During the scramble for Africa at the end of the nineteenth century, European powers staked claims to virtually the entire continent. Their maps used to carve up the African continent were mostly inaccurate. When marking out the boundaries of their new territories, European negotiators frequently resorted to drawing straight lines on the map,taking little or no account of the myriad of traditional monarchies,chiefdoms, and other African societies that existed on the ground.Nearly one half of the new frontiers imposed on Africa were geometric lines,lines of latitude and longitude, other straight lines or arcs of circles. In some cases, African societies were rent apart.The new boundaries cut through some 190 culture groups.In other cases, Europe’s new colonial territories enclosed hundred of diverse and independent groups,with no common history, culture, language or religion. As the haggling in Europe over African Territory continued, land and peoples became little more than pieces on a chessboard.
Thus were born the modern states of Africa, according to Martin Meredith. Unfortunately, thus were also born the historical reality of Africa, overlooked by other Continents, old and new, wittingly or unwittingly.
History doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes. A US-backed infrastructure project that connects the Atlantic Port of Lobito in Angola to the mineral-rich Central African Copper-belt in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia, is framed as development. It is a cunning, slick, modern initiative. Yet it is also a reminder of a much darker history of exploitation that stretches back more than a century. The Lobito Corridor is all about minerals.The idea is to make it easier for minerals from the region to reach global markets.Yet dig a little deeper, and it’s hard not to see shades of the same old story.While some believe the Project will be a beneficial trade hub between African countries,more others fear it is merely a gateway to facilitate the further plundering of the regions’ natural resources. “This project is an organized sell-off of the region’s natural resources in a capitalist system”, as an DRC economic analyst put it.
The Lobito Corridor is just the tip of the iceberg.Many fear that the current US administration’s voracity for critical minerals is heightening social-political instability in many parts of the world. What about “resources for security”? What about “Minerals-for-aid”? Schemes of minerals acquisition, touted as deals of peace and development. Sounds all too familiar.
From carve up the whole to covet the few，changes there maybe in tactics, it is plainly not the just way. When it comes to cooperation, African countries is better off with more credible partners. Partners that treat each other with genuine respect and equality, most importantly, with mutual benefit and reciprocity.
It is with this in mind that I found the message from recent meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana very informative. On October 13, President Xi welcomed President Boko in Beijing, and put forth a four-point proposition on China-Africa mining cooperation during their talks.
The four-point proposition reads：First, the starting principle should be African resources belonging to Africa. China stands ready to share its experience and help African countries formulate mining development plans consistent with their national conditions. Second, the guiding philosophy should be a right approach to friendship and interests and ensuring mutual benefit. China will continue to encourage Chinese companies to enhance their operational capacity, transfer green technologies suited to Africa’s conditions, and promote South-South cooperation in mining development. Third, the direction of cooperation should be high-quality development. China will continue to move China-Africa mining cooperation toward industrial value addition, explore new financing models that are affordable and sustainable, and support Africa’s modernization through high-standard cooperation. Fourth, a fair and open cooperation environment is crucial. Africa’s resources should not be used for geopolitical rivalry. China would be glad to see other parties providing genuine support for Africa’s development, and stands ready to work with Africa to create more enabling conditions for business investment and operation.
When Africa was being colonized by foreign powers, China was invaded by roughly the same grouping, only with some additional attendees.“Do not do to others what you do not want to be done to you”. This Confucian preaching has been imprinted in the genes of the Chinese. Given under similar humiliating colonial history, China’s position and practice on promoting China-Africa friendship and cooperation is consistent all along. The four-point proposition on China-Africa mining cooperation is the latest testimony.
Proposition by leaders needs implementation on the ground. This is what China will endeavour to achieve by working with like-minded partners of African countries. Birds of a feather flock together. Raptors are not welcome.
