(7/25/98 Baltimore AFRO-American Newspaper)
by Congressman Elijah E. Cummings
At one time, Americans referred to Africa as the "Dark Continent" because of the mystery and awe that its people, culture, artifacts and animal life inspired. The "dark continent" label, however, did little to establish respect for, or even to convey knowledge about, the positive attributes of African civilization.
Nevertheless, many European colonial powers knew the truth about African civilization and valued her economic potential. Germany, for example, held large sections of the continent prior to WWI. After Germany's defeat in that war, the Allies divided Germany's colonies and shattered the continent. Nevertheless, modern Africa remains a primary source of raw materials needed by more industrialized economies, including our own.
Africa has its share of economic problems, many dating back to the colonial era. In addition, Africa's future ability to cope effectively with its economic problems may be weakened by lending procedures and requirements of the International Monetary Fund (the IMF) and the World Bank. Often, these lending policies do not appear to reflect a philosophy of balanced, mutual benefit designed to restore economic prosperity and wealth to recipient African nations.
Currently, legislation on the floor of the House of Representatives, if enacted, would allocate $18 billion to the IMF. I have many concerns about the current IMF request for more funding, most compelling among which are my concerns about the procedures and structural adjustment programs imposed upon recipients of IMF-originated loans.
Specifically, I believe that IMF policies and procedures should enhance African recipients' economic growth and, thereby, their ability to repay the IMF loans by encouraging economic self-sufficiency and domestic market employment.
I am concerned that IMF policies may actually be driving African economies into difficult growth and repayment patterns which do not support the long-term interests of either the United States or the African nations involved.
Beyond my wish to be practical and fair with Africa, I am acutely aware that America has a fundamental connection with, and self-interest in, the future success of the African continent. Africa's size and population, as well as the potential wealth and power of African nations, compel the United States to engage Africa in an effective and fair manner.
We must move beyond the mythology of the past and the stereotypes of the present. Africa is not a continent of inferior people, nor is it a continent of inferior nations. There is much more to Africa than media images of struggle, famine and natural beauty.
Africa is a continent of nations and peoples who are in rapid transition toward a compelling, but uncertain, future. The path that African nations will take as they transition to the future will directly affect the life of every American. How the African transition to the future is resolved will directly affect the life of every American.
African-Americans have been involved deeply in important African developments, international efforts such as the ending of apartheid in South Africa and the struggle against AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa, and supporting democracy and human rights. U.S. relations with the nations of Africa featured prominently among the national issues raised at the NAACP convention in Atlanta, Georgia. Former New York City Mayor David N. Dinkins observed that, "For African-Americans, it is not just a matter of cultural connection. It is not [only] a moral question. It is a question of our mutual shared future."
Our national leadership needs to continue to be engaged in this discussion. America's discussion about our shared future with Africa should include cultural and humanitarian considerations. At a time when business growth, educational and scientific exchanges and increased employment opportunities are available in Africa, African-Americans should be seeking out our African counterparts in an attitude of mutual interest.
Many of our brothers and sisters in Africa are looking to us to join with them in building effective bridges to the future.
-The Honorable Elijah E. Cummings represents the 7th Congressional District of Maryland in the United States House of Representatives.