Can Africa Afford to Help Haiti?

While Africa is usually seen as the recipient of aid, this time many of its nations are stepping up to offer help Haiti in its time of need.

For example, President Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal has pledged free land for Haitians. Botswana and Liberia have donated money, while Nigeria and South Africa have sent rescue teams and doctors to the devastated nation.

But these acts of generosity have not gone without controversy. In the case of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which has pledged $2.5 million in aid, some argue the country is in no position to help, given its extreme poverty, violence and economic crisis. Currently the nation receives foreign aid, and according to the BBC, civil servants often go unpaid. Earlier this month, the U.N. rushed food and supplies to the northwest of the DRC where thousands refugees have been displaced because of clashes between groups.

Political scientist Ntanda Nkere of the University of Kinhasa remarks, “It’s a contradiction to see a country which is facing serious financial problems giving away $2.5 million but at the same time, it’s a purely diplomatic reaction, the Congolese government wants to appear like any other government.”

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