The US could have partnered and worked with many countries after WW2 as the colonial countries were leaving and African countries got independence. Instead we squandered that opportunity. Now we have been kicked out of several countries rich in natural resources. More recently Niger and Sudan.
Everyone wants a piece of the treasure but it's always at the expense of the African people.
If there was a way to work with them to provide security, create jobs, infrastructure, housing, schools, medical, and industry without getting killed doing it, or using the locals as slave labor (as done in the past) it could work. It could benefit the host nation and the nation working with them. All the benefits of colonialism without the headaches and resentment from the locals. Probably impossible given the tribal issues. I guess that's what Russia and China are finding out now.
Well, Partnering with PMC Wagner and Frontier Serv Group among other PMC's, bribing tribal warlords, and exploiting the continent has not worked out like they thought? Did they learn nothing from the colonization of Africa?
In fairness, the PMCs probably don't think that deeply. The resources there have a powerful allure, especially when their home country needs gold to avoid sanctions. However, they offer little in terms of protection and have a terrible track record with civilians. It's an ugly model that the West and their African partners could counter with a new vision and consultation with the people on the ground.
The US could have partnered and worked with many countries after WW2 as the colonial countries were leaving and African countries got independence. Instead we squandered that opportunity. Now we have been kicked out of several countries rich in natural resources. More recently Niger and Sudan.
Everyone wants a piece of the treasure but it's always at the expense of the African people.
If there was a way to work with them to provide security, create jobs, infrastructure, housing, schools, medical, and industry without getting killed doing it, or using the locals as slave labor (as done in the past) it could work. It could benefit the host nation and the nation working with them. All the benefits of colonialism without the headaches and resentment from the locals. Probably impossible given the tribal issues. I guess that's what Russia and China are finding out now.
Well, Partnering with PMC Wagner and Frontier Serv Group among other PMC's, bribing tribal warlords, and exploiting the continent has not worked out like they thought? Did they learn nothing from the colonization of Africa?
In fairness, the PMCs probably don't think that deeply. The resources there have a powerful allure, especially when their home country needs gold to avoid sanctions. However, they offer little in terms of protection and have a terrible track record with civilians. It's an ugly model that the West and their African partners could counter with a new vision and consultation with the people on the ground.