Dr. ashimuneze K. heanacho enjoins us to love Africa:
Perhaps, it would serve Africa's and African people's
interst, to be mindful that, 1) While numerous
American and Euopeans wish to make Africa and Africans
their foot-stool, Africa is not without some genuine,
honest, well-meaning European and American
well-wishers; 2) Geldof and multiple Europeans and
Americans have done much more than I (an African) to
serve Africa and African people, 3) there is a place
for reparative pay-back for four centuries of slavery
and for current, exploitive relations between Africa
and Africans, and debt-forgiveness may be a legitimate
beginning.
But, what shall we do to the kleptomaniacs and
autocrats, who have ruled or continue to rule Africa
and cart its resources to private bank accounts in
Europe and America? Are they less guilty than the
Europeans and Americans we love to castigate?
On another hand, how blameless are the people who
elect and maintain in power, our thieving heads of
state and politicians. How blameless am I, who do no
more than criticise them?
There must be a better way to redirect Africa and I
think that, in consonance with Mr. Kuti (Fela's son)
it should begin with me, re-orienting my attitude,
relations, and action toward Africa, as not just a map
but a people. Change has to commence with me. Africa
will not change completely, until I do.