Colonialism in What Ways Are Essay

During the civil war, this was a continuation of this pattern as the various Angolan militias would fight with each other; for control of select mineral rich areas. At the same time, they would fight foreign-based forces such as: the communists and anti-communists. In this case, the various communist / anti-communist forces were replacing the Portuguese. While the different militias, would be a continuation of the hostilities that would take place throughout the centuries. As they were replacing control of one set of resources (slaves), with that of other natural resources found later on (diamonds and oil). This is significant, because it highlights how the intense competition among the various groups in Angola, would occur from one generation to the next, based upon influence and control of natural resources. In this case, one could argue that the slave trade would create the foundation for the rivalries between the different groups (for control of these natural resources). As a result, it is easy to see how slavery and the colonization of Africa would contribute to this situation.

Yet, when you look at what is occurring, it is also obvious that the intense rivalries for various natural resources are adding to the problems facing the country. Where, the various groups will attempt to buy influence among government officials, to gain increasing amounts of access. Over the course of time, this would cause the underlying amounts of corruption to increase. A good example of this can be seen with a report that was released by Human Rights Watch. Where, they found that the government was not taking steps to increase transparency and that billions of dollars in oil revenues are being siphoned off. Commenting about what was occurring, director of the Business and Human Rights Program for Human Rights Watch (Arvind Ganesan) said, "The government needs to take strong action to combat the corruption and secrecy that undermine Angolans' rights.Here is a nation with a wealth of resources while its people live in poverty." ("Report Shows Continuing Angola Corruption," 2010) This is important, because it underscore how the legacy of slavery and colonization are creating vast differences in Angolan society. As one select group; will seek to control all of the different natural resources and power. This is similar to what occurred during colonization, as the Portuguese were using Angola as a way to extract vast amounts wealth at the expense of the people. Over the course of time, this would increase the amounts of anger that the general public will feel about what is occurring. Once this take place, it means that it is only a matter of time until hostilities will begin to occur. Where, the levels of corruption and history of violence; will force many people to engage in similar kinds of activities, in an order to achieve their desired results.

Bibliography

Angolan Civil War. (2003). On War. Retrieved from: http://www.onwar.com/aced/nation/all/angola/fangola1975.htm

Cultural Geography. (2010). Reference.com. Retrieved from: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/cultural+geography

Report Shows Continuing Angola Corruption. (2010). UPI. Retrieved from: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/U.S./2010/04/13/Report-shows-continuing-Angola-corruption/UPI-44621271175162/

Ohlson, T. (1994). Past Conflict. The New is not Yet Born. (pp. 20 -- 34). Washington, D.C.: the Brookings Institute......