David Owen: Why Platini’s Grande Idée makes sense for Africa

David Owen_IWF

By David Owen

I came upon a prescient article from the Washington Post today.

It was about a West African country where poverty was said to be fuelling a resurgence of Muslim fundamentalism.

“People want schools, they want medical attention for their children,” a local sociologist was quoted as saying.

“But who is listening to them?

“Islamists, who provide them with water and fertiliser to believe the solutions are found in religion.

“And many see violence as the only resort.”

There was also said to be “widespread bitterness” over the decision to “spend nearly $100 million over five years to build five stadiums and other infrastructure” to hold the Cup of Nations.

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