The Perplexing Paradox of African Prosperity

Summary

In the sweeping theater of global politics and security challenges, Africa stands out as a continent so rich in resources it could make King Midas blush, yet so frequently shaken by coups, it's like Mother Nature’s own game of whack-a-mole. Why do African nations undergo so much turmoil and never quite seem to prosper as they could, given the abundant and desirable natural resources on the African continent? It's not an east puzzle to unravel, but let's take a look, steering clear of tired tropes and stereotypes.

Setting aside the now-de rigeur criticisms of colonialism, and the emerging spread of non-state actors such as the Wagner Group, let’s start with the basics: Africa is not a country or some uniform entity. It's a continent, a massive one, with a vast array of countries, rich cultures, and, unfortunately, recurring conflicts. This is the land where diamonds aren't just a girl's best friend; they're also a rebel leader’s retirement plan. It's a place where the soil is so fertile you could almost put a stick in the ground and grow a treehouse, yet the complexities of politics and economics often leave it struggling.

Now, why the coup de théâtre every other Tuesday? It’s a tradition, almost. Imagine if changing governments were as easy as changing socks. In Africa, it sometimes seems that way, but with more tanks and Kalashnikovs. It's not just about power-hungry leaders or military generals with an ego bigger than their hat size. It's about a complex cocktail of historical, social, and economic ingredients. Add a more-than-large pinch of colonial legacy, a long dash of artificial borders, a ladleful of ethnic divisions, and voilà, you have a recipe for political and security instability.

But let's not forget the elephant in the room, or rather, the elephant-sized pile of resources. Africa is so resource-rich, it's like nature’s own treasure chest. We're talking gold, diamonds, oil, and metals so rare the periodic table looks like a grocery list. Yet, the wealth seems to vanish faster than a magician’s rabbit. Where does it all go? Well, between corrupt officials treating the national treasury like a personal piggy bank and foreign companies playing a high-stakes game of Monopoly, there’s not much left for the average person.

It's the paradox of plenty. It’s like having a golden goose, but only getting enough golden eggs to make an omelet. The wealth is there, but it's unevenly distributed, often mismanaged, and sometimes outright pilfered. It’s like hosting a lavish dinner party and ending up with just the crumbs.

What about the international community? Oh, they’re present, for sure. But they’re really more like that distant relative who shows up uninvited, eats all your food, and gives unsolicited advice. or lends you money you can't quite afford then repos your prized possessions before you know it. International interventions indeed often come with strings attached—strings that look suspiciously like dollar signs (or increasingly yuan). Sure, they mean well (sometimes), but it often ends up like a chef trying to cook in someone else’s kitchen: a well-intentioned mess. But an externally created mess, nevertheless.

So, what’s the surefire solution? If I had that, I’d be writing this from the ready room before my Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, not from my decidedly less glamorous desk. It’s complicated. It’s about building stable institutions, fostering good governance, and ensuring that the wealth of the continent benefits its people, not just the elite few. It's about creating an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive without having to navigate a labyrinth of bureaucracy, corruption and in so many tragic cases, common people facing what should be uncommon life and death situations.

Perhaps it's also about changing the narrative. Africa is not just a land of conflicts and coups; it's a continent with many vibrant cultures, smart resilient people, and untapped potential. It's a place where innovation and entrepreneurship are blooming in places, despite the challenges. And don’t be misled by the distortions of the Mercator projection – Africa is huge! Geographically, it swallows the entire United States and then some.

Africa’s paradox is like a complex puzzle, and solving it requires patience, understanding, and a genuine commitment to the well-being of its people. It's about time we started looking at Africa not just as a land of problems or “burdens”, but as a continent of opportunities. After all, it’s a place where the sun shines brightly, both literally and metaphorically. Insecurity can be changed to true security, over time. And if that doesn't give you a glimmer of hope, what else will?