"Africa is a continent in flames. And deep down, if we really accepted that Africans were equal to us, we would all do more to put the fire out. We're standing around with watering cans, when what we really need is the fire brigade"

In this quote, Bono is utilizing a powerful metaphor to convey the alarming situation in Africa. By saying that Africa is a continent in flames, he is highlighting the various concerns and crises that pester the continent, such as hardship, illness, and political instability. He then goes on to suggest that the source of these issues is the absence of recognition of African people as equals. Bono believes that if we really saw Africans as equals, we would be more inspired to take action and address these issues. He compares our present efforts to assist Africa to using watering cans to put out a fire, when what is really required is a more orderly and effective technique, represented by the fire brigade. Overall, Bono is calling for a shift in mindset and a more urgent and collaborated effort to attend to the challenges facing Africa.