Afryka nieznana Europie

Abstract

For the Christian Europe, Africa, a continent of big rivers (the Nile, the Niger, the Zambezi, and the Zaire – the Congo), deserts and droughts, is geographically the closest continent. However, it long remained unknown and unfamiliar. In the 12th century missionaries and travelers penetrated Asia. In the 15th century America, which was colonized and evangelized a hundred years later, was discovered. Africa until today remains the least known continent for Europe. The problem of Europe's perception of Africa is still present. At the beginning of 2007 archbishop Charles Palmer-Buckle from Ghana appealed for a “different political style” of Europe towards Africa. He noticed that the European Union most often carries out its own plans, without letting African countries express their opinions. He said: “We, the inhabitants of Africa wish to be treated seriously. (...) We want to be treated as partners at last. (...) The inhabitants of Africa get instructions and orders, which they are expected to do, but in basic issues we are not treated as equal partners”.