Colonialism and African poverty

[Dom Tuk]

How much if at all has colonialism (not just the British Raj but the other European countries too) contributed to the poverty in Africa and the Indian subcontinent. If there is a link, then how can Mr. Gordon Brown claim that our colonial past is something to be proud  of (i recall an article by him a few years ago) and now want to take a lead in eradicating poverty. Is this double speak.

[Loosehead]

Africa was much more prosperous under colonial control. Mostly the countries where in a good state when independence was declared. In the last 50 or so years Africa has been dragged into it's current pitiful state primarily by corrupt despots. Look at what Mugabe has done to Rhodesia/Zimbabwe in about 20 years. They cannot help themselves that's how they are, it's all tribal. I'm really worried for South Africa after Mandela dies. Mbeki (spelling?) is in the Mugabe mould. 

[jake-the-peg]

Gosh I'll bet all those Africans are just itching to get back to colonial rule when wealth and natural resources were exported out of their countries so that Europeans could amass vast fortunes compared to the situation now when local chieftans amass vast fortunes out of the country.

Africa was prosperous for us!

Remind me how much democracy did we give the inhabitants of South Africa and Rhodesia/Zimbabwe when we we ran the place?

I agree with Gordon Brown that we should stop appologising for the sins of our fathers but to say colonialism was something to be proud of is just unacceptable in my book - we ran these countries at the point of a gun it's that simple

[Loosehead]

I'm not saying colonialism is "something to be proud of" and I accept your points about wealth, lack of democracy etc. What I'm saying is that at least there was order and infrastructure. I don't think present day Zimbabweans feel better off under Mugabe. 

[jake-the-peg]

Yes well there was "order" in most of the Eastern block as well!

I agree about Mugabe though - Strange how President Bush's war on terror has overlooked him!

[kasskass1220]

I seriously wonder what Mr. Tony Blair means when he says he wants to get to the root of Africa's problems and come up with real solutions.He surely knows the root - which is colonialis. Britain and other european countries snatched all the resources from Africa as Colonial masters. That is all Africa needs back to make their lives bearable.