The trouble is, Aog, is that they are in a constant state of tribal conflict, no amount of aid can sort out the basic problem. They all want to be Chief. Most of the continent has small bands run by warlords in a constant state of skirmish with each other. Africa on paper at least should be a wealthly and prosperous continent, but they just cannot help self destructing. Look at Zimbabwe, perfect example, Mugabe wants a pure shona tribe and doesn't mind if he screws the entire nation in the process. It just pains me at the effort the West puts inm charity work, comic releif, band aid etc etc, when all they are doing is pi55ing into the wind. I fear for South Africa next, they seem already to have started the same process that Mugabe did a few years ago. Africa is the target of so much aid, so little of which, sadly, does any good.