‘Organic’ Afrobarometer findings match China-Africa historical wisdom

THERE are many conspiracy theories which are attempting to discredit the Monument of China-Africa Friendship. These theories are baseless given that they are based on conventional wisdom (that was discussed last week) which is boring holes on major achievements recorded by the Chinese people and their government in Africa.

I would like to correct this notion that the Chinese image has improved in recent years. It is unfortunate that some Eurocentric assumptions are based on conventional wisdom but not historical wisdom. Some of the interpretation of China-Africa friendship are based on conspiracy theories which have no ground whatsoever.

Instead, let people think independently about this bilateral cooperation between China and Africa. We learn from Chinese philosophers that we have a duty not only to draw on historical experience, but also learn from them.

Historical wisdom sounds better given that it remains reliant on the people, maintain close ties with them and never become isolated from them. We have learned from the TAZARA lessons that Chinese people sowed eternal seeds of friendship and brotherliness from the time of liberation struggle.

It is not true that China’s image has just improved in recent years. The report from Afrobarometer released recently is timely and a testimony that Africans see the Chinese influence as positive for Africa. We take this opportunity to commend efforts by one of Africa’s Think-Tanks Afrobarometer for being bold enough to conduct research on China-Africa ‘eternal’ friendship.

It is interesting that when the research is carried out in Africa there is a tendency by some Eurocentric scholars to question the results. But based on the research findings a person has only the right to dispute its outcome if there is evidence of flaws in research methodology. I, therefore, think that the Afrobarometer findings match the historical wisdom which is based on China-Africa historical achievements.

It is recorded in history that when TAZARA was conceived, the nation’s founding father Mwalimu Julius Nyerere had approached the West in an attempt to solicit support. But, unfortunately, it declined, claiming that the project was not economically viable. It was at the time Africa was in the shackles of colonialism and apartheid.

There was a dire need to liberate our brothers and sisters in Africa and only China had been willing to support the liberation railway. Perhaps for the sceptics who try to question the Afrobarometer report, they ought to go back to the history.

It is already documented that when the Chinese give a country help, the first thought in their mind is to make the support tangible and no conditions are attached to it. I can dare to say that the Chinese development model from the time of Chairman Mao to President Jinping has remained unique. It is based on adaptability which supports the local initiatives of the recipient countries.

I trust that the report from Afrobarometer which shows that Africans see the Chinese influence as positive for Africa is based on this historical evidence. What other development partners can learn from the Chinese is about humility.

The Chinese do not impose anything on Africans. In most cases they consult with the locals and look for a common ground to work together to achieve prosperity. That was exactly the TAZARA spirit during its construction which is still alive today.

Today the Chinese development model is based on win-win approach, something others can perhaps also emulate. It is upon this backdrop that the Tanzanian people have more positive image of Chinese influence.

My sincere advice is for the nations to apply historical wisdom so as to win hearts and minds of our partners which is the Chinese ‘magic bullet’. But I could be wrong!