Africa Needs Partnership, Not Charity: Stop Exploiting Our Resources — Liberia’s Ambassador-at-Large Tells Italian Parliament
Africa Needs Partnership, Not Charity: Stop Exploiting Our Resources — Liberia’s Ambassador-at-Large Tells Italian Parliament
Africa Needs Partnership, Not Charity: Stop Exploiting Our Resources — Liberia’s Ambassador-at-Large Tells Italian Parliament
Sheikh Almoutapha Kouyateh, Liberia’s Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs, has delivered a powerful message on behalf of President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, calling for a new era of mutual respect, equity, and strategic partnership between Africa and Europe.
Speaking at an event hosted in the Italian Parliament, Kouyateh conveyed President Boakai’s greetings of “peace, love, and respect” to the Italian people and all international delegates present. He praised Italy for its longstanding involvement in Africa’s migration challenges but stressed that the root causes must be honestly addressed.
According to Kouyateh, African migration is deeply linked to the exploitation of the continent’s natural resources—resources that are extracted and processed abroad while African youth are left without opportunities.
“Africa is a great continent, and Africans are noble people,” he said. “But Africa has been victimized. Our natural resources come to Europe without issue, yet our young people risk their lives to come here because they have been deprived of jobs, dignity, and alternatives.”
He accused many African governments of becoming “agents of impoverishment,” signing concession agreements that overwhelmingly benefit foreign companies at the expense of African citizens.
“Every concession signed between Europe and Africa is win for Europe and loss for Africa,” he stated. “Our youth are not lazy—they are jobless because opportunities have been taken from them.”
Kouyateh urged European leaders to rethink their approach, emphasizing that Africa needs strategic partnerships, not charity or aid.
“We do not want charity. We do not want gifts. We want partnership—partnership that transfers knowledge, technology, and market access.”
He applauded Italy’s innovation and industrial strength, saying it positions the country as an ideal partner for Africa’s future. However, he also warned against viewing Africans as inferior or sidelining their humanity.
ALSO READ: Guinea-Bissau President Embalo Flees to Senegal After Military Coup Overturns Election Results
“If we are all created in the image of God, why deprive one group of opportunities?” he asked.
Highlighting Liberia’s own struggles, Kouyateh noted that despite being Africa’s oldest republic, 65% of its population is youth—and nearly half of them are unemployed due to decades of imbalanced agreements.
He stressed that Africa does not see Europe as an enemy but believes the relationship must evolve into one that uplifts men and women on both continents.
“Africa wants to breathe. Africa wants to showcase its potential. Italy can be a solution for Africa.”
Kouyateh ended with a call for cooperation that respects African dignity:
“Our partnership will strengthen our bonds as human beings. May God bless you, and thank you for this opportunity.”
Africa Needs Partnership, Not Charity: Stop Exploiting Our Resources — Liberia’s Ambassador-at-Large Tells Italian Parliament
