This week my organization, TransAfrica Forum, had the good fortune of being able to testify in a Congressional Hearing before the US House of Representatives on the continuing crisis in Haiti.  It was a unique opportunity to address the reality of the flawed response and reconstruction situation.  Despite the high level of financial resources already pledged and available, the efficacy of the relief effort has been undermined by structural inefficiencies, bureaucratic inertia, the broad scope of the disaster and vested interested parties working to preserve their own privileges while giving the appearance of change.

Centuries of history have proven that much of the money given to African governments in exchange for resources has taken the form of bribes to despot leaders. Too often the funds are misappropriated to personal bank accounts instead of aiding an impoverished nation as intended. This remains a major issue as corporations around the world rely heavily Africa’s natural resources. Col-tan powers our cell phones, computers and video game systems & the hunt for resources helps to keep DR Congo immersed in conflict. Oil from Nigeria, diamonds from Sierra Leone, tire rubber from Liberia… and of course the list goes on. While extractive industries may pay millions for their in-country privileges, there are very few laws on the books anywhere in the world that regulate the payments or the amount of minerals that can be extracted. Fortunately, the U.S. Congress has passed legislation that will reform these practices…we hope.