The security dilemma, the criminalization of immigrants and the criminalization of the borders between the North and the South, and the fact that steps are being taken on immigration policies that lead to death and violence do not present a rosy picture. The agonizing performance of these days before and after the Melilla fence is driving us further and further away from the correct implementation of Human Rights. Reparation, justice and memory. Exclusion and selection of some immigrants over others based on racism, colonialism and structural discrimination. Refusal of life to belong to a nation. The historical vulnerability of the Global North to the South. Exploitation, plunder and violations that continue today. It’s a troubling topic for some, and that’s why it needs to be disclosed.
The fact is that the African continent continues to suffer from colonial treaties from the very first day of the “independence” of the countries that make up it. In most modern-day African states, whose borders are finger-drawn (dividing or uniting connected or conflicting peoples), political “independence” was not accompanied by economic independence. Many economic interests of the old metropolises have remained even to this day, subtly maintaining their tutelage over the former colonies. The mechanisms by which African countries act and hinder the growth of their economies are diverse.
First of all, it is worth mentioning the so-called trade dependence of unequal exchange, which consists in the fact that Africa becomes a supplier of raw materials at low prices, while having to import very expensive products produced in rich countries. It is clear that control of raw material prices is eluding African countries, as they are determined by large international markets for the benefit of rich countries. This renders African countries completely incapable of accumulating the necessary capital to finance their economic “development”.
Secondly, it is worth mentioning the financial dependence of African countries, because due to lack of capital, they often have to borrow money from international banks (IMF, World Bank, European Union, etc.) in exchange for certain structural reforms (privatizations, deregulation). economy, destruction, etc.) This financial dependence is due not only to loans and therefore high indebtedness, but also to investments, since most of the transnational companies and modernized industries that exist in these countries today are foreign-owned. It was established to take advantage of cheap labor, the worst working conditions and tax advantages. It should also be taken into account that both loans and investments create profits that return to the country of origin. Likewise, a capital flow is created from African countries to rich countries, which is paradoxical because for every €1 that the States of the European Union invest in the countries of the former colonies of Africa, an average of €3 towards Europe states.
Third, technological dependence, meaning that African countries that do not have modern technology or their own means to obtain it, must buy at the price of gold from technologically advanced countries. And finally, the existence of a political system supported by former metropolises to protect their geostrategic interests. These are some of the main reasons that cause most African countries to live in stagnation in economic and social development. What happens next? So let’s not stay on the surface of social problems. Global social justice has yet to come and all States are responsible for it.
Source: Informacion
Barbara Dickson is a seasoned writer for “Social Bites”. She keeps readers informed on the latest news and trends, providing in-depth coverage and analysis on a variety of topics.