Debt relief for Iraq has activists asking: 'What about Africa?'

[Pale Blue Dot]

http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/nation/7994838.htm

Iraq and the Democratic Republic of Congo have something in common: billions of dollars in international loans that vanished into the coffers of their former dictators, Saddam Hussein and Mobutu Sese Seko.

Iraq has seen much of its $116 billion debt erased after lobbying by former Secretary of State James Baker 3d. Now Africa advocates want to know why the United States can't lobby governments to reduce the debt owed by Congo and other African countries, which totals at least $333 billion.

"It's an outrageous double standard," said Salih Booker, head of the Washington-based lobbying group Africa Action. "The administration has sent James Baker around the world basically arguing to the creditors of Iraq that when the despot fell, his debts disappear with him. But the U.S. is not prepared to make the same sort of case with Africa."

[Robb]

1. The answer is obvious.

George W. Bush: "Africa can go to hell and die."

Well, that's not a direct quote, more of a paraphrasing. ;)

[coltman]

2. DRC

Last I heard 3,000,000 people died in Africa's "world war".But alas this country has no oil.Much mineral wealth yes , but no oil.I had internet contact with people in Kinshasa until U.N installed Canuck as head of "peace keepers".Now nothing for 2 years.Please WAKE THE FUCK UP AMERICA.

[newyawker99]

3. Hi coltman!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast: