The Disgrace of the Pseudo-black African Elite in the Context of a Unique Opportunity for Development Through Oil

Abstract

Studies evaluating extractive projects often fail to examine the contribution of local communities and their elites to the goal of raising living standards. The result is generally a severe blow to the ideal of having even the slightest certainty that the predicted economic trajectory can be positively altered. The reasoning of these direct beneficiaries, which is quickly dismissed as platitudes – not merely to gloss over them – distorts our understanding of the countless failures observed. It appears that the elites in Dumpla, in the broadest sense, have not worked particularly effectively to fulfil the commitment outlined by the World Bank: that of reducing their poverty through the Chad-Cameroon oil project. Observation, interviews and documentary research, amongst other methods, were employed. Two objectives were achieved. The first highlights the capacity of development sociology to shed light on the actions of actors beyond reproach. The second enables the formulation of a collaborative approach that gives a voice to the exploited communities. Harold Garfinkel’s ethnomethodology provides the theoretical framework for this research. Three expected outcomes were identified, namely: manifestations of ill will, abuse of authority, and a lack of patriotism and civic-mindedness.