Decolonisation is a better strategy for Europe

THE EDITOR, Madam:

France, England and other European countries colonised and divided Africa and other parts of the world to control currency; natural resources, such as oil, gold, minerals, etc; and install puppet governments.

The funds of the newly independent countries had to go through European central banks, such as in France, which were heavily taxed. These independent countries only had access to about a third of the funds deposited.

As a result, Western Europe used the funds in any way they liked and continue to flourished post-colonisation, and the newly independent countries remain poor and in high debt.

European countries should immediately cancel all decolonisation trade agreements and establish fair trade agreements. Europe should immediately repay 100 per cent of the funds acquired to the countries who were left with imposed colonial debts.

Europe got resources from the newly independent countries at rock-bottom prices and sold it at a premium, earning high profits. While the newly independent countries were celebrating independence, European leadership were laughing all the way to the bank.

No wonder Europe is so beautiful even after the WWII devastation. It would benefit all if the former colonisers let go of their control and correct the wrongdoings of the past.

H. RICKETTS