International

By Ahmed Abdulƙadir

Recently, I came across an announcement by Deutsche Welle (DW) Hausa Radio that it will cease transmitting its Hausa Programs on the Shortwave (SW) frequency channel. Instead, it will continue broadcasting through its partners on FM Radio throughout West Africa and through its various platforms on social media.

This decision brought to mind the gradual but noticeable paradigm shift by traditional media toward the use of social media in its operations.

Social media has significantly impacted the practice of traditional media in several ways. One major change is the shift in content distribution. Traditional media outlets, such as DW, are adapting to this shift by utilizing social media platforms to reach a broader audience. For instance, DW’s decision demonstrates the recognition of the growing influence of social media in reaching its target audience.

Social media also allows for more interactive and immediate engagement with the audience. Traditional media used to have limited interaction with its audience, with communication limited to letters or phone calls. However, social media platforms provide a platform for direct engagement, enabling real-time feedback, comments, and discussions. This creates a more dynamic and engaging relationship between media outlets and their audience.

Additionally, social media has given rise to citizen journalism, in which individuals can share news and information in real time. This has challenged the monopoly of traditional media in reporting news events. With the widespread use of smartphones and social media platforms, anyone can become a content creator and share their perspectives, breaking news, and images. This has forced traditional media outlets to compete with citizen journalists and adapt their reporting practices.

Furthermore, social media has transformed the way news is consumed. With the rise of social media algorithms, individuals have more control over the content they consume. They can choose to follow specific news sources, topics, or individuals, creating personalized newsfeeds. This has led to a fragmentation of news consumption, where individuals are exposed to diverse perspectives and sources of information, rather than relying solely on traditional media outlets.

Aside from DW, there are several examples of traditional media outlets that have made similar shifts toward utilizing social media platforms. One prominent example is the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). The BBC has recognized the importance of social media in reaching and engaging with its audience. It has established a strong presence on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, where it shares news updates, videos, and engages with its viewers through comments and discussions. The BBC has also developed specific social media strategies to cater to different demographics and regions, ensuring a wider reach and engagement.

Another example is The New York Times (NYT), one of the leading newspapers in the United States. The NYT has embraced social media as a key component of its digital strategy. It actively shares its news articles, videos, and multimedia content on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. The NYT has also invested in creating engaging content specifically for social media, such as short videos, infographics, and interactive stories, to cater to the preferences of its social media audience.

Furthermore, Al Jazeera, a global news network based in Qatar, has also recognized the impact of social media on journalism. It has established a strong presence on social media platforms and actively engages with its audience through live streams, interactive discussions, and user-generated content. Al Jazeera also utilizes social media platforms for real-time reporting, breaking news updates, and citizen journalism contributions.

These examples highlight how traditional media outlets such as the BBC, The New York Times, and Al Jazeera have embraced social media as an integral component of their media strategies. They have adapted their content distribution, engagement, and reporting practices to harness the power of social media and reach a broader audience.

But not only is the traditional media making a paradigm shift and embracing the social media in its modus operandi but the profound change is gradually catching up at the individual and personal levels. Starting with my self observation, I’ve come to realize that I’m more inclined towards getting my news content through the social media rather than the usual traditional media.

A further observation reveals that even media owners, especially heads of government in Nigeria, are rapidly losing interest in the coverage of their activities from traditional media in favor of social media. This has resulted in the neglect of their traditional media organizations in favor of a more robust interest in social media.

In summary, social media has changed the practice of traditional media by altering content distribution, enabling direct audience engagement, empowering citizen journalism, and transforming news consumption patterns. Traditional media outlets like DW are adapting to these changes by utilizing social media platforms to reach a wider audience and engage with their viewers and listeners in a more interactive manner.

The rise of social media and its impact on traditional media cannot be denied. It has brought about significant changes in content distribution, audience engagement, and news consumption patterns. Traditional media outlets like DW, BBC, The New York Times, and Al Jazeera have recognized the importance of social media and have adapted their strategies to include these platforms.

However, it is important to note that social media is not completely replacing traditional media. Instead, it is transforming the landscape and forcing traditional media to evolve and adopt new methods of reaching and engaging with their audience. Traditional media still holds a certain level of credibility and trustworthiness that social media platforms may lack. It continues to play a vital role in providing in-depth analysis, investigative journalism, and reliable news sources.

Moreover, while social media allows for immediate and interactive engagement, it also comes with challenges such as the spread of misinformation and the lack of editorial oversight. Traditional media outlets have the responsibility of fact-checking and providing accurate information to counteract these challenges.

In conclusion, social media is undoubtedly reshaping the practice of traditional media, but it is not replacing it entirely. The two can coexist and complement each other in providing diverse perspectives, real-time updates, and engaging content to the audience. It is up to traditional media outlets to adapt and leverage the power of social media to stay relevant in the ever-changing media landscape.

Ahmed Abdulkadir wrote from Katsina via ahmadakadir@yahoo.com.

By Tijani Abiola

Burkina Faso is a landlocked country located in West Africa. It shares boundaries with six countries: Mali to the north, Niger to the east, Benin to the southeast, Togo and Ghana to the south, and Côte d’Ivoire to the southwest. As of the last knowledge update in January 2022, the total population of Burkina Faso was 21 million people. The country’s official language is French, which is spoken alongside different indigenous languages.

Economically, Burkina Faso is mainly an agricultural country, though there is also a very strong presence of gold mining. However, this country is troubled by poverty, drought, and political instability.

Mali, on the other hand, also in West Africa, shares borders with Algeria to the north, Niger to the east, Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast to the south, Guinea to the southwest and Senegal and Mauritania to the west, with a population of about 20 million people. The official language is French, and Bambara is also widely spoken.

Political instability, ethnic tension, and conflicts with extremist groups positioned mostly in the northern parts of the country have also challenged Mali in the years past. It lies in the region bordered by Libya to the northeast, Chad to the east, Nigeria and Benin to the south, Burkina Faso and Mali to the west, and Algeria to the northwest. It has a population of about 24 million people. 

The official language is French, and many indigenous languages are spoken. Niger is largely an agrarian society, with subsistence farming forming a very critical part of the economy. Uranium mining is also a very important industry. The country faces challenges such as poverty, desertification, and food insecurity.

All three have diverse cultures and histories, and all have unique challenges. The Sahel region, including the northern parts of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, has seen a particular outbreak of security issues, including conflicts with jihadist groups and ethnic tensions.

Meanwhile, in the years 2020, 2021 and 2023 in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, respectively, there were successful military coups which still reign to date.  The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) turned an eye to their decision and style of new leadership of the bloc’s member-states. Efforts towards national reconciliation have been in vain. 

The Economic Community of West African States is a regional political and economic union comprising fifteen countries located in West Africa, of which the above-mentioned Countries are members.

Burkina Faso, Mali, and the Niger Republic have all in recent times expressed intention to part ways with ECOWAS bloc bodies. That decision has been a climax and a very big bottleneck for ECOWAS, as the trio of these countries are some of the most resourceful countries which shoulder a huge part of the yearly ECOWAS budget and yet one of the poorest countries on the African continent. After their decision to leave the West African regional bloc of ECOWAS, what effect will this have on ECOWAS?

This country represents almost 20% of the ECOWAS population – that is 66 million out of 420 million people. As mentioned above, cotton, gold, and uranium ore are precious resources for Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, respectively.

Is ECOWAS blind to these facts?

I will say no, but will they have intensified negotiations before now? Yes. Their belief may be that they will soon get tired and comply or call for help after being deprived of some amenities benefited from nearby ECOWAS countries. Yet, they still remain adamant about their decision. For such countries to make such decisions looks like a threat to other ECOWAS countries.

ECOWAS should know this is no joke. The pumping question is: what if they excel in their decisions and their leaders are able to change their countries and become the best in years to come? What will happen to other ECOWAS countries whose corruption still influences their development?

Is dumping ECOWAS best for Burkina Faso, Mali, and the Niger Republic?

This decision will not only restrict their access to large international markets for foreign exchange and development provided by ECOWAS but also international partnerships that help in country development. Also, the free visa for all ECOWAS states is another big opportunity they might be deprived of from ECOWAS countries.

Though their decision has not been formally in writing to ECOWAS, they may be nursing second thoughts in the decision or calling for attention to negotiation stylishly. The poking questions are;

Is this the best idea for these three countries?

Will they stand without ECOWAS?

Won’t they be a threat to other ECOWAS countries if their decision is granted?

Does ECOWAS need to let them be?

Africa is a blessed continent with all its natural resources, but a continent with the highest rate of poverty and a corrupt leadership style needs to be resolved.

Tijani Abiola wrote via abiolatijani001@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam Imam  

Negotiations aimed at securing a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip are scheduled to recommence in Cairo on Sunday, as reported by Egyptian outlet Al-Qahera. 

This development follows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent approval for renewed talks. 

An anchor for Al-Qahera News, closely associated with Egypt’s intelligence services, confirmed the resumption of negotiations, citing an Egyptian security source.  

Previous rounds of talks, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, have yet to yield a viable agreement. 

Despite hopes to reach a ceasefire before Ramadan, progress has been slow, with the Muslim holy month now more than halfway through. 

Netanyahu’s endorsement of the new negotiations, set to take place in both Doha and Cairo, was announced on Friday.  

While details regarding the involvement of Mossad chief David Barnea remain undisclosed, Netanyahu’s office confirmed discussions with Barnea regarding the talks. 

Simultaneously, protests erupted in Israel’s largest city, with demonstrators blocking a major road in demand for the release of hostages held in Gaza and criticising the government’s handling of the conflict.  

Approximately 130 hostages, out of an initial 250 seized during the October 7 attacks that triggered the conflict, are believed to remain in Gaza.

Central to the ceasefire negotiations is the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.  

French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne, along with counterparts from Egypt and Jordan, noted the urgent need for a permanent ceasefire and the release of all hostages during meetings in Cairo. 

Furthermore, France intends to propose a draft resolution at the UN Security Council outlining a “political” settlement for the conflict. 

While recent international efforts, including a Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire and a UN court order for humanitarian assistance, aim to alleviate the situation, the conflict persists.  

Hamas’s initial attacks on October 7 resulted in significant casualties in Israel, while Israel’s retaliatory campaign in Gaza has claimed thousands of lives, predominantly among civilians, according to official figures.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Adults in Germany will have more freedom regarding cannabis possession and cultivation starting April 1st as the country implements a partial legalization program.

However, the new law comes with limitations and has drawn mixed reactions.

The legislation allows adults over 18 to carry up to 25 grams of dried cannabis for personal use. 

Home cultivation of up to three cannabis plants per person is also permitted, with a maximum storage allowance of 50 grams of dried cannabis at home.

Public consumption is restricted, with smoking banned within 100 meters of schools, playgrounds, and sports facilities and in pedestrian zones between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Starting in July, Germany plans to introduce a system of regulated cannabis clubs. 

These non-profit organizations will have a maximum of 500 members and can sell a limited amount (50 grams per month) of dried cannabis to each member.

Adults under 21 will face additional restrictions on both monthly amounts and THC content.

Notably, meeting and consuming cannabis within the clubs is not allowed, and membership is restricted to one club at a time.

The government hopes this reform will tackle the black market and associated health risks. 

However, the law has been criticized by medical groups and regional authorities, who worry about public health consequences and implementation challenges.

A second law is planned to test shop or pharmacy sales in specific regions, but the European Union initially opposed this proposal. 

Opposition parties have already voiced disapproval and threatened to overturn the law if they win the 2025 elections.

Germany’s cannabis reform is a work in progress, sparking debate while offering a more regulated approach to the drug. 

By Ismaila Academician

Have you ever noticed that some pillars don’t stand upright, some dresses don’t fit well, and some bathroom tiles slope in the wrong direction, requiring sweeping after use?

The underlying cause is often a lack of passion among the professionals who create them. While they may appear cheerful and enthusiastic on the front end, their motivation primarily stems from financial gains attached rather than genuine passion from the back end. Passion is the driving force to perfection. It is the pacesetter towards excellence and success.

In the Western world, passion is evident in how professionals, artisans, and experts discharge their duties. They work not just to earn a living but also for a sense of fulfilment. It motivates them to innovate and develop new ideas, leading to the creation of products and services that are nothing short of perfect. Overall, it makes their countries grow and stay afloat no matter the storm. 

Nigeria is blessed with a wealth of talents. We have the potential to innovate and develop new ideas—products and services that can compete favourably with those made abroad. But that talent remains unutilised.

A close look at the Facebook Reels section reveals that while Western and Eastern individuals are busy advertising their talents and sharing innovative ideas, Nigerians are often preoccupied with sharing content such as elegant weddings, club sessions, presidential convoys, and comedies. While these are not inherently bad, they do not reflect the depth of our creativity and innovation.

Social media is a powerful tool that can help us showcase our skills to a large and diverse audience. We can attract potential customers, business partners, investors, or employers. It also can help us build reputation, credibility, and influence. We need to craft a better narrative for Nigeria. We need to showcase our creativity and innovation. We need to display our knowledge and skills to inspire and motivate others.

In conclusion, the journey from passion to perfection is a transformative one. It requires passion. As Nigerians, we have what it takes to embark on this journey. We have what it takes to bridge the gap between local and foreign products. We have what it takes to craft a better narrative for Nigeria. All we need to do is to harness our potential and channel it towards the pursuit of perfection. But passion can’t do the work alone. We need to supplement our passion with action – creativity and innovation.

Remember, ideas develop the world, and people are willing to bring these ideas to life. Let’s be those people. Let’s make Nigeria a better place.

Ismaila Abdulmumini wrote from Kano, Nigeria, via ismailaacademician@gmail.com.

By Muhammad Abdurrahman

Banks should freeze funds and suspend services to individuals and groups included on the list.

Russia’s Federal Financial Monitoring Service (Rosfinmonitoring) expanded its list of individuals and organizations involved in extremist activities or terrorism on Friday to include the LGBT movement. The updated list is available on the agency’s website.

According to the law, banks are required to freeze the funds of individuals included on this list and suspend services to them.

Last November, the Russian Supreme Court upheld the Ministry of Justice’s recognition of the international LGBT movement as extremist. The court also recognized its structural divisions as extremist and banned them.

According to Interfax sources, the law “does not affect citizens’ right to privacy and will not entail any negative legal consequences.” The restrictions are related to the need to comply with the ban on LGBT propaganda, advertising, generating interest, and involvement in the LGBT movement.

Source: RT

By Abba Abdullahi Garba

There is an apparent misunderstanding of what a kingdom in the Arabian Peninsula (Saudi), Islam, and Muslims mean and what they represent, especially when it comes to the point of view of some Nigerians.

This short, precise, and well-clarified article, under 700 words, will differentiate these things and conclude with the reason why the Saudi Kingdom does not represent Muslims or Islam but Saudi Arabians.

Saudi Arabia Kingdom

The Saudi Kingdom rules Saudi Arabia and represents it worldwide. It acts as the president, prime minister, and legislative body of Saudi Arabia.

Anything that is outside Saudi land is outside the control of the Saudi Kingdom [from religion, spirituality, international politics, et cetera], except what directly relates to it or its citizens.

The Kingdom, just like its counterparts in Qatar, the UAE, and others, has the authority to allow things [like entertainment, sports, et cetera] to take place within their land. And that is their business, not Muslims!

Islam

Islam is a non-modifiable religion practised by over one billion people all over the globe. And those people come from all walks of life and different races.

However, what makes it the perfect choice for many people is the fact that there is no racism, discrimination, indecency, or so many other leftist things. It is a religion that uses over 1,400 years of old scripture, which, to date, no one has modified, and it will remain like that till the end of the world.

Islam does not have a representative country, kingdom, or race. Its representatives are the teachers who taught it appropriately, and even if they cannot modify its teachings, they must teach it the way it is.

Islam promotes peace, tolerance, love for each other, good manners, truthfulness, and honesty, among other things.

I can’t tell you everything about Islam right now because this article is supposed to be short. But, sincerely speaking, Islam is a way of life!

Muslims

Muslims are the people who accept and practice the teachings of Islam regardless of their race, country, or region. And when I say Muslims, I mean all Muslims.

And it is impossible to say this: all Muslims are good people, or all are bad! Some are good people, and some are bad people. Everywhere and in every religion, there are those kinds of people, good and bad.

And the behaviour of one Muslim does not represent Islam if it is against Islamic teachings. It represents that person, not his religion.

And the behaviour of a kingdom that rules a country of people who follow and practice Islam does not represent Islam; rather, it represents that country and its leaders.

Any Islamic preacher or ordinary Muslim whose actions or words are out of Islamic context does not represent Islam but rather his person.

Conclusion

Islam is a religion. Muslims are those who practice it. And the Saudi Kingdom does not represent Muslims or Islam. It represents the people of Saudi Arabia. And Muslims all over the world have no say in what the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia decides for its people in any aspect of life.

So, for those who think the Saudi Kingdom represents Islam, then it is time to change your perception on this topic, for Islam is a religion with no authoritative body that can speak or act on its behalf. And Muslims are those who practice it.

And you can be one too!

Abba Abdullahi Garba wrote from Zugachi, Kano, Nigeria. He can be reached via abbaabdullahigarba@outlook.com.

By Uzair Adam Imam

According to reports from Turkish TRT World, a recent aid mission to two hospitals in northern Gaza by the World Health Organization (WHO) has uncovered horrifying scenes of children dying from starvation. 

Dire shortages of food, fuel, and medicines exacerbate the situation.

WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the findings as “grim,” particularly highlighting the dire conditions at Al Awda Hospital, where one of the buildings has been destroyed. 

The Kamal Adwan Hospital, the only paediatrics facility in northern Gaza, struggles to cope with the overwhelming number of patients. Tedros revealed that the lack of food has tragically led to the deaths of 10 children.

Meanwhile, the Geneva-based organization Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor has released a statement presenting disturbing evidence of Israeli tanks deliberately running over Palestinians. 

Describing these actions as part of Israel’s genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, Euro-Med reported several cases of Israeli forces intentionally running over Palestinian civilians, including incidents on February 29, January 23, December 2023, and February 20.

The organization has called for an independent international investigation committee to address Israel’s ongoing military actions in the Gaza Strip.

The deadly offensive initiated by Israel following a cross-border incursion by Hamas on October 7, 2023, has resulted in significant casualties. 

As the Israeli bombardment continues into its 150th day, TRT casualty counts estimate that at least 30,534 Palestinians, mostly children and women, have been killed, with 71,980 others wounded due to mass destruction and shortages of essentials.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Ghanaian Parliament has stirred heated debates by approving the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, commonly referred to as the anti-LGBTQ bill.

The bill, spearheaded by Sam Nartey George, Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, aims to criminalize LGBTQ activities and any form of advocacy or funding associated with them. 

Under this new legislation, individuals found engaging in LGBTQ activities could face imprisonment ranging from six months to three years, while supporters or promoters may be sentenced to three to five years behind bars.

The bill’s passage follows years of parliamentary deliberations, marked by both support and opposition. 

Despite calls from civil society groups, including Professor Audrey Gadzekpo, the Board Chair of the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development, urging President Nana Akufo-Addo to reject the bill, Parliament forged ahead with its approval.

Takyiwaa Manuh, a senior fellow at the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development, expressed dismay over the bill’s passage, citing concerns about its compatibility with Ghana’s constitution and democratic principles. 

Manuh noted the potential negative repercussions of the bill on various sectors of society, urging President Akufo-Addo to uphold the nation’s values and constitution.

However, the bill now awaits the president’s approval, with its fate uncertain. 

This move by the Ghanaian Parliament mirrors similar controversial legislation enacted in Uganda in May 2023, where strict anti-LGBT laws, including severe penalties such as the death penalty for certain homosexual acts, were implemented.

By Saifullahi Attahir

Pascal Lissouba was a former President of the Republic of Congo Brazzaville, a country located very close to its counterpart, DRC Congo, with the capital Kinshasa. The story of these two close neighbours was another irony of our continent; both capitals are only separated by a river, which you can easily spot each other by mere sight. They share much in common but bitterly sabotage each other due to mere nonsensical issues of tribe and language. To the benefit of their former masters, this division created an opportunity to be ruled and controlled by their former colonists.

He was born around the 1940s to a middle-income family in a village before the country’s independence. He studied in a government-run school and was an intelligent student, culminating in gaining a scholarship to study Agriculture at France’s elite academy Ecole in Paris. He had a stint in Paris working as a scientist before returning home and starting a job as a senior civil servant in the Ministry of Agriculture under President Massamba Debat.

His expertise was noticed, and he soon climbed the social ladder and became the minister of Agriculture in less than a decade. He held other positions in the Debat government. He was later promoted to prime minister until their government was overthrown by an army General called Denis Sassou Nguesse. His former boss was assassinated while he was forced to resign.

Amidst this impasse, Oil (petroleum crude oil) was the central player in all this and the future unrest that would follow in this tiny country. It was discovered a little while around the 1960s, after the country gained independence, and most of the exploration, production, and transactions were handled between the government and the giant French conglomerate Elf OIL COMPANY. The deal was marred with corruption and shadowy manoeuvres, and the oil money was mostly stacked in the Paris banks. The little that got to the Congolese is also largely slashed by the politicians and the ruling class, and only little or none of the ordinary citizens of Congo benefit from this newly found wealth.

Another problem was that the discovery of this oil led to the development of Dutch disease, where the government abandoned other key infrastructural income sectors like agriculture. The common populace, too, abandoned their homes and rushed for the golden egg, only to meet with frustration. This oil also created another problem of division and hatred among the different tribes of the country; everyone was trying to dominate his brother for the booty, and no one thought for the country.

During this period, Pascal Lissouba retired from Politics and worked as an academician and genetic lecturer at the University, initially in Paris and later in his country, Congo. 

Despite the world crude oil prices in the 1970s rising due to the historic Arab Embargo, Congo Brazzaville began accumulating debts by being involved in elephant projects and depending so much on the Pseudo Economic consultant’s advice. The economic situation in the country starts to change for the worse; salary arrears accumulate for several months, inflation rises high, and hunger begins to appear. The president of that time became unpopular, creating a chance for the emergence of Pascal Lissouba as the new President of the Republic of Congo Brazzaville after an election in 1992.

It was reported that Pascal became President with the support of France and the Elf oil company with the agreement of continuing business as usual, allowing the monopoly exploration of Congo Crude oil by the Elf company only. After he settled down as the president, Pascal began to see the absolute mess his country was already in, with billions of dollars in debt and the continued siphoning of the little they got through corrupt middlemen. He discovered that almost 2/3 of their earning went into debt servicing with nothing to show of what was done with the loan received in the first instance.

He, too, begins to face public resentment due to over six months of salary arrears his government owes to workers. Face with no alternative, he rushed to Paris, met President Mitterrand for help, and was surprisingly denied. He ran to the Elf company for aid and was negotiated under terms that included conceding several millions of crude oil barrels in advance. This Mr Pascal turns down too.

Cleverly and courageously, He went to an American oil company called The Occidental and secured a deal that assured his country to collect a loan of $150 million in exchange for an oil exploration license to the company. Desperate to satisfy his people and to quench their thirst, plus an election around the corner, he quickly rushed home and, to the applause of his people, indeed won the mid-term election.

The problem between his government and the Elf Company for including the Occidental in oil exploration begins to develop. President Mitterrand also backed the grudge, and soon, Paris began to lose ties with its former friend and started supporting a new one called Suisse Nguesse. 

Nguesse, desperate for power, couldn’t allow him to wait for election time but began to finance militias to ouster President Lissouba. The country was thrown into civil war between 1995 and 1997 until President Lissouba was overpowered off course with the help of foreign powers and military intelligence. President Pascal Lissouba fled the country and was exiled to London.

This essay was written to highlight the complex situation of most African countries, especially those that depend on Natural resources such as crude oil as the sole source of exchange earnings. The story is not much different in countries like Angola, Gabon, Central African Republic, and Nigeria. It’s always the same tactics; only the players change, but the game is the same old tricks.

If I were Pascal Lissouba, and God granted me wisdom, courage and fearlessness, I would have begun a mass national orientation campaign before I assumed office to explain to the country the dire need for every citizen to sacrifice for the period ahead so that the whole country would head toward a common goal of emancipation of their natural resource.

I would have renegotiated the oil contract terms with the Elf Company, inviting other key players in the world, especially the global South block, for military and infrastructural aid.

I would have engaged in a constant national campaign to ensure the whole population is well informed to acquire their support for the hard road ahead.

But I begin to doubt the realisation of this dream due to the complex behaviour of our very own people. We Africans are creatures that mostly lack endurance of hardship; we usually prefer short-term gratification of our desires, and most of us can not sacrifice long enough, no matter the value of what is ahead. 

We are creatures that easily fall into division; we quickly delve into ethnic, religious, tribal and regional self-interest conflict. We love chaos; we love greediness that surpasses the imagination of any self-conscious human thinking. We can kill because of money; we can sacrifice our brethren because of money, and we can amass so much through the crook method that even our grandchildren cannot spend.

From my perspective, this is not a problem of leadership alone or the problem of a single or few individuals; this is a pandemic disease; it’s almost within the blood of most of us unless those few are chosen. This problem was within every stratum of our society, and I can’t believe the mere excuse of leadership alone as the only cause.

This problem is complex and multifaceted; our people fuelled it, we love the shortcut, everybody loves to arrive quickly, we love overnight riches, and we want enjoyment. Still, we lack a plan and disciplinary execution. Even at the individual level, that is how we are, and that makes our homes and families, so it’s not surprising that we have a nation or continent that laments.

Our people organise the coups; the sabotage is supported by our people. This problem is not peculiar to only politicians; it’s present among college students, academicians, families, workers, and businessmen.

I began to sympathise with people like Pascal Lissouba because most of the men who have tried to oppose the status quo are usually prematurely retired from leadership, and some even, unfortunately, got killed.

Where is Gaddafi, where is Murtala, where is Sankara, where is Abacha, where is Saddam, where is Lumumba, where is Mandela?

Saifullahi Attahir wrote via saifullahiattahir93@gmail.com.