Begging to Master II

It's budget season here in Bongoland. And this year's 9.51 trillion shillings money chest, proudly boasts 40% of it's income from foreign aid. As always, this comes with those 'know who the boss is' strings attached. So after the Swedish government pledged about $231 million for 'budget support' for the next four years they added this little warning:

"Two areas are especially highlighted, public financial management, crucial not least in the fight against corruption, and the local government reform programme, because local government is key to service delivery," Swedish Ambassador Staffan Herrstrom said during a signing ceremony [...] "There are certainly concerns about business climate, where Tanzania has been slipping. Again, we hope to see that taken care of," Herrstrom said.

This comes at the heels of this announcement from the Dutch government:

Development Minister Bert Koenders has suspended financial aid to Tanzania. In a letter to the Lower House, he explains that Tanzania is an unreliable partner for foreign investors. Koenders took the decision after a Dutch entrepreneur lost his investment. 

It makes you wonder why we demanded independence at all if in our 'freedom' we are always begging for money to feed ourselves and placidly accept being treated like children in the process.

They are laughing at you...

The Economist, in that self-righteous, holier-than-though tone, turn their focus on Tanzania:

Yet those who set up shop in the country are often disappointed. Tanzania, many complain, is a “slow” or even “terrible” place to do business—and “ungrateful” for foreign aid or investment. Even its boosters admit it is wrapped in red tape and lacks skilled workers. Almost everyone says Mr Kikwete is spending too much time burnishing Tanzania’s image abroad and not enough fixing problems at home. Last year he chaired the African Union. 

I like that 'ungrateful' for aid bit. But what do you expect when almost 50% of your budget is subsidized by foreigners. You are always going to be a joke to these people. Here is the lede from the same article:

THE country already gets 40% of its government budget in aid, but now it wants even more foreign cash to help it through the economic downturn. How much is enough? Tanzania’s president, Jakaya Kikwete, smiles grimly. “We’re trying to bring down our dependency, but we’re grateful for what we receive.”

Where is your dignity, man? This is what we are reduced to: a bunch of beggars. It is embarrassing. Reading the article, you can't help but be ashamed to be Tanzanian. 

(h/t to Louder Than Swahili)