Greediness and fragile states

During my study in International Development at the University of Manchester, one friend of me asked me this question ‘why Africa is so dark’. That means ‘why Africa is so poor’. I tried to give my answer and decided to research on fragile states.  In fact, fragile state is a country where governmental authority is failing, where the basic human rights to life and security are regularly violated, where sufficient food is a luxury, and where water, health and education are not guaranteed. When good people are trying to solve the problem within fragile states, the situation in the North of Africa is a real issue highlighting the poverty among African population.  From Tunisia to Libya via Egypt, ordinary people are raising their voice for better condition and democracy. All these countries were not on the list of fragile states but in recent days many people are concern about Kaddafi attitude. Fighting has continued between the Libyan army and anti-government forces to gain control of the east of the country. As a result, humanitarian crises with massive cross-border refugee flows which quite clearly, placed enormous damage on neighbouring states and the international community. Those who like peace and development ask themselves the question; Why dictators prefer staying in the power, gaining enormous wealth when their people are suffering?  What is the source of greediness?  The Apostle Paul said that ‘’the love of money is the source of all kinds of evil. And he added that some people lost their true faith and put themselves with many sorrows because of their greediness. For Jesus, we should love God and our neighbour as our self. How can you love someone and at the same time destroy, steal or kill him/her? John 10.10 said ‘’ ¹⁰ The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life’’. If you are a good government you should love your people and give them the basic human rights including water, food, education, health, right to vote, communication,... Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Be blessed in the name of Jesus. KHN