The Fate of Africa

The present day hunger crisis in Niger is just the latest in a long line of misfortunes in Africa. AIDS, corruption, civil war, poverty, despotism, and drought afflict the continent year after year.

It was not always so. After its independence a half century ago, the great continent was bursting with exuberance, promise and hope for a new life.

But according to journalist and historian Martin Meredith's new book "The Fate of Africa," nation after nation found itself at the mercy of misguided leaders who led both the people and the land into the dizzying downward, perilous spin it's in today.

Hear about the future fate of the troubled continent of Africa.

Guests:

Martin Meredith, former Africa correspondent and author of the new book "The Fate of Africa: From the Hopes of Freedom to the Heart of Despair"

Hilary Andersson, BBC Correspondent based in Johannesburg, South AfricaFrancis Biola Irele, Professor of African Studies and
Romance languages at Harvard.