Ethical concerns of development Assistance

Every day we are bombarded with news and images of a war torn, poverty infested Africa. Reports upon reports from far and wide; Oxfarm to Red Cross show that most pledges among the G8 countries have gone unfulfilled. In real terms aid budgets are not increasing and the situation is getting worse.

One country that seems to be taking an contrasting view of Africa is China. As we all know China is tipped to be the next super world power and as we in the west look towards china for cheaper labour and raw materials so will China to Africa once it economy moves to a knowledge based one.
And thus China has increased its trade with Africa to a large enough scale that African governments are looking towards China as alternative partners in development of their economies rather than the West. The added bonus that the Chinese deal comes with no political strings attached makes the deals even sweeter. Nevertheless, one has note a word of caution. With no criticism of domestic policies within African economies, the Chinese can be seen to support the idea of ignoring accountability frameworks. Infact leaders like President Mugabe are welcoming the Chinese as they can carry out deals enriching themselves whilst the rest of the population suffers. Whereas the conditions the West puts on aid and development assistance may be too burdensome for most African countries we have to make sure that we don't just move to other end of the scale and ignore accountability frameworks