Little point in leaping to Rwanda's aid
I REFER to the article headlined 'The agony in the heart of Africa' (South China Morning Post, July 8).
I felt pity for those in the central prison in Rwanda. The horrifying living conditions were described so vividly that I seemed to be in Kigali myself.
The article really touched my heart.
However, I disagree with what the Red Cross is doing.
Rwanda is an uncivilised country. Its population has been increasing drastically as a result and many problems have arisen.
In spite of the racial and tribal discrimination, a shortage of food is another major source of conflict between people in the country.
The crisis in Rwanda remained underground for years, but last year it erupted like a volcano.
War is violent and powerful, but although it kills many innocents and destroys a country's assets, it is, in a way, to Rwanda's advantage.
The war, although it is tragic, helps to decrease its population which in turn will help solve the food-shortage problem.
In fact, no matter how much we have donated to help, not many lives in Rwanda are being saved. The people may live for a few more weeks, but will eventually die through starvation or infectious diseases.
So, what is the point of sparing their lives for only a few days more with vast, scarce resources? I appreciate what the Red Cross has done to help, but I would rather endorse the Hope Project, which teaches children in China to read, and ORBIS which works to cure the blind.
LINDY NG Taikoo Shing
