The richest persons in Africa are heads of state, governors and ministers. So every 'educated' African who wants to be rich - and there is nothing wrong with wanting to be rich - heads straight into government or politics.

In a banana republic, one might slip on a banana peel but things do work - now and then for the people, albeit inefficiently and unreliably.

Back in the 1960s Africa not only fed itself, it also exported food. Not anymore.

Africa has more dictators per capita than any other continent.

If NATO goes in and solves the crisis in Darfur, when the next one comes along Africa's leaders will just sit back.

Dictators are allergic to reform, and they are cunning survivors. They will do whatever it takes to preserve their power and wealth, no matter how much blood ends up on their hands. They are master deceivers and talented manipulators who cannot be trusted to change.

The only good dictator is a dead one.