Socialist Party President Dr Fred M’membe spoke out on the African debt crisis in an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN). He criticized the claims that China is responsible for the debt crisis in Africa and pointed out that Western financial institutions, such as the World Bank, IMF, and commercial creditors, hold a large portion of Africa’s external debt.
According to Dr M’membe, Western private lenders hold 35% of Africa’s external debt compared to just 12% owed to Chinese lenders. He also mentioned the role of Western institutions in African countries such as Zambia, where multilateral financial institutions and Western commercial lenders hold a majority of the country’s external debt.
Dr M’membe highlighted that the causes of the African debt crisis are multi-faceted and include the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, and a decline in global economic growth, among others. He also pointed out that the rate hikes by the US Federal Reserve and the strengthening of the US dollar have added to the debt service burden of African countries.
In contrast, Dr M’membe spoke highly of China’s support for the African countries, pointing out that China has been a strong supporter of the Group of 20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative and has signed agreements with 19 African countries for debt relief. He dismissed claims that China is a predatory lender and that its financial assistance to Africa is aimed at practicing a new form of colonialism in Africa. He stated that China has helped in the construction of important socio-economic and cultural projects in Africa, such as roads, bridges, hospitals, and schools, creating job opportunities for millions of Africans.
Dr M’membe emphasized that there is a great trust and credibility in the China-Africa cooperation and that China is considered a reliable partner by many independent-minded Africans. He concluded by saying that accusations against China are just a red herring to absolve the West of any responsibility and that an honest analysis would reveal China’s positive contribution to Africa.
Suddenly we have awakened to the fact that western banks, asset managers and oil traders are our enemies of progress
Comrade kindly leave the keyboard and take a country wide tour and market yourself to the grassroots. The majority of our people don’t have access to the internet so you will need physical interaction with them.
YAWN AGAIN
WHAT HOLD HAS THIS CHAP ON LT ??
People prefer to hear lies than the truth. Fred is on to something but as usual Zambians will realise when it’s too late.
Remember when we had to pay back some loan, we leased out mufulira Mine.
The devil you know is better than the angel you do not know.
We should not be confused with were we could our education.
African English speaking nations do not support Britain nor USA, but we are all in corporation together because of the language tier . So which means we get along together and we will continue working together with the West no matter what.
We all get overboard at times, because we are human beings.
FRED IS ONTO NOTHING ZERO ZILCH
THE ONLY HALF TRUTH IS FUEL MIDDLEMEN
Mr Mumembe is up to no good. The moment Zambians make a mistake and make him president, that will be the end of democracy in Zambia. Can someone answer me: where have you see a democratic socialist/communist state?
Some of the reasons why most African countries end up borrowing excessively are because of tax avoidance by entities such as the “Post” and Zambian airways,both companies that were run by a certain Mumembe. Other reasons, among many, is the massive looting of the countries coffees, as was seen under the PF gang
you choose to be personal and petty instead of countering what he said with your own evidence. Thats how the discourse should be, not insults.
@magaba this is blind loyalty… never see negative side of the party you support.
Miti is paid blogger of crooked UPND.