Cyprian Musoke And Agencies
17 June 2009
Kampala — PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni has assured Western powers that Africa is capable of protecting its resources from any exploitation by foreign countries.
He was responding to concerns expressed by German President Horst Kohler over the growing Chinese influence in Africa on his second day of his visit to Germany.
Kohler observed that Africa had opened its doors wide for Chinese investments because the Beijing authorities do not put conditions in terms of democracy or human rights.
"For this reason, Africans believe that China is better than the West because for us we raise issues regarding democracy, corruption and human rights," the German President said at his Berlin palace.
Museveni, accompanied by the First Lady, Janet, said unlike in colonial times, African leaders have identified their priorities and are capable of protecting the continent's interests.
"Therefore, no power can exploit Africa," a press release from the State House quoted him.
Kohler's remarks come two days after the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China expressed interest in building an oil refinery and pipeline in Uganda.
Meeting Museveni at Entebbe Airport just before his departure for Germany, the Chinese bank's chairperson also said they were keen on constructing hydro-power stations and transmission lines.
Beijing a few years ago embarked on a policy to strengthen cooperation and trade ties with Africa.
The move is seen in Europe as China's scramble for Africa's natural resources, needed to meet the demands of its rapidly growing industries.
Trade between the Asian giant and Africa reached a record $107b in 2008, a 45% increase compared to the previous year and triple the total trade volume of 2004, according to statistics.
The surge is fuelled by China's increased imports of African oil and minerals, while Africa is buying more Chinese-made goods. Angola remained China's largest trading partner in Africa last year, followed by South Africa.
Museveni told his host in Berlin that the priorities identified by African leaders were infrastructure development, cheap energy and transport in the form of a modern and efficient railway system.
In addition, he said, there was need for education and industries that will provide jobs to the young educated Africans.
On the DRC, he said the country needed a strong army to ensure that terrorist organisations do not use their soil to terrorise neighbouring countries.
The joint military operation against the LRA has reduced the rebels' capacity to terrorise Ugandans at the border, he noted.
Kohler announced that Germany and other European countries want to start a new cooperation arrangement with Africa.
"We need a meeting with a few African Presidents to discuss the implementation of this new cooperation. We do not want to make the same mistakes Europe made during the colonial period."
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The massive imports of cheap (and sometimes nasty) products from China have had an impact on the closing of many manufacturing industries - e.g. the cotton mills, clothing factories, etc. to name but a few - resulting in the retrenchment of thousands of workers and the loss of high quality local products. I do not perceive this as any good for SA where unemployment is very high. My perception is that the mushrooming of Chinese businesses, where the owners can sometimes not even speak English (let alone any of the other local languages)and treat the local people at best with… [Read Full Text]
Yes Museveni is 100% right, the problem is that most Africans think whatever Europe does is good for us, what stupid thinking. Thats why Europe is taking us for granted and not respecting us in any way. We are deeply mentally colonised that in our sleep, if one is told WAKE UP quickily one shouts EUROPE!, what a decay. Pliz GOD save the poor African thinking
But the real question is if friendship with China will lead to slavery to China. What will happen when China's interests are different than Africa's? Will China be a friend? I don't think so. What happens when China starts arming those countries that they want to control Africa?
There’s the on-going legacy of Slavery which has taken on another form lynchings, murders, rapes, etc..
Be careful what you ask for..God is Listening to you “ Robbers of our People “ ; as Daniel 11:14 says.
HERE’S JUST A LITTLE OF THE BLOODY TRAIL EUROPE AND OTHER COUNTRIES HAVE LEFT UPON BLACK AFRICA.
PART I : BERLIN CONFERENCE ( General Act Of Berlin )
Saturday Novemeber 15, 1884 to Feb, 1885 according to the book “King Leopold’s Ghost “ (1998) Adam Hochschild
1884 - In November 14 European nations (Austria-Hungary, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Holland, Italy, Norway,… [Read Full Text]