Alternating the Paradigm of Oblivion? Oil and the 21st Century Scramble for Africa

Abstract

It is axiomatic that Africa is presently the epicenter of the 21st century scramble by extra-continental powers; which are being celebrated for, in one way or the other, assisting Africa out of oblivion in global affairs, particularly after the Cold War. The major reason for this act being the extra-African desires for some bits of the mineral resources with which the continent is endowed and the continent’s market. This experience is already making the continent to feel extra-important in and/or to global politics, thus acting like a pigmy that thinks himself a giant. Without much ado, oil is at the front burner of the current scramble; and extant literature has claimed that the deepening presence and interests of extra-regional powers portend good omen for the continent. As such, there are claims that certain African units are witnessing about 7% GDP growth on annual basis. Beyond this however, are certain nefarious happenings, which to a large extent, are the concomitants of or are deepened by the 21st century scramble for Africa. In view of this, the study seeks to understand the prevailing groundswell of anomie before the current scramble; analyse the scramble so as to expose the hidden menu of desires, both of the major powers and their multinational companies; and to investigate the unfolding attendants that are entrenching Africa’s feet in the quagmire of crisis.