"We need more confidence in people's abilities. The EU's Africa policy in particular is still too much based on paternalism," ECR shadow rapporteur Assita Kanko said about the own-initiative report on corruption and human rights.

The ECR Group supports fighting corruption, returning stolen assets, including cultural ones, and penalizing former politicians acting on behalf of foreign powers like Russia, and the Nord Stream issue. “But when it comes to Africa we have to increase trade, share best practice and think about a serious defense policy”, Kanko, who is of Burkina Faso origin, said.

Kanko criticized that the “European Union’s well-intentioned aid is being misused in some countries, contributing to the increase in corruption and a lack of good governance and sustainable development. Any aid should be subject to clear conditions and parameters.”

“We should work towards healthier cooperation between Europe and Africa, based on equal partnership rather than aid dependency. Greater focus on oversight and accountability by recipient governments is needed.

“If we really want to fight for human rights in Africa, we need to end nanny diplomacy and build real partnership with African countries. How can it take so long for so many smart western politicians to understand that Africans can be partners and have talent and potential like any other human being?

“Therefore, I am disappointed to learn that my amendment, which recognises that development aid is sometimes misused and increases corruption, has been rejected. They want to continue with the dead aid.

“If the EU becomes a true global player today, she must take this relationship with Africa seriously. I grew up in Burkina Faso, but the country is now unrecognizable. I saw a Russian flag on the news and I also see that the jihadists have gained ground. Islamism and autocrats are taking over the region. This hurts enormously and also threatens Europe. Where is the geopolitical dimension?”, Kanko added.