On 2018-11-21, a viral post attributed to Russian President Vladimir Putin set off debate across Africa after it claimed he had described the continent as a burial ground for its people.
The remarks, as circulated by a popular blog, questioned how Africans use their money and where they choose to live, study, invest and seek medical care. The quote said: “When an African becomes rich, his bank accounts are in Switzerland. He travels to France for Medical treatment.
He invests in Germany. He buys from Dubai. He consumes Chinese. He prays in Rome or Mecca. His children study in Europe. He travels to Canada, USA, Europe for tourism.
If he dies, he will be buried in his native country of Africa.
Africa is just a cemetery for Africans. How can a cemetery be developed?”
The statement was widely discussed online, with some readers treating it as harsh but valid criticism and others viewing it as an insult aimed at Africans by the Russian leader.
Nyakundi Report has not independently verified the origin of the quote as presented in the viral post.
