Decrypting the approaches of eastern and western geo-political blocs in Africa’s quest for development under international law

Abstract

This article critically analyses the roles of the East and West towards the realization of the right of African States to development. It is axiomatic that most African states have been characteristically pillaged, plundered, and stripped by colonialism, and ravaged by poverty. This main objective of this article is to ascertain the framework for the promotion of the right to development under international law human rights law and to evaluate the dynamics of the East, as exemplified by China, and the Western approach to aid in Africa. The research employs the doctrinal research methodology for information. This article shows that the apparent glitch in the provision of aid is predicated on the fact that economic growth is not the donor’s priority. The article also indicates that African countries are relegated to the margins of society as lethargic spectators rather than an actor as far as development is concerned. The article recommends that it is expedient for African countries to enact relevant laws aimed at creating a robust environment for the promotion of the right to development. The threshold of Africa’s quest for sustainable development transcends the polemics of looking East or West for aid. It requires a strategic praxis which essentially focuses on looking inwards towards optimally harnessing the continent’s latent potential for unprecedented growth and development.

Keywords: Right to development, International Human Rights Law, Africa, East, West