#im not going to backtrack on my marxist beliefs

[mobiused]

as an african, i hate when western leftists dismiss criticism of the BRI, CDB, etc and the increasing presence of BRICS, particularly China, in african nations. and yes the idea that ‘africans are too stupid to anticipate the consequences of these deals,’ is 100% racist but also the idea that, somehow, by just being african, our leaders are virtuous and so are our governments and all the systems set up is also racist just in the opposite direction. westerners completely understand that their governments do not always have the people’s best interests at heart, in fact most times they do not, but for some reason cannot fathom the same for african governments. i am not at all a fan of the narrative that africa is corrupt - at least not in any way more than the average western nation. with that in mind though, if the average western nation can neglect its citizens and sign deals of no material benefit to the people, why can’t western leftists fathom the same for african nations? in real time, we are seeing the negative effects of these deals being made manifest and western leftists still tell us constantly we should accept Chinese imperialism. and yes, i’m calling it something that audacious because that is what it is. to BRICS, africa is just plunder for resources in the name of ‘anti-western anti-imperialism.’ no camp, neither the western camp nor BRICS view africa as more than just a region to advance their political agendas - that’s why these deals do more harm than good in the long run because BRICS make these deals under the guise of expected allyship, not the development of african nations in the best way that suits these nations and the region at large. it is 2024 and there is nothing remotely similar to the EU, ASEAN, etc in africa set to advance the region and its nations. why? because imperial powers include clauses in these deals that ensure africa as a region remains divided and conquered. the world at large does not even consider the advancement of africa as a possibility and do everything in their power to ensure it remains that way.

i’m saying all this to say i don’t think you reblogged that post with bad intentions or out of ignorance, i just think your views on this topic are largely influenced by where you live (outside of africa). i just want to ask you actually listen to africans in africa on this topic because everybody seems to be dictating this conversation and telling us how we should feel, without even consulting our reality even once.

No you're 100% justified in say this though I'm not the best person to ask. Studying African Marxists isn't enough to qualify me on the topic so I definitely try my best to listen to a variety of African opinions, despite my persuasion. African leaders are obviously not naturally virtuous by virtue of being African. I'm not sure I agree with calling it imperialism but I do think Chinese activity isn't inherently unworthy of criticism. I think that post was more for challenging the lacking-nuanced racist beliefs of other westerners rather than a discussion thay would include Africans themselves, which comes with its own set of problems. That being said, this is clearly something you're knowledgeable about and the effort you put into this ask is frankly more thought than I've put into the subject as a whole recently so I appreciate you coming to me to share your POV.