Europe’s debt to Africa goes back a long way

YOUR columnist Steven King’s negative comments on NGOs and Bob Geldof in asking for monetary aid for an impoverished Africa shows his lack of understanding of the situation (Irish Examiner, July 19).

Mr King needs to be reminded that Europe from the 18th century onwards plundered Africa’s riches and departed, leaving behind a bewildered and uneducated population incapable of governing themselves.

It wasn’t surprising, therefore, that Africa ended up in anarchy and chaos.

We Europeans, sitting in our comfortable homes and driving our fast cars, easily forget we are directly responsible for this chaos and have a responsibility to help correct the situation.

Bob Geldof, Bono and the NGOs have done a fantastic job in bringing the plight of Africa to our attention and need to be applauded.

We all agree that giving aid is not the ideal situation, but until the EU, US and the rest of the world wake up to their responsibilities, at least it’s a start.

Neville Dent

30 Woodview

Killeagh

Co Cork