Massimo Introvigne on Africa

“Forget the idea of controlling Africa through military coups, as Russia is doing in Niger, or economic neo-colonialism only. [The Communist Party of] China is one step ahead. It perfectly understands that economic and military control are not enough without political and ideological hegemony. Hence the idea of training Africa’s ruling classes to reject democracy, embrace authoritarianism, crack down on civil society (including religion), and feel good about it.”

“As Europeans with experience in the field of promoting freedom of religion or belief, we cannot tell Africans what is needed in their beautiful and special context. They will find solutions and practices based on their own culture and traditions. But we can express our appreciation for [the African Forum for Religious and Spirituality Liberty (AFRSL)] and for its young and energetic African Coordinator and his team, and our warning that the same forms of intolerance and discrimination we combat in Europe may raise their ugly head in Africa too. Now, however, they will find AFRSL to oppose and resist them.”