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The Mulindwas communication
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"With Yoweri Museveni, Uganda is in anarchy" ----- Original Message -----
Sent: Saturday, February 08, 2003 6:55 PM
Subject: [Mwananchi] Re: MANDELA'S VIEWS > <A HREF="'mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]">[EMAIL PROTECTED]mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]">[EMAIL PROTECTED]</A>, ....That is the reason why you have failed badly to understand why Africa bleeds and vomits as you described below--faling to speak the truths and fight the evils of their own society is Africa's greatest problem sir, not colonizers or even the West. Amazingly, you have been silent about the enslavement of Africa for over a thousand years by the very Arabs whose civilizations are now under scrutiny. Howe refreshing to see somebody having the courage to express such a view as opposed to "Blame it all on them...", and "We demand you give us more..." African countries which threw off the "yoke" of colonialism (British, French and Belgian) over HALF A CENTURY ago indulge in the luxury of blaming the former colonial "masters" for all their present evils. Let us leave aside for the moment the argument that the wicked colonists also had a positive impact - leaving behind a solid infrastructure, tried and tested system of justice and an organised civil service (Yes, give them a little credit as well as condemnation.) Ghana, left with a huge balance of payments and a glittering future, indulged in a post-colooial spree of foolishness throwing millions of pounds away on grandiose statues, conference centres nobody wanted, huge Russian aircraft greedy on fuel and which had to return to Moscow every 500 hours for servicing and so eventually had to be mothballed. It somehow cast the mould followed to a lesser degree, admittedly, by so many others. "Freedom" takes on a distorted aspect as mini- emperors have grabbed and held on tightly, to the reins of power, appointed buddies and family to positions of influence, filtered off endless millions into bank accounts overseas and used armies of "security men" to maintain their position. Once elected they feel entitled to hold power forever, clinging to outdated policies that bring their countries to the edge of ruin. To a considerable extent they also nurture tribal divisions to sustain their place. Africa could be compared to a family of ambitious youngsters desperate to leave home to take their place in the world. Having done that they beging to buckle when things get tough. Instead of busying themselves in each ot her's nations, each African country should be working hard to establish a democratic and stable regime embracing all its tribes and cultures, where Presidents are made aware they are the SERVANTS of their people and thus open to being voted out of office if their performance is unsatisfactory. Their primary objective should be the welfare of their people, education, food, initiatives for the entrepreneurs, educational awards for the gifted and talented who will help their country blossom and flourish. What a pitiful sight it was - before the starvation-causing "land reform" era - to see Mugabe's diplomats winging round the world (first class) holding out the begging bowl. All dignity gone. Is this how Africa wishes to remain? I doubt it. Africans are proud people - apart from the corruptibles. Surely their greatest wish must be for true independence - political AND financial to take their true, well- earned place in the world as adult nations. The past is behind us. We cannot go on putting it forward as an excuse. Some of us endured bitterly unhappy years of childhood. Despite those times we have allowed old images to fade and toiled to make a better, happier adult life. Much of Africa must do the same. Just look at the map, Where is there NOT a political, tribal or religious conflict or at least dangerous tensions bubbling under the surface? The Mwananchi Group welcomes your opinion on diverse issues affecting us Africans. Site: http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/mwananchi Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service. |
