Schröder Renews German Interest in 'Forgotten Continent'

His first official visit to Africa is already being hailed a success back in Berlin. After spending six days jetting across the continent with high-profile stops in Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa and Ghana, Schröder hopes to have driven home his point that Africa is not only about war, famine and disease, and that Germany is not only interested in the continent as a recipient of development aid, but rather that there are political and economic initiatives worthy of promoting.

Speaking to DW-TV while in South Africa, Schröder says he is satisfied with the results of his visit, his first official one to the continent: "I think we made clear that Germany wants to take an active involvement in those places where what’s called "good governance" is practiced."

"These countries are making a genuine effort to stand on their own two feet, which is something we support," he explains. "They are trying to enforce the rule of law and principles of democracy. And they’re trying to establish regional alliances that can promote trade and give us the opportunity to get involved in even bigger markets."

The forgotten continent?

Africa has often been referred to as the "forgotten continent." Europe, which once had an active interest in its development, has pretty much neglected the region except for the occasional peacekeeping missions to former colonies and the regular flow of humanitarian and economic aid.

But Germany seems to be experiencing a growing interest in the continent. After Schröder’s visit, President Johannes Rau will go to Africa. Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer and the State Secretary in the Foreign Office, Kerstin Müller, have frequently visited the region in an effort to drum up support for peace initiatives in countries like Sudan and the Congo. Schröder sees his country’s interest in Africa as a continuation of Germany’s foreign policy.

"We’re trying to make it clear that it’s worth countries’ while to help themselves. The reason is quite simple," he says. "A stable Africa is in our own interest. The fight against international terrorism will only be successful if Africa manages to offer people a future, one in which they can live or at least survive."

New dimension in Africa policy

The focus on security represents a shift in Germany’s relations with Africa, which was previously confined to development aid. Schröder says the joint emphasis on security and economic development is the key to future dealings with Africa. Although still not as developed as North America, Asia or Europe, the chancellor is convinced that economic cooperation with Africa could lead to a "potentially huge market."

"We should not be talking down the potential," he says referring to critics, who quickly dismiss investment as a waste of effort. "It’s not just about raw materials, it’s also about people’s willingness to roll up their sleeves and get down to work on their own behalf."

"I think it’s in our own interest to help them."

Guilt over colonial past?

Schröder denies that Germany’s colonial history has any bearing on his country’s current and future interest in Africa. "There have been some very dark chapters in our history. One must only think of the Hereros in Namibia. But that’s a long time ago, and many of the emotional wounds have healed," he says.

"O course, we cannot allow ourselves to forget the past, but it’s not the driving force behind a sensible Africa policy. It's more about the here and now. There can be no question that this continent must have a future, and it will."