China is not a threat to Africa - Museveni

President Yoweri Museveni and his wife meeting German president Horst Kohler yesterday


By Cyprian Musoke
and Agencies

PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni has assured Western powers that Africa is capable of protecting its resources from any exploitation by foreign countries.

He was responding to concerns expressed by German President Horst Kohler over the growing Chinese influence in Africa on his second day of his visit to Germany.

Kohler observed that Africa had opened its doors wide for Chinese investments because the Beijing authorities do not put conditions in terms of democracy or human rights.

“For this reason, Africans believe that China is better than the West because for us we raise issues regarding democracy, corruption and human rights,” the German President said at his Berlin palace.

Museveni, accompanied by the First Lady, Janet, said unlike in colonial times, African leaders have identified their priorities and are capable of protecting the continent’s interests.

“Therefore, no power can exploit Africa,” a press release from the State House quoted him.

Kohler’s remarks come two days after the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China expressed interest in building an oil refinery and pipeline in Uganda.

Meeting Museveni at Entebbe Airport just before his departure for Germany, the Chinese bank’s chairperson also said they were keen on constructing hydro-power stations and transmission lines.

Beijing a few years ago embarked on a policy to strengthen cooperation and trade ties with Africa.

The move is seen in Europe as China’s scramble for Africa’s natural resources, needed to meet the demands of its rapidly growing industries.

Trade between the Asian giant and Africa reached a record $107b in 2008, a 45% increase compared to the previous year and triple the total trade volume of 2004, according to statistics.

The surge is fuelled by China’s increased imports of African oil and minerals, while Africa is buying more Chinese-made goods. Angola remained China’s largest trading partner in Africa last year, followed by South Africa.

Museveni told his host in Berlin that the priorities identified by African leaders were infrastructure development, cheap energy and transport in the form of a modern and efficient railway system.

In addition, he said, there was need for education and industries that will provide jobs to the young educated Africans.

On the DRC, he said the country needed a strong army to ensure that terrorist organisations do not use their soil to terrorise neighbouring countries.

The joint military operation against the LRA has reduced the rebels’ capacity to terrorise Ugandans at the border, he noted.

Kohler announced that Germany and other European countries want to start a new cooperation arrangement with Africa.

“We need a meeting with a few African Presidents to discuss the implementation of this new cooperation. We do not want to make the same mistakes Europe made during the colonial period.”