While Uganda might have stirred the hornets’ nest by passing the controversial anti-homosexuality bill, European governments’ threat to cut aid was bound to be interpreted as blackmail.Placing aid and homosexuality in the same context goes against ingrained socio-cultural foundations of the majority, which cannot be changed overnight by threats. This only reinforces the stereotype that Europe is bullying Africa into a conformity standard that is culturally viewed as taboo.
I hope I live to see the day when Africa would be in a position to play the same card. Imagine this.
The decision by European governments to sign a Bill into law that imposes harsh penalties for polygamy has resulted in aids cuts. Upon the realisation that polygamy was declared illegal in Europe, African states threatened sanctions and withheld agricultural exports.
Kenya described the adoption of the draconian law as a tragic day for Europe, and the cabinet secretary for foreign affairs, Fulani Fulani, announced that African engagement with Europe would be reviewed. African countries in unison said all direct exports to Europe had been withheld until governments had a change of stance.
“Africa remains committed to supporting the people of Europe, but the export will be channelled through alternative routes, including Western aid agencies that met the Africa’s marriage rights principles,” Fulani said.
Other African donors have taken a tougher line. Tanzania said it would be withholding $8m worth of coffee aid, and DRC Congo said it will divert $9m away from the government. Nigeria said it was reviewing its assistance.
Laws must be adapted to the spirit of each nation, but implementation is not that simplistic, wholesale approach of the Western narrative to homosexuality legislation. If anything, the stance only plays up the propaganda of a European cultural invasion aimed at disrupting African values.
Cutting aid never affected the rulers. It is the underlings that continue to suffer.
No comments:
Post a Comment