Encounters in West Africa is perhaps unique in its kind, informative, critical and at the same time entertaining. It gives an overview of West African history, the Transatlantic Slave Trade and the Amistad Revolt. It refers to major events since the European colonialism; aspects of cultural heritage and traditional beliefs in sorcery and witchcraft, secret societies, initiation and wedding ceremonies and the status of African women.
The author explains how slavery fueled the engine of western economies through draining African wealth and human resources and addresses the critical question "Why Africa endowed with rich resources remains the world's poorest region in the twenty-first century!" In response, while recognizing the internal political conditions and social instability as the major constraints, he blames the West and the United States in particular for ignoring Africa despite giving much attention to some other territories. He then draws attention to the pressing issues facing Africa and the challenging role of the international community and Western media for a change of policy. The author believes that education should be given first priority in any donors' assistance package to Africa which should include health care education and sharing knowledge and technology transfer with effective community involvement.
The author's aim is to enrich the awareness of the reader about the potential resources, rich heritage and traditional values of Africa with the hope to promote international partnership with the continent.
The last parts of the book cover the author's interesting memoirs, some advice to visitors before travelling to the region and references to institutions and NGOs affiliated with West Africa.
About the Author
Hossein Kamali, a consultant and former Senior United Nations Field Advisor and Director in West Africa, educated in Iran and the United States, obtained his BS and MS in Mathematics, Public Administration and Economic Development. His association with the UN and Africa dates back to 1969 when he joined UNIDO in Vienna, Austria as a development officer, served in West Africa from 1987 to 1992 and then in Sudan from 1993-1994. A recipient of Ford Foundation scholarship while attending Macalaster College, Harvard and Washington State universities, has extensively traveled worldwide and throughout Africa.
