Despite many challenges, Africa is not a shithole
Do 54 nations qualify to be called shithole countries?
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The continent is unique in very many ways which we will get to in this article. This opinion is inspired by the unfortunate, despicable and primitive comments that were made by US President Donald Trump last week Thursday. The Jeff Bezos’ owned Washington Post was the first media to break the story on Thursday stating that Donald Trump had referred to Haiti and African nations as “shithole countries”.
Apparently Trump was frustrated that the US lawmakers had not done away with the diversity visa lottery program alias Green Card. He therefore asked “Why are we having all these people from shithole countries come here?” Trump insists he wants an immigration that is merit-based.
To add insult to injury, Trump reportedly asked “Why can’t we have immigrants from countries like Norway?”
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Despite Trump’s denial, lawmakers who were together with Trump in the Oval Office meeting Senator Dick Durbin and Senator Tim Scott confirmed The Post’s reports.
Well I would like to tell the world and specifically Mr. Trump that Africa, Haiti and El Savador are no “shithole countries”.
In particular, Africa is made up of 54 nations and each of them has its uniqueness that no country can duplicate.
Trump’s recent disparaging words prove how he despises and demeans African nations simply because of their economic status.
To begin with, the former President of the US hails from Africa, particularly Kenya.His father was Kenyan and Obama even visited his grandmother who lives in Nyanza. He won both the popular vote and the Electoral College to rule for two terms consecutively. No shithole country can produce the world’s most powerful leader. Obama became the very first black president to rule the United States.
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The late Nelson Mandela was South African. He is recognized as an international icon for fighting apartheid and bringing independence to South Africa. He was imprisoned for 27 years on account of fighting for independence and equality. Do you honestly think Mandela would pay such a heavy price for a shithole country?
Africa is home to a plethora of minerals ranging from gold, diamonds, copper, iron ore, tin, soda ash, bauxite, uranium and many more. The list is endless. Africa has countless beautiful sceneries and tourist attractions. Does Donald Trump mean that 30 million tourists pay a lot of money to come and visit shithole countries?
The great wildebeest migration which was once hailed as a wonder of the world is in Kenya which is an African nation.
Jazz music is said to have originated from Western Africa and Europe before it was formally developed in New Orleans. It is from Africa that Jazz got its rhythm and feel, quality. Jazz music history says that the tradition of playing an instrument in your own expressive way, making it an extension of your own human voice came from Africa.
A majority of the African American population has their roots in Africa and yet have made a big difference in the United States. In fact one of the world’s celebrated neurosurgeons Ben Carson once said that he traced his roots in a remote region in Kenya called Turkana.
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Time does not allow me to point out all the beautiful things that describe Africa. Africans have dominated in athletics especially long distance races. There are so many fine footballers like Yaya Toure who play for international football leagues.
The African culture has also inspired the fashion industry with their unique kitenges and kaftans.
Having seen all those beautiful things that come from Africa do they warrant to be referred to as “shithole countries”?
Need I remind you that the person who made this remarks has been in office for one year and his leadership is marred by controversies. A book was recently published by Michael Wolff painting a chaotic White House characterized by incompetence.
It is a privilege to be born in Africa. Being African is something we are proud of and we’ll forever be. Certainly we are not shithole countries.
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Action should be taken against the US noting that there are alternatives that Africa can choose. China and Japan have expressed their interest to develop Africa. We do not have to stay in a relationship where we are demeaned and despised because of our skin colour and the challenges we face.
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