This does not preclude the importance of international cooperation as no nation should exist in regressive isolation. The seceding nation of Biafra proved this to be true during the Nigeria-Biafra War (1967-70) when remarkable inventions and ingenious survival measures were implemented. Rather than run to the West, cap in hand, each time we are faced with challenges, there is enough in our history and ancestry to tap from for sustainable growth. African history is replete with instances of scientific, academic, administrative, artistic, medical and other creative achievements and innovations. While there are those instances of war and famine, for instance, where aid is justifiable, the process and implementation of assistance should still originate from within the continent. The Western countries they beg from are the same ones from which independence was sought on account of their exploitative policies. It is inconceivable that 50+ years after independence most African countries continue to request foreign aid as a means to development, though they are endowed with vast amounts of natural resources and human talent. With only two Africans featured (one in each debate), the implied message is that the future and progress of the continent is largely dependent on input from foreigners. The Intelligence Squared and Munk debates on foreign aid to Africa (20 respectively) illustrate the deficiencies in the foreign aid paradigm.
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