Let's work to preserve the American middle class. First. I think it's an endangered species.

Second, there is very little education in East, West and southern Africa. No media which isn't state controlled, no chance for a democracy.

And what keeps 'em backward is the kleptocracies and the western governments and companies which feed 'em.

"The reason so much of black Africa is a disaster is nothing to do with colonialism, or droughts. The trouble is the despotic behaviour of Africa’s rulers."

In order to buy diamonds, or minerals, or whatever, businesses do business with whoever has local control.

That's usually some tyrant, either local or national, and the system is perpetuated.

If one wants to blame on the way to fixing the systems, first start with the people who fund the present system. Then realize a conventional democracy won't work in a society without universal education, a truly free press, and a minimum standard of living.

Capitalism isn't going to do it at first. You have capitalism now, with the political leaders owning everything, and exercising an economic tyranny which has purchased the political tyranny. The armies are owned, in effect.

There is no way for a middle class to develop, yet. That takes some precursors.
On the way to trying to develop a democracy, a Tanzanian president insituted free, universal education at one point. That was considered revolutionary, radical. They did educate people, and develop the beginnings of a sound middle class, then that regime lost power, and the next didn't want an educated bunch of people out there.

As far as the "cultural relativism" goes, there are common elements to 95% (a guess, sort of like TBs "4% of all liberals) of cultures. You don't sire children with your sister, sort of thing.

The rest are optional with the society.

And, it's a great post. Tragic situation, and not enough of the world is concerned.