"...the sum of Africa's misfortunes-its wars, its despotisms, its corruption, its droughts, its everyday violence-presents a crisis of such magnitude that it goes beyond the reach of foreseeable solutions. At the core of this crisis is the failure of African leaders to provide effective government...for the most part, Africa has suffered grievously at the hands of its Big Men and its ruling elites. Their preoccupations, above all, has been to hold power for the purpose of self-enrichment...
Time and time again, its potential for economic development has been disrupted by the predatory politics of ruling elites seeking personal gain, often precipitating violence for their own ends. After decades of mismanagement and corruption, most African states have become hollowed out. They are no longer instruments capable of serving the public good. Indeed, far from being able to provide aid and protection to their citizens, African governments and the vampire-like politicians who run them are regarded by the populations they rule as yet another burden they have to bear in the struggle for survival."
The ending of this work, physically, mentally, and emotionally, runs chills down my spine.
We have seen the same, time and time again. The same cycle of violence, the same cycle of mismanagement, the same cycle of suffering. For every promising start, there is another "vampire," holding onto power with complete disregard for his citizenry. For every economic success, there is another catastrophe, wrought by man or nature.
The way to the future is forward. It is the people, the people who have suffered and remained in stifling quagmire for so long, who will walk this path, with or without the malevolent or benevolent hand of the ruling class. It is these people for whom I have hope.
