Do Africa and Africans have an equal place in world politics?

Before God all peoples are of equal worth. In today’s world politics, however, the rule is often that might is right, and Africa suffers from this along with every weak country in the world.

Before God no people has any precedence over another. Africans are of no less worth than people from Europe, Asia or America. The first verse above makes the fear of God the only measure of honour, not skin colour, wealth or power.

The reality of world politics, sadly, looks different. There, one principle often rules, namely that might is right. The strong get their way, and whoever wins is considered to be in the right. The politics of weak countries is made subordinate to the interests of the powerful.

This is not a problem for Africa alone. It affects every weak country, on whatever continent it lies. Africa feels it keenly, but the cause does not lie with Africans. It lies in the attitude of those who hold power.

This can only change if the powerful act humanely even though they possess power. The second verse above demands justice even against one’s own interests. So far, unfortunately, there is little sign of this insight in the world. It is to be feared that only a great catastrophe will bring the powerful to their senses.

For Africans themselves, this does not mean feeling small. Their worth does not depend on how the powerful treat them. Whoever lives justly and fears God holds the highest rank with Him, no matter where he was born.