Beware of new Greeks bearing gifts

China and its arsenal of economic, social and diplomatic largesse was in Africa this week, winning over governments with multi-billion dollar plans and initiatives.

From energy, to health, to infrastructure, climate change, peace, trade, agriculture and even cyber security and biodiversity conservation, China has pledged to stand by Africa as a development partner. Hidden within the centuries of colonialism Africa endured under European powers was the establishment of systems, infrastructure and mindsets geared to ensure the Dark Continent’s reliance on Europe, beyond the independence era.

Indeed, the great colonialist, Cecil John Rhodes, dreamt of a Cape-to-Cairo railway linking all British territories and carrying to Britain, precious metals and other inputs and to Africa, more colonial settlers, military personnel/equipment and European values. The French and the Portuguese had similar dreams and the result of these is that all over the continent, countries have leaned westwards for economic partnerships, trade and aid.

Editor's Comment
UDC's 100 Days: Please deliver your promises!

We duly congratulate them to have ousted the long ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) from power. Prior to taking power from the BDP, the coalition had made several election promises that are credited for influencing change and swaying the people to vote in its favour.The party had made an undertaking, which its leader and President Duma Boko consistently bellowed in his campaign trail. These undertakings were promises that Batswana would be...

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