Can African nations afford to vote against the US?

As the crucial United Nations vote on a second resolution looms, pressure is being exerted on the three African members of the Security Council.

UK Foreign Office Minister Baroness Amos has been despatched to Angola, Cameroon and Guinea to attempt to lobby support for a second resolution.

She follows on the heels of the French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin's whistle-stop tour of the key African member states.

Although all three countries backed the French position against war during last month's Franco-African summit in Paris, there are indications they may be wavering. As the world's only superpower, the influence of the US may be difficult to avoid.

Can Angola, Cameroon and Guinea afford to vote against a second resolution? What effect would it have on relations between Africa and the US?

This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.

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Principles do not build roads and hospitals Reuben Fevrier, United Kingdom

Principles do not necessarily build a country roads and hospitals. All countries need to assess where their strategic aims lie and ensure that their foreign policy allows them to achieve their aims. The African countries therefore have no choice - its either side with America in her hour of need (and reap the benefits of a renewed relationship with the world only superpower) or ally herself with the French, a country which is slipping down the economic rankings.
Reuben Fevrier, United Kingdom

The title of the question says Africa is poor, defenceless and its credibility is questioned. Africa will always bullied as long as it does not believe in its independence and integrity. Let us face it, Africa is not poor but the minds of its leaders are. They lead their countries as their own household and the people remain voiceless. That is the reality that we have to face. Angola, Cameroon and Guinea rich with natural resources and can afford to have a VOTE.
Mulu Chacha, Ethiopia

Most of the replies I have read revolve around money and how much aid the Americans are willing to channel to African states. The dilemma these African states are in should not revolve around money but should be based on humanity, peace and the sovereignty of individual nations.
Ben Choong, Malaysia

If these three African countries vote yes then they are actually voting for another wave of colonialism and darkness in Africa. We may not have weapons of mass destruction in Africa but our continent is very unstable. Certainly a future paranoiac Republican administration in Washington will argue that most African countries are failed states and therefore a potential threat to their security. So they will rain bombs on us to "liberate" us from our "corrupt dictators." So please let us not set a precedent.
Lansana Konneh, Sierra Leone/ Bangladesh

The three African nations on the UN Security Council should cast their votes for the highest bidder. Why? The US and UK have indicated that they will move ahead with war regardless of the vote while France, Germany and Russia have never accounted for the true needs of African nations. For these reasons, Angola, Cameroon and Guinea, should get everything they can. Complete elimination of their international debt would be a good start.
Dana, USA

How sad, but telling, that comments here from Americans say "Think about the money, sell your vote for the highest bid, we'll go to war without you anyway." Perhaps some people on this planet believe in peace, democracy and stability rather than blood money.
Harriet Grant, London, England

Economic aid gotten through blackmail and bribery is not what African states need Disang Mongatane, Botswana

I guess it's not at all surprising that a great majority of people still believe African nations depend solely on US aid. While this isn't entirely untrue, it is also true that France has been and will remain for a long time Guinea and Cameroon's biggest trading partner. Economic aid and trade should have nothing to do with how individual nations vote in the United Nations Security Council and contrary to popular belief, poor Africans do a have a say in this matter for the simple fact that we are part of this planet believe it or not. Economic aid gotten through blackmail and bribery is not what African states need. What is needed is a collective effort such as that proposed by the AU, (NEPAD). Angola, Guinea and Cameroon should vote for what they believe is right, for whichever way they cast their vote their vote they lose something.
Disang Mongatane, Botswana

It is a good thing for the three African Countries to be in the spotlight. Africa is beginning to value its importance. At present the three countries are in a very difficult situation. Those three countries are not big recipients of the U.S aid package. I think they should vote their conscience.
Jackson K. George Jr, Liberian/Minnesota U.S.A

Do what everyone else does - get every penny you can. Max, USA

Isn't it obvious that US will fight this war with or without support from Africa, or anyone else??? This said, the least those countries can do is to take care of themselves. Do what everyone else does - get every penny you can. Turkey will even re-vote for the right amount! This war is inevitable!!!
Max, USA

The US will go to war, UN vote or not. The three African countries should make them pay as much as they can to give their war UN legitimacy. Vote YES at the last minute for as much as you can get.
James Mugetha, USA

They would be fools to vote with the US, whatever their beliefs. The resolution would be vetoed anyway, and the worst the US will do is not give extra aid. But France will see to it that their economies are destroyed if they disobey. France is engaged in an undeclared war with the US, and will not treat America's allies kindly.
Samban Ugunda, Canada

Nations base their relationships on self interest not moral clarity. Mike, USA

If the African nations currently on the security council choose to vote against the war on Iraq, they should. But to believe that the U.S and the European nations will not consider these votes in future dealings is wishful thinking. Nations base their relationships on self interest not moral clarity. Nations change their positions when the issue directly affects their interest. The UN has constantly shown that it regards conflicts, and problems based on this fact. Vote as you will but demand the same accountably from France, Germany, Russia, and China as they are demanding from the US and the UK.
Mike, USA

The Africans are in a very difficult position. Voting against the US will mean sanctions, either direct or indirectly. To find the right answers to this issue, we should look back at history - the cold war, where African states were divided between Russia and the US. Therefore, when voting this time, I am sure the Africans shall have memories of the consequences from the cold war haunting them. It is indeed a test of their independence of their states versus need for aid.
Rhodrick Junaid Kalumpha, Malawi

I don't think African countries will vote freely. They know by now which side (USA or France) will severely punish them if they choose the other side. Eventually they will vote against France.
Tortank, Switzerland

Think of what war has done to our rich and beautiful continent Okelo S. Otieno, Kenya

A piece of advice to African members to UN before they vote. Think of where Africa is and what war has done to our rich and beautiful continent. Vote war and Africa will be the most affected state in terms of socioecopolitical aspects. Vote peace and even the unborn will agree to your humanity. Vote NO to WAR against Iraq.
Okelo S. Otieno, Kenya/Malaysia

As an Angolan that has seen war completely destroy my country, children, women, elderly people dying because of the ambition for power and money, I think my government should vote NO. We shouldn't care about the aid the US could give us because they have never cared before about us. Why launch a war that doesn't seem to have a reason. Did Iraq bombed the US? No.

It seems like it would be a betrayal to the Angolans if the government don't take advantage of the situation, but I am sure Angolans wouldn't mind if they didn't take advantage, because what we always wanted was peace, be it in Angola or in the World. Peace and no more suffering.
Jasminea Narciso, Angola

Free and Fair elections are what USA and UK preach in Africa Madaliso, Zambia

Free and Fair elections are what USA and UK preach in Africa. So let the Africans vote without any intimidation or blackmail. Besides, Bush has made it clear, with or without UN approval, Iraq will be attacked. Let us expose the bully of the world who will go to war without UN mandate. Shame on Bush.
Madaliso, Zambia

The US should first seek a vote for or against the war from its own people. It is a shame that the most powerful democracy in the world should be ignoring the wide-spread anti-war protests throughout US itself and is arm-twisting the poorer nations to vote for its undemocratic desires. Practice what you preach first.
Sam, India

Bush says that if the UN votes against this war, then it will be irrelevant. Truth is, if the UN passes this resolution authorizing war, then the UN will THEN be irrelevant. Countries will reason thus. Why waste time with the UN when you can go straight to the US?
Doctor Odhiambo, Kenya

A beggar can not afford to bite the hand that feeds him Michael A, USA

A beggar can not afford to bite the hand that feeds him, regardless of the circumstances. Therefore, I predict that African countries will cave in and vote in favour of the United States in order to maintain their financial assistance status from America. It's quite obvious. Whatever the case, Saddam must be disarmed, preferably through peaceful means.
Michael A, USA

Angola, Cameroon and Guinea should vote absolutely no. Not long ago it was President Bush who had said Africa was not a priority; and it is the same Bush courting the three African Nations. Is this for their own interest only and not for world peace? Voting yes for this resolution against an innocent nation that is also showing many signs of complying is morally and politically wrong. If these African nations vote along U.S line it would be the greatest setback for humanity.
TAM, GAMBIA/U.S.A

All three nations have a dilemma but the Cameroonian situation is of special interest. Long having relied on France to support them whenever a crisis occurred with Nigeria they now have to decide if they are going to oppose France. If so, they may find their former colonial masters reluctant to support them on issues such as the Bakassi Peninsula.
Tunji Akinsehinwa, UK

War has almost certainly started anyway Mustapha Ounnowo, Luton, England

The African countries should be careful with all the horse trading and hard bargaining presently witnessed. The US and UK will not deliver on their promises. France may be trying to address some of the wrongs of the past, time will tell if Iraq is the straw that broke the camel's back. In my opinion, Guinea, Cameroon and Angola should abstain, the war has almost certainly started anyway.
Mustapha Ounnowo, Luton, England

Let's be honest. Whether Angola, Cameroon and Guinea vote for or against it doesn't make an iota of difference to what the US is planning to do.
Brad, Ghana

They should stand for truth, justice and fair play Tony Ajiri, Nigeria

Cameroon, Guinea and Angola should be allowed to vote according to their conscience. They should stand for truth, justice and fair play. These African countries should not be coerced into taking decisions that would negatively affect generations yet unborn.
Tony Ajiri, Nigeria

This is a truly unfair situation for three countries that have no business deciding these issues anyway. No disrespect to Cameroon, Guinea and Angola, but there are other more pressing issues for all three. Any decision will anger either Bush or Chirac, but if I were an African, I would fancy what George Bush could do for me later.
Grant, USA

I think the African countries should cast their vote based solely on principles. The reason is simple; Africans should by now have learnt that the superpowers (US, France, Britain and others) do not really care about Africa's needs. The powers may promise as much as they like but do not expect them to honour their promises once the vote is taken. This is a familiar road that Africans have travelled before.
Waweru, Australia

They should vote with their conscience Ruud, NL

Of course African nations can vote no. They should vote with their conscience, whichever way that is. Why is it that the US only accepts democracy, whether it be in the UN Security Council, or in foreign countries, when it suits their interests?
Ruud, NL

Suddenly African counties are being asked to decide on important global issues. This is the ultimate test. It will be interesting to see if the Africans will vote to appease (for more aid) or to make a difference (for a better global future).
Francis Ezeu, Uganda

It is quite obvious that African countries depended heavily on the USA for aid. However, at the same time African leaders have the moral obligation to do the right thing. We do not need war. The best option for Angola, Cameroon and Guinea is to abstain from the vote. Of course abstaining will automatically kill the resolution.
Chi Elendu, San Francisco, CA/Nigeria

Of course they can vote against the US but I suggest that these Angola, Cameroon and Guinea should play the game the super powers are playing; that is protecting their interests first. It is in the best interest of these nations to stand by America this time. After several years of defending France, their economic conditions are still as appalling as ever.
Thomas, USA/Cameroon

I am 27 year old African woman. I think that Angola, Cameroon, and Guinea now have an opportunity to make a decision which will have an huge impact and provide lessons for future generations. I would like to think that Africans will vote in a way that will allow their future generations to learn that you can exercise your right to speak without the fear of intimidation and blackmail. Africa, YES! we can afford to vote against the US if it means we are exercising our right to free speech!
Johanne, UK

Angola, Guinea, and Cameroon should realise that they speak for the African continent as a whole. A. Gassama, USA

Angola, Guinea, and Cameroon should realise that they speak for the African continent as a whole. It is a time when they should show that spirit of Africanism which is self pride and respect for human souls as opposed to ill gotten wealth. No money given to them is enough to dispose of their prides and vote for a war they know is to the utmost unjust and unfounded. Africans should vote NO.
A. Gassama, USA

It is beyond belief that poorer countries are being badgered into voting for something they don't believe in. Just because they are vulnerable, just because they rely on aid from counties like the US, they have to fall in line behind it or get left behind in obscurity. This kind of bribery and blackmail should be illegal.
Harry, Germany

I don't believe Africa can afford not to stand up against the US. The more you allow another country to dictate your own policy to you, the more you undermine your ability to act independently in the future. In other words, if you stand up to bullies they usually stop picking on you because you are too much effort. I am not saying that these countries should arbitrarily vote against the US. Rather, if a nation disagrees with the US, they should be free to vote their conscience.
Nathan, Canada via SA

I think African countries should vote yes. Frank Kasera, Tanzania/USA

I think African countries should vote yes. This is not a matter of oil or unjustified war, this is a matter of world peace and security. The US/UK is trying to prevent the WMD to be handed over/held with the wrong people at any time. The US/UK should use any means necessary to disarm Saddam.
Frank Kasera, Tanzania/USA

Yes, they can. Defending principles is more important than caving in to blackmail. So what (!) if the US cuts relations with them as a consequence - there are other nations ready to help them....and I resent the comment the US being 'the world's only superpower' What is the definition of a 'superpower'? 'Bully' may have been more appropriate.
Jonathan, Switzerland

The US has been the greatest contributor of financial aid and food aid over the years and has contributed more than any other country. However, without investment Africa will continue to suffer from all its present problems. What Africa needs is a determined effort by all donor countries to create industries and jobs in Africa. The poor countries in Africa and elsewhere simply do not possess the means to become self-sufficient without determined, consistent efforts by the richer nations.
Thomson, Israel

When African leaders buy votes with money that is corruption. When American and British leaders do the same shameful act that is democratic and prudent! Shame on you Bush! Shame on you Blair! Africa... vote NO!
Mucege, Kenya/UK

I do not think this is a vote for or against the US. The attack on September 11, 2001 did not just kill Americans. Every nation on the planet lost someone. Had the terrorists used weapons of mass destruction in this attack, the disastrous consequences would have been unimaginable. Knowing Saddam's history, we know that he is willing and able to use those weapons or supply them to someone who will use them. I think diplomacy should be exhausted, but in the end Iraq must be disarmed-whatever it takes. Any country that cares for its people would vote to disarm Iraq
Mohamed Kassim, Guinea

Their left arm will be twisted by France, while their right arm will be twisted by US / UK Willie Chopa, Kenya

The whole thing is a sham. There is no way the 3 African nations will be able to vote their conscience because their arms will be twisted on both sides with threats of economic repercussions. Their left arm will be twisted by France, while their right arm will be twisted by the US and the UK
Willie Chopa, Kenya

Should Cuba, Libya or any Communist nation ask Africa the same question we all know what the answer would be. As is the African way, it would far rather bite the hand that feeds it than take a stand against a threatening dictatorship and oppression. African leaders should consider their own principles before championing the morality issues of this war.
Craig H, South Africa / UK

The African Security Council members should cast their vote based on the principles of their sovereignty as well as the UN Charter. Making them turn the cheek based on monetary aid offers from any of the nations with veto powers would be immoral.
Mwangi, Kenya

Its amazing how those who constantly preach the need to eradicate corruption in African politics and society are now blatantly encouraging these three countries to accept bribes for votes. The newly formed African Union must demand of the UN that future representation of any branch of its business will come through the African Union as the single body of the collective African View.
Clifford, England

Over 50% of the African population have first hand experience of the devastating effects of wars which have been fought for whatever reason. We can afford to vote against the USA with a clear conscience not because it's the USA but because we do not want war no matter who is calling for it. To sum it we do not want war in Ivory Coast neither do we want war in Iraqi.
Rufaro, South Africa

African leaders should just sit back and watch this game play itself out Segun Adeyemi, Nigeria

How come I didn't hear all this noise when the Security Council voted in 1994 to pull out of Rwanda while the genocide lasted? What is Africa's business if the US wants to disarm Iraq? And what has Saddam Hussein contributed to world peace to deserve the world's support? African leaders should just sit back and watch this game play itself out.
Segun Adeyemi, Nigeria

It may not be a wonder if African nations vote for US. It is a matter of survival for the poor countries. But we all know that what the US is doing is totally unjust.
Masresha Kefale, Ethiopia

This vote is about what is right and what is wrong! We should ask ourselves what wrong Iraq has done to the US, Africa and the rest of the world. None. Therefore we cannot agree to allow the US to attack Iraq. Like the secretary general of the ANC in South Africa said what will stop the US from then attacking South Africa or any other country to put in the right regime!
Tsogang, Botswana

History is repeating itself again. The powers scrambled for our forefathers (slavery), then for our mineral resources (colonialism). Now they are scrambling for our votes. Please teach them a lesson this time around.
K Dumbuya, Germany/Sierra Leone

Saddam has played with the world for too long, it's time for him to go, Bush or no Bush, UN or no UN Gerald, Cameroon/UK

We must not lose the track of the overall reasons for the US wanting to disarm Iraq by force. It is the credibility, authority and relevance of the UN that is at stake. The UN will be a toothless bull dog if it fails to enforce it's own resolutions. Saddam has played with the world for too long and I think it is time for him to go, Bush or no Bush, UN or no UN. My country Cameroon should vote for immediate and unconditional disarmament of Iraq as stated in resolution 1441.
Gerald, Cameroon/UK

The US claim to have a moral justification for war, why they feel they should buy votes?
Kayombo Muloji, Zambia

Africa should say NO. If they give into American pressure now tomorrow the same can happen to one of them. Might is not right.
Sri, India

Africa has not gained anything (except disasters, carnage and poverty) by becoming client/subordinate states of likes of USA. Now, let's try something novel: making decisions based on moral justice and courage and not on bullying from military might.
Ahmad, Abdul-Rahim, Waterloo/Canada.

I worry that economies of African states will be hit by an oil crisis in case of war. Fuel price is already up.
John Musis-Kampala, Uganda

Whoever lobbies them in a profitable way will carry their vote Businge Badru, Kampala, Uganda

Where as the US and Britain are interested in disarming Iraq because of their interests in the Middle East, Africa doesn't have strategic interests in the region. Angola, Guinea and Cameroon are third world countries heavily dependent on aid from US and the EU, they therefore have no political position on the war and whoever lobbies them in a profitable way will carry their vote. But this is also a challenge to them, because if they take decisions without analysing them properly, they might turn some world powers from them.
Businge Badru, Kampala, Uganda

Yes, we can vote against America. We do not want war. At the end of it all us Africans will suffer more because oil will go up and we won't afford a lot of things. Innocent lives will be lost.
Tina Nyati, Zambia

Yes, yes, yes. If we want to save humanity from the US, it will be the right thing to do - it's a moral duty. I for one don't care about their money.
Mwamufe, Namibia

Africa - vote no. We know and understand what occupation is. We are independent, though poor. This is the right time to show America that we are not worth a few thousand dollars. The Bush administration should by now have read between the lines. This war is illegal and immoral.
Zachary Mokaya, USA/Kenya

I believe that the members of the UN should voice their true opinions. If the UN is to declare war on Iraq I would much rather see the members in full agreement. I'd like to not see the US bully countries to make them see "our" way. I have to add however, that the US is not in full agreement over this issue. But overall, Africans should vote the way that they truly feel.
Michael, USA

The African states will gain much more respect in the long term if they vote no Nana, USA

The three African countries should vote no. They should remember that Bush's administration will not last forever. Bush will lose the next election in 2004. The African states will gain much more respect in the long term if they vote no. Mr Bush's Republican Party has never really been friends of Africa. They do not deserve Africa's support in this unjust war.
Nana, USA

People who believe that it's wrong for America to give aid in exchange for votes are naive. They seem to think that these African countries care more about Iraq than themselves. Developing nations cannot afford to take a stand based on principle, so they would be foolish to vote with America without economic incentives and foolish to vote against America with them. They have been fortunate to be on the Security Council at the right time, and it would be a betrayal to their people if they failed to take advantage.
Sebastian, Oxford, England

The African Union should by now have released a unanimous press statement condemning this shamelessly greedy war. Where is Olusegun Obasanjo? Is Thabo Mbeki fast asleep? Has Colonel Gadaffi since lost his sharp tongue? Africa should not be hoodwinked by Colin Powell or Condoleeza Rice. Isn't well-calculated economic aggression a far more lethal weapon of mass destruction, than a few outdated Iraqi scud missiles?
Dr Joseph Chikelue Obi, UK

What interest does Africa have in Iraq? Africa already has a lot to worry about without war with Iraq. Please leave Africa alone. Africa vote no!
Mabvuto Nkangala, Blantyre, Malawi

If the UN representatives were voting with the voice of their nation as a guide, we could even have 15 negative votes, including the US! No matter what the result of this "democratic" vote is, nobody can hide the fact that 90% of this world doesn't want a war this time.
Damianos, France