyone will speak
the truth with his fellowman, and will work for the benefit of all. People
will learn to love—have outgoing concern—for each other. There will
be no place for graft, nepotism, cronyism, discrimination, lying or any
other form of corruption.
At that time, with the government of God in place, Africa will become a
prosperous, vibrant continent, a place of joy, where every African—
along with all peoples—will realize his or her full potential!
Courtesy: The Real Truth
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