subject: HOPE AND DISAPPOINTMENT [print this page] The colonizers had been insatiable exploiters but when they went from Africa, they left grounds and undergrounds that always abounded in various and wealthy raw materials. The new political leaders were Africans and there was hope the black continent would change in a way that its natives would be socially, politically, financially and economically free in the sorts of choices they think good to themselves. The prices of food and other products of consumption were lower. Life in Africa was certainly promising in those independence days.
Then, Africa stopped being the mirror that reflected so much expectation. Life became more difficult and is still enduring. Poverty, debt, diseases, war, corruption, natural disasters and hunger are part of the pains that impede Africa's economic and social development. The lack of democracy is the continent's first wound, its cancer being its leaders who have always been only greedy for power and thirsty for money. And the situation keeps on worsening every day.
Consequently, the increase of food products makes a difference to the housekeeping bill. That is why it became difficult if not impossible to put someone else up and feed him for a time. The Africans were reputed for their hospitality but now they do not care about values that recall mutual aid. A head of family could have accepted the children from a relative but now he will find it hard to feed his own wife with the three kids they got together.
What a shame but is there another choice? What else can do the so-called head of family who got trapped since then? The salary is meagre and sometimes irregular. And there are lots of expenses to face: the rent for a house that is not worth the price, the necessary money to do the cooking, money also for the transportation, the children's studies, the electricity and many others household consumption bills. The wage cannot be enough.
Where to look at? The unfortunate worker already owes money to his bank. He sees the trap of the loan shark but the head of family he is cannot avoid it. He urgently needs money because he did not pay for the house or his child is sick. He has no choice. The only possible solution is to over borrow and assume the consequences.
In the 1990s, on the eve of the multiparty system, the Africans were dreaming again at a better life. Then came the wind of democracy, but it was only a gleam of hope, which quickly disenchanted. The unique parties did not exist any more but the situation did not change for all that.
Hope and disappointment. What is so wrong that always stops a dream only a dream! being realized in Africa?
