Chiedza Vol 13 No 1 Power Relations and the Just Distribution of Wealth

Abstract

The effects of human exploits continuously call into question the nature and purpose of the human person. Historical processes produce changing attitudes to ourselves and to nature in general ranging from consideration, indifference or brute insensitivity, and our present situation is in part a product of the dynamics of these relations. In a society where relations are characterised by competition, greed and power struggles, even the most ingenious solutions seem to be creating more casualties and mins than can be sustained in the process. As it often appears. those who in their voracity imperil the human Ii fe and environment are not the most - if they are at al I - affected by the consequences. This issue of Chiedza invited our contributors to reflect on power and how it seems to drive human history. Obviously wealth can serve both as a source of and the reason for the quest for power. The colonial domination of Africans was fueled, to some extent. by the desire to benefit from Africa's resources. Also I.be political, ethnic and religious hostility that besets many African states seems to result from an unjust distribution of resources. National crises are often centred on the major material for wealth of a particular country. In many African states, there is a widespread discontentment spurred on by the exploitation of land and other natural resources like gold, diamonds and oil. The discontent narcs up into the conflict situations experienced in many parts the continent. Most of the contributors, while attempting to highlight the many ills enshrined in our quest for wealth and power, seem to demonstrate some faith that we are llOt utterly helpless before this pursuit of riches. and power and wealth can be harnessed 10 give a better meaning and value to our human living. Apparently, we humans can make a better history in which power is used in ways that do not create victims, slaves or dependants. Olivier Sempiga explores this hope in his analyses of capitalism, especially the prevalent global financial crisis. and his call for a global ethic. and more radically. a global governance structure to help curb the greedy passion of some in our societies. Edmund Agorhom takes a different tack from Olivier, acknowledging that globalization can be a source of inequality in some cases but that it can also moderate disparities. which, in any event, are a necessary part of the human condition. By analysing race among other forms of difference, Sam Ujewe offers a comprehensive argument to show that there is in fact a unity underlying the opposites we observe and experience in society. Two articles in this issue appraise the speech by President Obama during his visit to Ghana in July 2009. Lenn Keever takes a clue from a statement by Obama- that "Africa's future is up to Africans" - to explore the unequal power relations between African governments and international financial institutions. Raymond Ngaiza agrees with Obama that Africa is in need of robust political structures but argues that these are inadequate without strong leaders (in the sense of"good" rather than "autocratic" leaders). During the semester, Arrupe College hosted a likely and instructive debate on ''government of national unity•· and in his article, Joseph Thomas Mboya examines the hope that such governments hold for Africa with particular reference to the consociational form of democracy. Might democratic consociationalism be Burundi's key to a balance of power and just distribution of economic resources'? Felix Haruwanayomayo examines this question following a comprehensive review of Burundi's chequered history of ethnic relations Joseph Chukwuocha surveys Nigeria’s fragmented political economy and suggests "concessive restructuring” as a solution to the myriad of problems that afflict the country. There are cases in Africa that seem to suggest that the material for power is equal to the material for wealth and vice versa. Gibson JS cube allude~ to 1his i<.lea in his analyses of the relationhip between land and power in Zimbabwe as portrayed in Daniel Mandishona’s short story "KaffirCorn". While not directly relating to power or justice in the distribution of wealth, two articles in this edition exemplify our commitment to a diverse range of subject matter. ln ''Quantum Logic as the Power of physicists, Jerome Manyahi and Francis Xavier, demonstrate the enabling power of quantum logic vis-a-vis classical logic; in "The lmportance of Spirituality in Psychotherapy for Christians," theology-student Jean-Claude Havyarimana argues for an interaction between secular psychotherapy and pastoral counselling. We are pleased to include in this edition the judges' report and the winning entry in the Arrupe Art Appreciation Competition. It is interesting to note that the majority of entries (including the winning entry) were written on Fr. Anthony Berridge's painting The Ivory Tower: On the From Line, a piece of art that raises significant issues with regard to power and injustice. Many thanks to all our contributors who, in their various responses to the theme Qf this issue, have served Chiedza 's resolve to penetrate every nook and cranny of our complex society. We are hrrateful to Courage Bakasa for years of dedicated service to the board during his time at Arrupe, and also Paul Kalenzi who has played a significant role in preparing this issue for publication and will soon move on after completing his MA studies. We wish both of them well in their new missions. We welcome comments, responses to articles or contributions; please write to us at the email on the cover page.
Enjoy reading!

Maximus Ibeneto. S.J.