Although corruption is a global problem, the focus must be on African thieves behind presidential
desks, who continue to rule with an iron fist, thus violating the human rights of millions and jeopardizing the world's security. I will name six good reasons to support targeted actions against those African criminals behind presidential desks.
First, the small size of African economies. Look at their
expenditures level and you will be shocked. Here's an illustration: the State of California spends 10
billion dollars a year on corrections, which is several times the expenditures
of many African countries combined! Scores
of African countries expect real revenues (discount foreign aid) far below 500
million dollars a year!
Second, a billion dollars stolen from an impoverished
country makes a bigger dent to a smaller economy than it would to a
trillion-dollar economy! Think again! The biggest mistake developed countries have made over the years was precisely to use foreign taxpayers' money to compensate for the billions of dollars African thieves behind presidential desks and their associates steal every year from their countries. Foreign aid has even encouraged those thieves to continue plundering their nations as free money from foreign taxpayers became part of state revenues' forecasts! Shame on those non-profit organizations (whose expatriates enjoy good life in those countries recipient of foreign aid!) and others who continue to lobby their governments to obtain billions of dollars in foreign aid for African countries run by tyrants, assassins, and thieves. The stupid wars in the D.R. Congo and the systemic looting of its natural resources by Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi and some DRC's nationals speak by themselves!
Third, African thieves behind presidential desks and their
very own politically exposed persons (PEPs) have created political systems
based on widespread impunity. Those criminals control the three branches of
government and such systems are the perfect breeding ground for all sorts of
domestic and transnational organized crimes, including terrorism.
Fourth, domestic organized crime is what really fuels
transnational organized crime. In other words, although transnational organized
crime is global, its local component is the sine qua non, i.e., the essential
condition. Therefore, the fight against corruption must target African tyrants and accomplish three key objectives: degrade, dismantle, and destroy African tyrannies, the very source of the public-private corruption and money-laundering, its twin sister.
Fifth, It is no secret that African thieves have been
shipping bulk money overseas for decades (now they prefer the 500 Euros
banknotes!) besides using the traditional wire transfers and they will continue
to do so as developed nations tighten their banking and anti-money laundering
laws. Controlling the activities of
thieves' lawyers, real estate agents, escrow agents, foreign governments' lobbyists,
offshore corporations, banks, corrupt non-profit organizations or charities,
etc. will only solve part of the equation. The core of the problem remains in
those countries run by African thieves behind presidential desks.
Sixth, degrading, dismantling, and destroying African tyrannies and the impunity-based system they have institutionalized will benefit not only Africans but the rest of the world as well. Such system is a
serious threat to our civilization and humanity. It is that perverse system the
core of much of transnational organized crime and the breeding ground for terrorism.
All tools in the foreign policy toolbox must be used to degrade, dismantle, and destroy African tyrannies. From public shaming to targeted sanctions against tyrants, their politically exposed persons (PEPs), and all those who actively labor to perpetuate tyrannical systems in Africa. Sanctions shall include and not be limited to assets freezing, withdrawals of visas, travel ban, and elimination of all forms of foreign aid towards African countries run by dictators and dictocrats. Our civilization and humanity is at stake.
Read my May 30, 2016 opinion at Voice of America; http://www.voanews.com/content/senegal-court-to-deliver-verdict-in-habre-case/3351571.html
Other links:
http://www.bbc.com/news/business-36274302
