The Scramble for Africa's Fund
| BY HAKEEM BABALOLA | BUDAPEST HUNGARY | POSTED 10 OCT. 2008 |
I have been following the activities of the so-called NGO’s (Non Governmental Organisations) in Hungary with
trepidation. I think the sprawling increase in the establishment of foundations claiming to help Africa should be
adequately monitored. I believe this is necessary because of the sensitive nature of the supposed purpose in which
these foundations embellished with classical quotations of unselfish concern for the welfare of Africans.
There is little doubt that we are in the era of the NGO’s that often exploit the extraordinary pathetic situations in
Africa to advance their own agenda. But before I go in perspective, I would like to state categorically that my
intention is not to deride anyone’s attempt to alleviate the sufferings of the ordinary people anywhere in the world.
In doing so meanwhile, I shall limit my treatise to the activities going on in Hungary alone.
My primary aim is to look with critical analysis why these foundations are so many? Why do they concentrate so
much on Africa ? Do they have genuine love or their proclamation is based entirely on financial gain, but hiding
under the influx of altruism? I may extend my argument as to the calibre and personality of those who should
involve in this kind of project. Are those involved would have shown their interests had financial gain out of the
question?
While concentrating on the above questions, it is pertinent to also state that I am aware of the fact that every action
is being motivated by gain. There is no question about this fact. And for this reason alone, I quite understand that
my perspective on this topic is debatable. In spite of my attempt to deconstruct the facade behind these
foundations, I would in fairness try as much as to extract fact on whether or not it is possible to mix business with
the art of helping.
It is apparent that African continent has found itself at the receiving end of the worst atrocities perpetrated by the
“Western continent” either implicitly or explicitly. One example of such inhumanity is slavery which I believe is still
going on but under a new dimension. I shall refer to this before the end of this piece. Perhaps the notions to atone
for such unlovely deportment have inspired different governments in the “Western continent” to allocate obligate
money to whoever engages in activities that preach tolerance and, or help under-privileged Africans. Are they
abusing it? Get on your knees and pray.
In Hungary alone, there are so many of such foundations claiming to act under humanitarian development, racism,
integration, charity and so on. They include Foundation for Africa , HelloAfrica, African Hungarian Union, Szahara
Foundation, AFROAID, Mahatma Gandhi Movement, and Hungarian Association of Migrants. Although they are too
numerous to mention and operate under different names, each of these organisations claim to helping the under-
privileged, especially in far away Africa .
The African Hungarian Union (AHU) headed by Balogh Sándor for example, actually combines business with
“altruism” but what seems confusing is Balogh’s denial about engaging in business. Although the African Hungarian
Union has established itself when it comes to events pertaining to African issues in Hungary , the organisation is
reported to have disclosed interest in investing in various sectors in the Sierra Leone economy. AHU is also running
a radio programme in Hungarian on RadioCafé 98.6 every Sunday at 11-12 noon. It is designed for Africa related
issues. So there is no question the fact that AHU is physically implementing something in this regard.
Yet I am not convinced enough about his deep intention for associating or promoting African issues in Hungary . I
have met him on three occasions at events relating to Africa and its people but the question keep hanging and
nagging at me. Is it just charity; business or charity; or charity and business? In one occasion I had the opportunity
to interview him. Listen to his response:
“There is no business in the AHU, only charity. We have no income. We make no business activity and we plan not
to do so. We plan to be an organisation which collects all the things around Africa . Our website http://www.ahu.
hu/ also wants to be an entering gate for African things. We are building it systematically to help things about all
African countries, all embassies; all data. We refresh daily the news about African things”.
Is it then possible to mix business with art of helping? George Soros, an Hungarian American who is the founder of
Soro’s Foundation, has perhaps demonstrated this through the establishment of CEU (Central European University)
in which less-privileged but brilliant students are benefiting immensely. For any Charity Organisation to become
successful, its implementation of purpose must be genuine as well as carried out in good faith.
Meanwhile, the mode of operation being employed by Hungarians in establishing foundations is to partner with
Africans who will be in the forefront of running the everyday activities. Many Hungarians use any willing African to
achieve their goal of being business charity executives. My point is actually not to say that something is wrong with
carrying out charity business, but the activities in which they are registered initially must be monitored to prevent
deviation of human greed which is likely to manifest along the way.
Apparently, they all claim to base their goal or goals on humanitarianism or humanity, specifically focusing on
Africa . One is therefore compelled to ask: why Africa ? It has indeed become a fad in Hungary to found a non-
profit entity with the sole aim of alleviating the sufferings of Africa and its people. With so many of such
foundations springing up with alacrity, one wonders why poverty still exists in Africa and its environs. Perhaps the
world needs more of these foundations!
I have noticed a pattern in which these foundations operate. They are in the habit of posing with Africans, especially
children in a way that suggests Africa and its people is not capable of taking adequate care of itself without charity
or aids. Do you blame them? AFROAID Hungary Association in describing who they are, state inter-alia: "We want
to help people restore their belief in themselves, leave despondency, passivity and indifference and direct their own
destiny". Now, don't you really think that only Africans can help Africa ?
Some would even organise parties and, or concerts in celebrating Racism Day or any event that has something
doing with Africa . Personally, I find it insulting when every Tom pretends to have Africa ’s interest at heart whilst
the real motive is concealed. It's more insulting when certain Africans in their bid to survive the January weather,
join forces with these organisations to further scramble for Africa .
For example, France Motumbo, a Congolese who is the president of the Foundation for Africa , admitted that
Hungarians are behind his foundation although he is the one running it physically. It seems to me that the practice of
uplifting Africa out of altruism has led this continent into a philosophical cul-de-sac culminating in new slavery.
Otherwise why should we Africans see living in “Western continent” as a do or die affair? Isn’t it a tragedy for
Africa if its brightest minds must escape to the “Western continent” before making use of their intellects?
Copyright 2008 mysmallvoice@yahoo.com
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