The roles of foreign NGOs and their local representatives in Africa have sparked intense debate. Their roles are openly presented as carriers of positive contributions in the areas of humanitarian assistance, development projects and to advocate for human rights. Those are some of the pretexts put forward to mask their intention to facilitate resource exploitation and regional destabilizations.
The impact of foreign NGOs in Africa is multifaceted. There are some visible positive contributions, but the negative consequences outweigh in a very high degree that of the positive contributions. Their positive contributions are the baits put forward to secure the love and the loyalty of the people while draining their natural resources and pitching their tents of differences against each other. It is so unfortunate that the fish sees the beauty of the delicacy in the bait and sees not the life taking danger resident in the hook the bait rests on.
Note: He who chained and keeps you in chains, as far as he continues to get cheered by your tears, will never provide a genuine medium to set you free from the chains.
However, some NGOs have facilitated resource exploitation, undermined local capacities, and fueled insecurity to distrupt communities and create dependency. They chase out local inhabitants through insurgence in order to gain access to the mineral resources beneath their soils.
Some foreign NGOs through local NGOs facilitate solid mineral extraction, illicit logging, factional conflicts, displacement of local indigenes and land grabbing.
Foreign NGOs in Africa often operate with limited oversight, which enriches foreign corporations, impoverishes local communities and undermines our sovereignty.
To maximize benefits, Africa needs responsible NGO regulation, transparency and accountability and enforcement of local part ownership and leadership of every foreign NGO in order to monitor their funding sources, project implementation and Impact assessment. By striking a balance, Africa can harness the potentials, and mitigate the risks associated with foreign NGOs.
The problems of most African leaders are shortsightedness, lack of strategic thinking and planning and the prioritization of personal gains. African governments must strengthen regulatory frameworks, ensure transparency and accountability, prioritize national interests and develop strategic negotiation skills by putting Africans first.
– Ambassador Ezewele Cyril Abionanojie is the author of the book ‘The Enemy Called Corruption’ an award winner of Best Columnist of the year 2020, Giant in Security Support, Statesmanship Integrity & Productivity Award Among others. He is the President of Peace Ambassador Global.