Blogging Africa
Review of Adrican blogs – February 21, 2008
Dibussi Tande
2008-02-21, Issue 347
http://pambazuka.org/en/category/blog/46283
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Everything Literature reprints an interview of Nigerian playwright Shehu Sani, whose play, Phantom Crescent, has been condemned for criticizing the application of Shari’a law in Northern Nigeria. In the interview, the author, argues that:
“The fact remains that in democracy, people must have the right to express their opinions. And you cannot hide under the guise of any religious dictates to undermine and subvert the rights of the citizens. I’m a Muslim and I don’t believe we have any spiritual leaders… Now, if you happen to be in political office you have to live up to the responsibility as a political leader who has won an election and has a contract with the people. You don’t have to hide behind religion, using prohibitive laws to disguise yourself while you have not lived up to your obligation. I believe these are issues which we have to clearly separate. And my play is simply to educate, enlighten and to pass a clear message. It is also to inspire people to stand up to the defence of their rights because it is only by doing that that we can safeguard our democracy.”
Innocent Chia revisits ongoing attempts by the Biya regime in Cameroon to eliminate term limits and contends that Cameroonians in the US should be at the forefront of efforts to scuttle Biya’s plans:
“Write to your Congressman or woman about the plan of President Biya and his cohorts to change the constitution for a life mandate... The carnage in Kenya can be replicated in Cameroon if the world, led by the U.S ant its leaders, fails in reading the Red Flag warnings that such wanton manipulation of the people and the Constitution represents. About 40% of Cameroon's budget comes from America! You may recall that President Bush recently axed American aid to Kenya, forcing that other dictator to abdicate his unilateralism and to begin discussions on a joint government with the opposition. It is therefore imperative that Cameroonians in the United States fill the in-boxes of the representatives with mail about the impending doom facing Cameroon. Do not doubt the power of a single mail.”
Akin is outraged by the exorbitant allowances that Nigerian legislators receive:
“…it is interesting that they are concerned about such minutiae as their wardrobe … In a throwback to the colonial days of the District Officer they would have domestic staff that would include a steward, a cook, a housekeeper and a gardener.
They also get paid for being on recess and we can assume there are two recesses in a legislative year and we also pay for their newspapers.
I know not of any job anywhere that offers this kind of largesse, ordinary people are usually supposed to pay for all these things out of their basic salaries.
It would be different if the legislators really get down to doing stuff that helps build Nigeria but with them fed and fattened to the extent that they would not be able to get out of their opulent furniture to walk through the widest doors on earth, this would be gravy-train par excellence and it grates.”
Mad Genius argues that Zuma’s polygamy makes a mockery of South Africa and reduces the country’s stature among the community of nations:
“South Africa has one of the broadest constitutions in the world and tolerance is very important in this country. As a general principle I am proud to be part of a country that allows so much freedom and lateral thinking. The problem arises when this extends to our politicians...
The problem is that Zuma, now head of the ANC and by all probability future President of South Africa, has a responsibility to the citizens of South Africa. He has already been overseas to allay the fears of potential investors into South Africa during his regime. How do those Western countries view him as serious when they know he has more than one wife, given that polygamy is against the law in most if not all the Western world? How do they take him serious when viewing him on the news going into his song and dance ritual? Sure it has a certain charm to it when it's done during cultural ceremonies and celebrations; however I do not think it is acceptable behaviour in the market place. Would you do business with anyone who had 6 wives and danced and sang publicly whilst you were engaging in high profile business dealings? I know I would find it hard to take such a person seriously. I would seek people who have certain decorum. If George Bush did the same thing would he enjoy more popularity? No, he would be laughed out of world politics and probably put into the funny farm.”
Writing on Kenya Imagine Partick Mutahi explains what America’s stake is in the ongoing Kenyan crisis:
“America's involvement in Kenya's post-elections political crises must be seen against the background of its "war on terror"- and the unilateralism that propelled it.
[...]
The US is concerned about the security ramifications in the Greater Horn of Africa which it has been trying to hold together. A quick look at the map of Eastern Africa gives America little solace. Somalia is in anarchy with a multitude of warlords and radical Islamists, Sudan is involved in the Darfur war and Ethiopia is near war with Eritrea, which the US accuses of sponsoring terrorism. Between the grim sketches is Kenya, America's hope in the region which is now teetering on the verge of instability.
[...]
Thus, security cooperation especially anti-terrorism measures has for long been an important aspect of Kenya-U.S. relations, underscored by airbase and port access. Despite the current political disagreements between the US and Kibaki government, the safety measures of this bond will endure.
That is why the US thus will not stand and watch as its most frontline state in the region disintegrates and is impatient to get any deal through which will guarantee stability. It is worth nothing that its voice has radically shifted from the election being irregular to its international interest of security.”
Scribbles from the Den reviews “Volcanic Sprint” the award-winning film on the Mount Cameroon race which premiered in Cameroon last week:
“It is a film about one of the most grueling but little known races in the world and the athletes who are insane enough to take part in it - a race where athletes run up a live marathon-length volcano and back, going through three major climactic zones in the process. When runners begin the race at the Molyko stadium in Buea, their main challenge is the scorching tropical heat, but by the time they make it to the summit (that is, if they make it at all…), they are confronted with sub-zero temperatures and snow. Seeing well-trained athletes, some of them from countries with very cold climates, virtually going into shock due to the very frigid temperatures at the summit is, unarguably, one of the most compelling moments in the film.
Making it to the summit of mount Fako is just one part of the puzzle; athletes must make the treacherous and heart-stopping descent – sometimes on all fours! – navigating.
* Dibussi Tande, a writer and activist from Cameroon, produces the blog Scribbles from the Den
* Please send comments to editor@pambazuka.org or comment online at http://www.pambazuka.org/