This archive report was first published on 4 August 2019.
Published on August 4, 2019, a new wave of resource and strategic invasion has swept across the African continent, reminiscent of the infamous Scramble for Africa by European powers.
As Africa experiences its most comprehensive and sustained period of economic growth since the 1950s, foreign direct investment has surged, with China leading the charge, surpassing traditional investors like Britain, France, and the USA.
However, other nations such as India, Brazil, and Russia are also investing heavily in Africa's present and future, while Middle Eastern nations are expanding their territory on several fronts.
But what are these merchants really after? According to the presiding bishop of Christ is the Answer Ministries, they are coming for Africa's soil, sweat, and soul.
Soil refers to the vast treasure of minerals such as gold, diamonds, oil, coal, and other valuables, while sweat comprises cheap labor, brilliant minds, and unpatented innovations.
But perhaps the most concerning aspect is the merchants' pursuit of Africa's soul, which involves the shrewd purchase of our values and worldview.
As Jesus once posed, what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?
The new scramble for Africa is a soft power game involving economic and humanitarian aid, interest-free loans, preferential trade agreements, and investments in infrastructure.
However, the real intent of these merchants is to purchase Africa's soul, which would give them control over our soil and sweat.
Unfortunately, some of these merchants can be ferocious if they realize that you are standing on their way to the treasure field, as demonstrated by the threat of sanctions against President Museveni for trying to outlaw homosexuality.
It is time for Africans to stand and battle for the soul of our continent.
