Mo Ibrahim, Chairman
Celtel International B.V.
Scorpius 2
2132 LR Hoofddorp
Netherlands
Dear Mr. Ibrahim:
I was pleased to read about your plan to award $5 million to an African political leader who displays “excellence in leadership.” It is unfortunate that financial incentive has become necessary, but at this point one must use whatever tactic works to improve the lives of people who are currently suffering as a result of political corruption.
Once in a while a news story crops up about protests in various African countries by people who work for one of the big oil companies, or the citizens of the communities in which the companies do business. Today it is being reported that villagers shut down some oil platforms in Nigeria. This sort of story always makes me want to boycott whatever company is supposedly exploiting its workers and making out like bandits (I already feel as though I’m a conspirator in some evil deed every time I put gas in my car). I am no fan of the oil companies in general, but as I read about the people’s complaints I almost felt sympathetic toward Shell. These oil companies employ people all across Africa. I hope the employees are fairly compensated for their labor. Of this I have no knowledge one way or the other. It seems, though, that while African countries should be enjoying the financial benefits of having so coveted a natural resource, the leaders in power are finding other things to do with the wealth before it reaches the people.
So the people naturally look to the companies to provide what the government should be providing, even including schools. On the one hand, I wonder whether it is reasonable to expect a company to go above and beyond the normal business practices and take on pseudo-governmental roles. On the other hand, it’s a bit despicable for these corporations to do business where they know this sort of corruption is going on.
Is there any remedy for this? I do hope incentives provided by individuals such as yourself will make a difference. It is truly amazing the amount of ruin that is caused by the lust for oil around the world.
Truly,
Liz Mann
