“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)
These two verses from 2 Corinthians remind us of the plight of millions across the African continent who face many trials in their lives due to a double jeopardy of the worst sort. First, bad governments have accumulated massive external debt. Secondly, international financial institutions (IFIs) hold these millions of people responsible for the “illegitimate debts” that have enriched corrupt leaders while providing scant positive impact on their lives.
IFI policies put a priority on repaying these debts over and above primary needs of many countries. In some African countries, debt repayment annually exceeds health and education budgets. Millions who have suffered at the hands of self-enriching governments—often supported by northern governments for commercial or ideological reasons—are now victimized by carrying the burden of illegitimate debt.
The most shocking reality to highlight is that “[Africa] subsidizes the wealthy economies of the world through a net transfer of wealth in the form of payments for illegitimate debts. More money flows out of Africa each year in the form of debt service payments, than goes into Africa in the form of aid.” (“Conspiracy against Africa,” Walrus magazine, Nov. 2006). Our image of international aid is turned on its head with the net funds transfer being from Africa and not to Africa.
While real debt relief has been achieved by some countries, many more are stuck and facing double jeopardy because they’re perceived to be unable to adopt a “clear debt sustainability framework.” More positively, sub-Saharan Africa recently acquired a third seat on the executive board of the World Bank which will lead to a strengthened voice for Africa in these discussions.
Afflicted. Perplexed. Persecuted. Struck down. Images of the many faceted burdens of Africa’s legacy of “illegitimate debt.” However, 2 Corinthians 4:16 reminds us that “we do not lose heart” as people of faith because we know that we have a promise of peace, justice, and life in abundance from our Creator. And we, as kingdom workers, must continue to struggle for lives of dignity for our sisters and brothers in Africa.
Bruce Campbell-Janz is MCC’s Area Director for Africa.
