Category Archives: Politics

Somalia Hope

This Video contains graphic images from the Somalian civil war. If you are unable to view such images i advise you to fast forward or to not watch the video.

If They Can Do it Africa Can Do it

This semester, we have learned of the many issues that plague African nations such as, negative stereotypes, corrupt African governance and many more. Even though there are many faults with Africa as a whole, we have gained knowledge of the many great things about the continent that is often over looked. We have gained more awareness of Africa’s rich history, its beautiful landscape’s, and its emergence as a growing economic contender. As I have just stated there are so many great things happening in Africa that goes unnoticed because of the blanket of negativity that covers the continent. Today I will pull part of this blanket of the continent my shedding light on a great event that occurred last year which many of us know nothing about in Botswana. Botswana was reported to be the best governed country in Africa last year in June 2013. In my view this awarded title holds so much meaning for Africa and its potential.

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Last year, The 2013 Positive Peace Index (PPI) reported and ranked Botswana the best governed country in Africa. Out of 125 countries, Botswana a tiny country hidden in the mist of mighty South Africa ranked 41. These countries were measured against eight governance categories including issues such as “a well-functioning government, good relations with neighbors, free flow of information, respect for human rights and low level of corruption.” Other African nations that followed Botswana in rank were Namibia at 51, South Africa at 53, Ghana at 55, and Tunisia at 58. What I found truly astonishing, was that the Global peace index placed Botswana at 32 out of 162 countries in the world. This is such an amazing feat because Botswana was ranked above more than half of European regions.

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Furthermore, It is amazing that a tiny country such as Botswana has a stronger governance and aptitude of peace than five of the most prominent members of the United Nations Security Council including the United Kingdom at 44, France at 53, United States of America 99, China 101, and Russia 155. It is important to note that, the Global Peace Index is kept by the Institute for Economics and Peace and is developed by an international panel of experts with data collected and analyzed by the Economist intelligence Unit. The data collected from the various nations are comprised of “22 qualitative and quantitative quantitative indicators from respected sources, which combine internal and external factors, ranging from a country’s military expenditure in relation to its neighbors and level of respect for human rights.” These indicators were chosen by a global board of academic, business, philanthropic and peace institutions.

 

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Botswana’s capability to govern its country peacefully and its ability to maintain a stable economy shows what can be done when a country has strong leadership and a vision. If other African nations are able to follow in the footsteps of Botswana, the continent as a whole can lift the blanket of negativity that swaddles it. Botswana has outperformed European nations that have set the standards of “peace” and continues to flourish. A few months ago I would have never believed that an African nation has better governance and was more peaceful than the United States. It is sad to say but even as an African, I had a very myopic view of Africa. This finding and many of the lessons learned in class has shown me that Africa is emerging, slowly but surely the continent will grow. It will take a new breed of leaders who are less corrupt and truly want to positively change their individual nations. When individual nations in Africa do well the continent as a whole will take a step into being the great continent it was truly meant to be.

source:http://www.dailynews.gov.bw/news-details.php?nid=3440

POSITIVE VIBRATIONS : THE MAKING OF A REGIONAL HUB

Carpe Diem Djibouti! With global trade becoming increasingly competitive, small countries that lack substantial natural resources, technological advancements and model infrastructural setups are at the mercy of unforgiving market forces. Believe it or not, but one such country does exist. The odds are greatly stacked against them. With a population of about 903,0001, all concentrated in the countrys capital, it says volumes about economic set up and general opportunities in the country as a whole. To make matters worse, Djibouti is located in a portion of Africa besieged by instability and conflict. This combination of unfavorable statistics, geology and infrastructure are surely not the sort of cards any leadership would like to be dealt in a globally competitive game where the winner takes all.

Goupet

There are various ways to view a situation. The Djiboutian leadership understand this very well in my personal opinion. Knowing their place has enabled them to strive for a better position or better still, to brighten their corner. They have taken the initiative to become regional giants in the midst of the chaos and uncertainty that surrounds them. When the dust settles, they will have a comfortable lead. Sound economic and political decisions will be responsible to Djiboutis call to fame and advancement.

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Located at the southern entrance to the red sea, the port of Djibouti is strategically positioned and placed at the major international shipping lanes connecting Asia, Africa and Europe. Now this position can be abused or its potential profitably tapped to benefit the country and her neighbors who rely on her. As mentioned earlier, Djibouti is surrounded by countries facing internal conflict and land locked countries who are or have been affected adversely by the conflict surrounding them. With a majority of goods coming in from Asia and and Europe, the land locked countries that would normally rely on the ports in larger countries with ports are left with no other choice that to rely on Djibouti. Realizing this, Djibouti has made substantial investments into her ports and gradually expanded her reach within the sub region. It is her target to become a major player in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).

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Since 1998, they have handled all of Ethiopias maritime traffic2. Their ambition is evident in the way they have branded themselves, introducing the notion that they are the regional hub that links 19 countries and 138 million people. Looking into the future, they have launched a master plan to ensure that other parts of the country also receive equal attention. This plan involves building another large capacity port in the city of Tadjoura. The plan also includes the improvement of existing infrastructure and the building of new ones to help develop that section of the country. There is already a spawning interest in that project from international businessmen who have a heightened interest in mineral deposits in Ethiopia. This would give Djibouti a share of the mineral wealth of Ethiopia. All this growth and expansion helps creates jobs and spins of new businesses that provide a variety of services. Yet another port is being built to explore what little mineral wealth is found in Djibouti. Lake Assal, located in central western Djibouti,is the worlds largest salt reserve. To better exploit this asset, a new port is being constructed in Goubet to streamline the export of salt and gypsum from the lake. An estimated 5 million tons of salt produced yearly should make Djibouti a contender in the global salt trade. Whatever growth the countries that rely on Djibouti for trade experience, Djibouti stands to gain. This will thus require Djibouti to have a more friendly and involved foreign policy in the region.

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Having chosen a pathway for development, the government of Djibouti is well aware of the obstacles they will encounter. Being an advantage, their location can quickly turn to become more detrimental to their development. Located in a volatile region, puts a lot of security pressure on their budget. Their chosen path could draw potential extremist activities to their turf. It is a well known fact that such groups and organizations thrive in chaos and promote anarchy. Should a force like this surface in Djibouti, their security apparatus will be well overwhelmed. A small kid who walks home with the big boys is seldom or never bullied. Once again, Kudos to the leadership of Djibouti. Already maintaining the presence of French troops in the country, they have gone a step further to allow the United States to have a military base in the country. This will bolster their security and improve investor faith in their stability as a nation. Their position is ideal for the United States also, being close enough to the middle East for them to launch operations from. They also use the base to monitor and protect the international trade routes from pirates that plague the region. There is a mutual benefit for the interests of both countries. Growth requires stability and security, France and America provide that. America needs a presence in the region to keep tabs on her interests both in the sub region and the middle east, Djibouti provides that. Needless to say, but Djibouti will also benefit from training and logistical support from her guests to help bolster her ability to maintain her security and sovereignty.

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Security and prosperity are the key to improving the well being of a people. Djibouti seems to have found not just the recipe, but have also home grown the ingredients necessary to complete the dish. Other aspects of the economy which rely on security, and infrastructural development will gradually pick up as the peace, stability and wealth creation gains traction.

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This type of news is hard to come across in western media. The African success story in the making. Being of African origin, and the fact that I had to do substantial reading and research to come across all this information about Djibouti, nothing surprises me. Besides, I prefer the silence. Knowing how the media blows news out of proportion, a reportage on this successful partnership will only attract unwanted attention to this small country that is bracing itself to do big things. Personally, I am also at fault for not expecting such big strides from Djibouti. I have always been of the impression that small countries with little or no natural resources do not stand much of a chance in world trade. There is still more to learn about Africa, the knowledge to be gained is as vast her cultural and language diversity. Partnerships do make a difference, the difference is determined by the gains and losses to the parties involved. My stereotypical view of the region wrongly encompassed Djibouti, and I had a rather uninformed picture of Djibouti. I am impressed by her dreams and achievements. Carpe Diem Djibouti!!

REFERENCES

1United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division (2013). World Population Prospects: The 2012 Revision, DVD Edition.

2www.portdedjibouti.com

The Soul of Ivory Coast: Soccer

Soccer - International Friendly - Ivory Coast v South Korea - Loftus Road     

     When people talk about the country Ivory Coast, the first thing come across their mind is soccer. As the largest sport worldwide, soccer does have vitally important influences on Ivory Coast. In Ivory Coast, you can see children playing soccer on the street, adults talking about soccer in the work place and television station playing soccer games all the day. The sport becomes more than a sport itself to Ivory Coast people during the past decades.

     The national team of Ivory Coast made its name in 1992 by winning the African Cup of Nations. It was not the first time for Ivory Coast to take place in the African Cup but it was the best time for Ivorian. In Senegal, Ivorian welcomed their first championship. Winning Algeria with the score 3-0 and getting a draw with Congo with 0-0, Ivory Coast successfully advanced to the quarterfinals. In the quarterfinals, Ivory Coast kept its momentum and won  Cameroon in a penalty kick. The final was not easy for Ivorian, they had a draw with Ghana in the regular game time. Penalty kick followed and Ivorian won it with the score 11-10. This score is still the biggest score in soccer games till nowadays.

     African championship made Ivory Coast famous out of African continent. People all over the world started to know the country and its fantastic soccer team. In the following years, Ivory Coast national team has become a strong force in Africa. They got a great record since 1992. They got the third place in 1994, fourth place in 2008 and the Runners-up in 2012. Now, when people talk about African soccer, they can avoid Ivory Coast since it is such a strong team.

     The championship did not only bring fame and reputation to Ivory Coast. The championship started to change the country and young kids. Boys all over the country started to play soccer as their extracurricular activity. This change brought Ivory Coast a squad of young and talented soccer players in recent years. From Didier Drogba to Yaya Toure, these young players made Ivory Coast a stronger team and finally brought Ivory Coast to international stage. The 2006 World Cup in Germany was the first time for Ivory Coast to attend huge international games. The unstable domestic political situation didn’t influence the progress of the national team. In 2005, Drogba led the whole team beat Cameroon, another strong team in Africa. It was this victory that gave Ivory Coast the opportunity to attend the World Cup next year. Although they didn’t make it to the quarterfinals, they gave the whole world a strike and made more and more people start to know about their country. After the first World Cup, Ivorian didn’t slow down their progress. They also made it to the final stage of World Cup in 2010 and 2014.

     The fast development of soccer not only made the national team famous all over the world, but also brought the country changes and opportunities. Those famous Ivorian soccer players, especially Drogba, actually became the role model of Ivorian kids. Their posters were all over the country. Young boys played soccer after school dreaming of becoming a national hero one day. Soccer brought people in Ivory Coast a little peace in their life. When playing soccer or watching their kids playing soccer, they temporarily get rid of their anxiety due to the unstable political situation. What’s more, during the sever civil war, soccer did bring real peace to the whole country. As the most famous player in the country, Drogba called for peace several times in public. But in 2008, Drogba brought his words into action. Drogba brought the separated country sit together and fight together in a soccer game against Madagascar. In this day, people put their anger and weapon down and fight as one.

Nigeria – The big bro of Africa.

Africa is the richest in natural resources continent in the world. Since the colonization period ended, African countries gradually become to be known as the next super-powered countries. Surviving from the British colonial, Nigeria now becomes one of the most powerful country in the Africa. Although there are some political problems, Nigeria has the massive of resources that could make it a great and wealthy country if there is a good administration on those national assets. Nigeria is also listed in the Next Eleven (N-11), among those high-potential economic countries. Furthermore, Nigeria has many cultural resources and places that help growing the tourism revenues, and its economy.

Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa. It locates near Gulf of Guinea, and its neighbors are Benin, Niger, Cameroon, and Chad. Nigeria has long and interesting history. The first group of people that habit Nigeria was Nok (500 BC.) Then Kanuri, Hausa, and Fulani gradually migrated to the land of Nigeria. Islam religion was first introduced to the Nigeria in the 13th century. It was Fulani that ruled the region until British seized control by 1886 and become the colonial. On 1960, Nigeria got independence and join the United Nations as a member of the commonwealth nations. After that, there are many conflicts between ethnic groups, military coups. Somehow, Nigeria is now free and on its way to the greatness.

Nigeria is affected by 4 climate types and most of it are tropics. Tropical rainforest in the southern area contributes natural abundance for Nigeria. You can see many forests in that area. Tropical savanna in the western and central area of the country where it is less humid and less hot. Alpine climate in the highland parts of Nigeria offers nice scenario for tourists. Last but not least, Tropical dry in the northern part of the country. The variety of climates has been helping Nigeria’s natural abundance and economic since its history.

Nigeria has been produced great people throughout the time. There are many people that are recognized by the world populace, and some are the role models that later generations use. Hakeem Olajuwon is a great basketball player that is recognized by the world of sports. Fela Kuti who used music to encourage and increase consciousness to the society. It was the peaceful action to against the corrupted state and should be a model for the modern day political reforms. There are also many great scientists that are Nigerian. Nigerian people has the potential to drive the country and the world.

Since the great amount of Ebola-related news come out, almost every people in the world is in panic. Most of them think that every African countries has stained with dead virus. But in reality, it isn’t. According to the WHO (World Health Organization,) Nigeria is free of Ebola. Outside people use stereotype to judge sanitation in African countries for a very long time. The stereotype is also a barrier of African economic growth. Because tourists may think that African country (in this case, Nigeria) has poor sanitation and afraid to come to Africa. No one wants to be nasty just because what he/she is born.

In the vision of people outside, Nigeria and other African countries are not developed and has poor administration. But in the reality, these countries have potentials that can keep up with other super-powered countries in the world. It is stereotype that keep them (African countries) under the condition that slow down the countries’ development; for example, African’s Ebola administration that affect the tourism growth. If the ignorance are reduced, African countries (not only Nigeria) will rise as the new and shine super-powered countries, and greatly help the current world struggles.

(This is part of the Blog Assignment #6.)

The making of Idi Amin’s Regime

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“His Excellency, President for Life, Field Marshal Al Hadji Doctor Idi Amin Dada, VC, DSO, MC, Lord of All the Beasts of the Earth and Fishes of the Seas and Conqueror of the British Empire in Africa in General and Uganda in Particular.”

– Self title

In 1971, General Idi Amin elected himself as President after over throwing the first established government of the nation under Milton Obote, post independence. He ruled as Commander in Chief for 8 long years. During that period of time, Idi Amin went on a rampage, killing over 300,000 Ugandans.

Obote was a well respected Ugandan politician but didn’t meet the Western standard in regards to English-Ugandan relations. He desired his country to be as liberated as possible, after all, that was aim of the fight for independence.

Let’s back track a little…

Interestingly, Amin was inducted into Britain’s Colonial African Troops, “KAR” at a young age with no significant educational experience. This military organization in question was a multi-battalion regiment, carried on by the British during colonial times, extending over most of East Africa.

As he was ascending through the ranks, he became infamous for his brutality and torture. From ordinary soldier, Amin excelled to  an “effendi”, the highest position achievable for an African soldier within the British army.

Once President, Idi Amin terrorized the entire nation of Uganda as England turned a blind eye.

One question I cannot help but ask myself: is it by pure chance, that the English bred one of the most ferocious dictators in the History of Africa, immediately after their Independence, at such a crucial, vulnerable and premature time period?

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In recently declassified documents from England’s Colonial era, many of their atrocities lead and influenced  globally, including Asia and East Africa, were revealed. 

According to Sky News, a very reputable English TV channel, they quoted these British documents stating “Amin was reliable”.

Eleven days before the Coup against Obote’s government, Richard Slater, British High Commissioner in Kampala stated many issues the new regime caused the British, qualifying the Anglo-Ugandan relations as “deplorable”. What issues you may ask?

  • Obote’s new legislation gave all ownership of the import and export business to the Ugandan government.
  • 60% of the shares of oil companies, manufacturing industries, banks, insurance companies and others would be nationalized.

Normal right? Considering, Uganda was an INDEPENDANT country. But no, this was greatly challenging the British business interests in Uganda.

Moreover ‘there is a danger that other countries will be tempted to try and get away with similar measures with more damaging consequences for British investment and trade’. Three weeks after Uganda proceeded with all these new legislations, Sudan decided to nationalize foreign businesses in a “ even more unacceptable way”

African burden

Amin being a simple marionette, unconsciously  by his “allies”, he plummeted the country’s economy, racked up over 200 million dollars in debt, raised inflation to 20%, destroyed families, established poverty and unemployment but moreover mentally emotionally and physically scared an entire nation.

According to the British High commissioner , Ambassador Harold Smedley, Amin was ‘corrupt and unintelligent’ fully aware of his savagery but yet “despite his limitations Amin has considerable dignity and more the air of a leader than Obote.”

We’ve all seen Amin’s cruelty in class, dismembering his own spouse, using government officials heads as trophies. Now, is that the new definition of “dignity”?

Coming from a family of Ambassadors myself, the thought alone of someone of such stature conveying these thoughts is very frightening because this mindset itself can go a long way. And as we’ve learned, it did. It was only during the last few years when Idi Amin’s craziness made him turn against the English that they in return decided to stop any funding and ended relations with the country.

We need to open pour eyes and carefully inspect such situations in order for it to not repeat itself.  Nothing is really as it seems . A little food for thought.

” Nobody is as powerful as we make them out to be” – Alice Walker

http://www.biography.com/people/idi-amin-9183487

http://africanhistory.about.com/od/biography/a/bio_amin.htm

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/17/world/idi-amin-murderous-and-erratic-ruler-of-uganda-in-the-70-s-dies-in-exile.

html://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/36/502.html

Power of The Pen

Although my country of research is Botswana, I cannot deny the huge overcast that Mighty South Africa has on little Botswana. Many revolutionary events that occurred in South Africa paved the way for freedom from colonization for many African nations located in or sounded by South Africa. That being said, it is only fair to choose a revolutionary activist from South Africa for my blog this week. One of the most important notes that I took from the presentation by Mr. Ronnie Burrage was that there are different approaches to activism. As we all know, the media is a very powerful tool to use to spread a message. An activist from South Africa who skillfully used the media to enlighten the people of South Africa was Percy Qoboza. Percy Qoboza, is revered as one of the most influential South African journalist. He was able to demonstrate the power of the pen through his “outspoken critique of the apartheid regime.” He used his writing as an outlet to bring awareness to oblivious white South Africans who had little knowledge of the brutality black South Africans faced during apartheid.percey

As I researched more about Percy Qoboza I found him to be very brave, strong willed, intellectual, and witty. He became a thorn in the side of the government, with his eloquent proclamations and stirring newspaper articles. He was quoted saying, ”If you sometimes get mad at me, because the sentiments I express keep you awake at night, then I am glad. I do not see why I should bear the brunt of insomnia worrying about what will happen tomorrow. If many of us can keep awake at night, then maybe we will do the sensible thing – talk together about our joint future.” This quote sums up Percy’s mission to wake up white South Africans who continually turned their eye away from the unfair circumstance that the black South Africans were dealing with. From this quote it is evident that Percy was not as radical as the government perceived him. He wanted to live in a country of equality where his people had the same advantages and opportunities as the foreign whites claiming their land.

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Percy did not only write for whites but also for black South Africans who were settling for their current situations. Percy Qoboza admits to previously being an “Uncle Tom,” because of the way South Africa conditioned his mind. He did not realize this until he attended Harvard University in the United States. He states ”When I went down to Harvard Square for a meal I was tempted to look in the window of a place, to see if there were any blacks inside, before going in, The experience forced me to look at myself, and I was surprised to find that I was an Uncle Tom.” He was accustomed to being secluded from whites leading him to carry the fear of interacting with whites.

Percy Qoboza’s time at Harvard, exposed him to a less myopic point of view where apartheid was not a normal way of living. When he finally returned to South Africa he was a man with a new perspective on life and how society must truly be. He states, ”I found myself completely maladjusted, quite unable to accept the things that seemed quite normal before.” He understood that other black South Africans were not aware of the way things could be for them so he decided to do something about it. He became a vocal figure in South African newspapers, educating and enlightening both blacks, and whites while showcasing the power he had with his pen. Percy Qoboza’s drive to change his circumstance with journalism is exactly what Mr. Burrage spoke about. There are things that we as a generation must see and change. We are not conscious of what is truly going on in our society. We must step back and attain a different perceptive to truly grasp what is going on in our society so that we can make a change through our own outlet.

http://www.sahistory.org.za/people/percy-peter-qoboza

http://www.nytimes.com/1988/01/18/obituaries/percy-qoboza-50-a-black-journalist-from-south-africa.html

Amadou Toumani Touré

Although Mali does not have a famous anti-colonial politician, there were many that influenced its political foundations. My person of interest was Amadou Toumani Toure of Mali during the political unstable era of 20th century. Before he became known as a famous politician, Touré studied to be a teacher and later joined the army in 1969, receiving military training in France. It was interesting to find out that he was once part of the National Guard of Mali for a short period of time.

He came into the political scene by advocating speech and legal skills he acquired from many school. Touré first came to international prominence on 1991, as the leader of a coup that toppled Traoré.  Touré’s coup was generally welcomed because of Traoré’s poor policies, which had led to popular unrest, often resulted in violent riots. It was after days of such rioting that the coup took place, and it seemed to many that Touré had acted in the name of the people and brought stability and democracy to the country.

His impact was very significant in bringing peace and stability to politics in Mali. In preparation for Mali’s 2002 presidential elections, Touré resigned from the armed forces in September 2001. He ran as an independent candidate in the first round of voting, held on April 28, and did well, receiving the most votes. He prevailed in the second round, held on May 12, with the support of more than 40 parties and received 65 percent of the total vote, although the election was marred by low voter turnout and allegations of fraud. Nonetheless, Touré was inaugurated on June 8, 2002. As a president without party affiliation, he did not have the automatic support of a party in the National Assembly, but he offered to work with any party or coalition of parties that could gain legislative control. To that end, in September 2002 the Presidential Bloc coalition was formed to work with Touré, and he enjoyed the support of a stable legislative majority for a few years.

He continued his popular legacy in the Mali political scene by running for the next election. Touré was reelected in 2007, again running as an independent candidate, although he had the backing of the Alliance for Democracy and Progress. Touré captured 71 percent of the vote in the first round of voting, held on April 29, thus avoiding the need for a runoff election. In legislative elections held a few months later, the ADP won the majority of seats, and Touré again was able to enjoy stable legislative period.

However, On March 21, 2012, a coup was launched by a faction of the military that was unhappy with the way the administration was handling rebel activity in northern Mali. As the mutinying soldiers announced the suspension of the constitution and closed the country’s borders, Touré’s actual whereabouts were unknown, but he was said to be in a safe location guarded by troops still loyal to him. A week later Touré confirmed that he was still in Mali.  Nevertheless Toure was extremely influential in building the foundations after the colonial era of Mali.

Steven Bantu Biko

Steven (Bautu) Biko is one of the most famous advocates in South Africa. He was born December 18 1946, Tylden in the Eastern Province now called Eastern Cape. He died on September 12, 1977 in Pretoria, Transvall now called Gauteng. Steven was a Member of the SRC at University of Natal (Non-European section), first president of SASO, Chair of SASO Publications, Black Consciousness Movement leader, banned person, political prisoner, killed in police detention. Biko was not alone in forging the Black Consciousness Movement also known as the (BCM). He was by far South Africa’s most prominent leader, who with others guided the movement of student discontent into a political force unprecedented in the history of South Africa.

Biko and his peers were responding to developments that emerged in the high phase of apartheid, when the Nationalist Party (NP), in power for almost two decades, was restructuring the country to conform to its policies of separate development. The NP went about untangling what little pockets of integration and proximity there were between White, Black, Coloured and Indian people, by creating new residential areas, new parallel institutions such as schools, universities and administrative bodies, and indeed, new ‘countries’, the tribal homelands. The students that launched the South Africa Students Organisation (SASO) belonged to a generation that resisted the process of strengthening apartheid, in any manner they could. Biko’s rise to prominence is inextricably tied to the development of the BCM.

Steven believed mostly in politics and speeches, he strongly believed in the idea of a non-violent way to end Apartheid in South Africa, and to have the whites return to their original homes. Also he was strongly influenced by Mohandas Gandhi and the way he stood up for Indian rights in a non-violent way, and by Martin Luther King Jr. with his non-violent attempt to end segregation in the United States. This south african acknowledged that blacks could support themselves and live in a world without whites, and so, he started the Black Consciousness Group, which was a group that believed in black pride. He then started the Black Peoples Convention in 1972, which was a political front for the Black Consciousness Group and consisted of only blacks, all whites were excluded.

From the beginning Steve Biko  always found Anti–Apartheid interesting. He had a high appreciation toward groups and pollutions/politics. Biko, after going to a medical school, was involved with (NUSAS) National Union Of South African students. Steve himself worked on the social uplift project for the students around the Durban area. In 1973 the apartheid government banned Steve Biko. He was arrested and restricted to his house, but that did not stop him from helping out. He wanted to help the families of the blacks that were arrested and thrown in jail, and so, Biko set up a Zimele Trust Find, which helped support political prisoners and their families.

It has been 37 years since Biko has been killed yet his impact he had on the South african people still stands today. He was an ordinary young man of his time. Nothing could have distinguished him, his family circumstances and environment from any other young man growing up in a small township in a small Eastern Cape town. Steve Biko was an ordinary young man who lived in ordinary times but who made something extraordinary out of his life, not out of his own will, by but the machinations of an evil system. He touched the lives of young men and women of his generation and he was part of an abiding movement capable of changing the social and political face of our country. In other ways he gave birth to a society that could shape its own future. The first time I had heard of Steven Biko when I was watching a movie called the “The Color of Friendship”. It was a disney movie that highlighted an interracial friendship but Biko was mentioned for anti-aparthied riots that was at it’s peak. Apartheid ended in 1994 the year I was born but, Biko could not see the day that the south african people were free from it all. I am glad i was able to learn more about Steven Biko and how his impact changed the lives of the South African people forever through his commitment that could not have been denied.

http://allafrica.com/stories/200709130385.html

http://myhero.com/hero.asp?hero=S_Biko_nehs_US_2010_ul

http://www.sahistory.org.za/people/stephen-bantu-biko

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We need a hero

The protests that swept through north Africa and the Arabian peninsula made the headlines throughout out the world. However, it was only the cries and protests of those in big and oil rich countries that were heard. Small countries that are considered to have next to nothing to offer the world never made the headlines, in-fact, they never do until something really gruesome or catastrophic happens.

The people of Djibouti can be placed in such a category. A lot of human rights violations and press stifling occurred in Djibouti, these events occurred concurrently with the arab spring.

Djibouti is a semi-presidential republic. An elected president exists alongside a prime minister and Cabinet who are responsible to the legislature of the state. It differs from a parliamentary republic in that it has a popularly elected head of state who is more than a purely ceremonial figurehead, and from the presidential system in that the cabinet, although named by the president, is responsible to the legislature, which may force the cabinet to resign through a motion of no confidence.

Ismail Omar Guelleh, the president of Djibouti has been in office since 1999, but his government has been in power for 34 years. Guelleh amended the constitution to make it possible for him to have a third term in office. The Djiboutian people frowned on this, and they began to protest, these protests took place in the months leading up to the Djiboutian presidential election in 2011. On February 18, thousands rallied against the president, gathering at a stadium, intending to stay until their demands were met. They were calling for the resignation of the president. The demonstration escalated into clashes after dusk, as police used batons and tear gas against stone-throwing protesters. And like everywhere in the world where the sitting president becomes unpopular, opposition leaders from the Union for Democratic Change, an umbrella group of three opposition parties, gave speeches at the demonstration, reiterating and echoing the cry of the people calling for Guelleh to step down. The peaceful protests quickly turned into clashes, and these were reported to be growing in frequency and seriousness. This occurred on the second day of protesting. Anti-government protestors had another run in with security forces barely 24 hours after hundreds of protestors demanding the president step down threw stones at riot police who fired back with tear gas. One policeman and one protestor lost their lives. The organizers and front runners of the protests were arrested. These arrests proved to be the wrong approach. The next day, the authorities were forced to release three opposition leaders, as opponents of President Ismail Guelleh clashed with police once again. The opposition parties and protest organizers were scheduled to meet on the 24 February to plan more mass protests for the following day, and subsequent days if their demands were not met. Police arrested 300 organisers during and after the mass protests on February 18. Torture and other inhuman means were being employed to seek information from the detainees and other activists with the main aim being to quell the protests. Another major protest had been scheduled for February 24, none of the leaders showed up. Bourhan Mohammed Ali, a main opposition leader said he feared the protests had lost momentum. Protests had been planned for March 4, but it remained to be seen if the Djiboutians would be able to continue to protest in the absence of the 300 who had been earlier arrested. As if to show that he answered to no one, the president and ruling party ordered the opposition to cancel a match they had planned for March 3. The opposition refused, and on the day of the protests, police and government troops filled the streets and blocked the main route to the capitals stadium the location of the planned protest. This succeeded in stopping the protest. Another protest failed to get off the ground because 4 opposition leaders were arrested by security forces before the protest day. The sitting president was using the state apparatus to silence the voice of the masses in the name of security and stability, when his very actions were doomed to collapse the very institution he showed he was protecting. Anyone who spoke up was scooped up by the security forces for questioning and then detained without trail. The president of the Djibouti human rights league was also arrested for lashing out against the government and the human rights violation it was perpetrating on its people. Another move that should have made headline news was the expulsion of US election monitors a month before the polls. The president was sowing seeds of dictatorship. Not to anyones surprise, the president won by a whooping 80% margin in an election that was boycotted by the opposition. It is such behavior that spurs the rise of revolutionary figures, a local hero who will brave the odds and stand firm to fight for justice. One who will not employ the barrel of the gun, but rather the use of intellect and written procedure to overcome the very force that put the procedures in place to quell any form of rebellion. Djibouti needs to breed one quickly.