the Sugar Conspiracy

Tuesday, June 17, 2003

Bringing "light" to all the dark corners of the globe

And that light is fueled by none other than . . . OIL!!! The Guardian reports on the scramble to stake claims on Africa's numerous oil resources.
Washington's determination to find an alternative energy source to the Middle East is leading to a new oil rush in sub-Saharan Africa which threatens to launch a fresh cycle of conflict, corruption and environmental degradation in the region, campaigners warn today.

The new scramble for Africa risks bringing more misery to the continent's impoverished citizens as western oil companies pour billions of dollars in secret payments into government coffers throughout the continent. Much of the money ends up in the hands of ruling elites or is squandered on grandiose projects and the military.

Not that this is a particularly new phenomenon, but maybe it's just getting a bit more desperate. As if Africa didn't have enough problems without the imperialist powers and the coporations cutting even more of her up.

Update: Another more personal account here about how the push for an oil pipeline from Chad thru Cameroon didn't quite yield the enhanced social benefits that were promised.

posted by chris at 5:04 PM
------------------

Blog - Info - Archive - Contact - Links
2005 © Designed by Chris. Take what you want.