One of the people at yesterday's discussion explained how Nigeria had revived its agriculture sector, which further hardened my conviction that although "Trade not aid" is a good mantra, this is partly, or even largely, because trade in itself engenders good governance (a country's productive capacity being largely a function of its political stability, lack of corruption, rule of law, educational standards, all of which lead ineluctably to some sort of democratic system etc), so at its most fundamental level, "good governance" is the only way that countries can drag themselves out of poverty*.
Stan left a comment on my earlier post as follows:
Government sponsored aid is what keeps most of the third world - and Africa in particular - in poverty.
Look at Somaliland. Because it doesn't officially exist it does not qualify for official government aid - so it has become largely self-reliant and as a result has democratic elections (internationally recognised as being both free and fair), a small but improving economy, improving infrastructure, a free and independent media (we could learn something from them here!) and is one of the few places in Africa where refugees are happily returning to.
Meanwhile, its southerly neighbour - Somalia - is a hellhole of corruption, war and poverty despite (or because of) untold millions of international aid. Typically, governments give aid to other governments with little restraint on how that money is then used. It just should not happen. International aid should be restricted to emergency situations - such as the tsunami or earthquake situations. It should not become part of the annual budget of some despot government.
I accept that there is always more to this than a country's Wikipedia entry, but this does appear to illustrate the point very nicely, so a big thanks to Stan for that.
* Or indeed a way in which first world countries can improve their own wealth, happiness etc.
Anthologies
6 hours ago
7 comments:
Please excuse the mere linking, Mark, but I've supper to cook ;-)
P, any opportunity to link to the delightful Dambisa is good enough for me.
Ta for the reference, Mark. I also think it's worth pointing out that Somaliland is one of those moderate Islamic nations our leaders are always going on about as well as being a rare Islamic democracy. It is desperate to gain formal recognition from the west and to develop friendly relations with the west - and given it's strategically important position I can not for the life of me work out why we don't grab the opportunity with both hands (particularly with the issue of piracy in that area - how useful would it be for us to have a friendly port there for our navy?).
I don't want to pretend that Somaliland is a haven - there are numerous challenges (not least the delays in new elections), but with western support they are far more likely to overcome these. The longer we ignore their wishes to be recognised as a free and independent nation the more likely they are to fall once more into the cycle of depair which is common place in Africa.
Stan, more good points. But what 'help' do they need apart from official recognition and 'friendly relations'? If they want to sub-let us some marine bases, well that's good for us and a great source of trade income for them, isn't it?
Trade, Mark.
They want to trade with the west, but - because they are not officially recognised, it isn't easy. I guess it's a bit like trying to get credit if you don't have a bank account.
I've spent the last few years reading various pieces about Somaliland written by Somalilanders in their diverse and free online press. They don't want handouts - they just want recognition and the right to exist as a free and independent nation with all that that brings with it.
They strike me as being (rightly) proud of the achievements of their nation since independence in the early nineties - especially when considered against the norm for that region (Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea) - and determined to maintain that independence.
As they are a former British colony I believe that it would be right for Britain to take the lead in recognising Somaliland as an independent nation - a) because they ought to be part of the Commonwealth and b) cos they deserve it after making such huge strides with virtually no assistance. Somaliland should be held up as a beacon to the rest of Africa - not punished for being one of the few African nations to stand up on their own two feet.
Sorry, for banging on about it - but Somaliland is something of a cause celebre for me. I'm quite sure my local MP is heartily sick of hearing about it as I write to her on the subject regularly - but the government position is one of "wait and see". A stupid position in my opinion. From what I understand of the politics, the refusal to acknowledge Somaliland as an independent nation is based on the African Union position - they won't recognise it either.
So next time a politician stands up and tells you they support the right of people to live in free, independent and democratic nations (e.g. Kosovo, Georgia, Afghanistan) ask them why they don't accept that Somalilanders have the same right.
S, again, of course trade is very important. But countries do not trade with countries, businesses trade with businesses, regardless of politics.
e.g. when they first imposed a boycott on Rhodesia, my Dad (who worked in textiles at the time) noticed that orders from Rhodesia stopped (obviously) but that the amount he was selling to South Africa went up by an equal and opposite amount...
You know it's not as straihtforward as that, Mark. Sure, if Joe Bloggs Textiles of Croydon decided he wanted to import cheap Somaliland tee shirts he could probably arrange some sort of deal - but then try filling out the paperwork from HM Customs!
More importantly, it stops major corporations from investing in those countries. Somaliland has large reported reserves of offshore natural gas and oil - but western companies and expertise can not be brought in to help them get at it because Somaililand does not exist according to our government! Eventually they will get tired of waiting for us to do something and turn to China.
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