The Journey of Death 2

For many centuries human beings have moved from one geographical area to the other for several reasons. Some travel in search of greener pastures, religious freedom, to tour historic sites, to flee from conflicts and wars in their countries. In fact the reasons for traveling are numerous and these travelers encounter a lot of hardships and misfortunes when moving from one place to the other.

Africans are known to be traveling to all  corners of the earth for some of the above reasons. But the journey so far has been one characterized by death. This happens especially to those who wish to go through the desert and also cross the Mediterranean Sea and get to Europe illegally. They fall prey to the so called connection men who try to ferry them across the Mediterranean Sea in their rickety boats. Most at times they charge them exorbitant fees before they board the boats. Many of them do not reach their intended destinations as often the boats capsize and the migrants drown in the sea. Thus the Mediterranean Sea has now become a grave for many of these travelers who want to get to Europe at all cost.

This journey i call the "Journey of Death" because of the perils and dangers involved. Most of these illegal migrants are from Libya, Eritrea, Tunisia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and other parts of West Africa. They have the notion that once they make it to Europe, they will get the opportunity to get a job, make some money and send some home for the upkeep of their families.

But who is to be blamed for these senseless deaths? African leaders have failed woefully to better the living conditions of their people. They rather tend to pay attention to misplaced priorities and forget totally about the plight of the people. If they also use the revenue generated from the natural resources judiciously, there will be no need for Africans to brave the perils and dangers of the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea before they reach Europe. The blood of the thousands  of illegal migrants who have died in the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea is crying out to Mother Earth. What can Europe do to stem this tide? Your suggestions are welcome.

The Afrophobic Attacks In South Africa

The world went on a jubilation spree when Nelson Mandela was released from prison and this signaled the beginning of the end for the apparthied system in South Africa. I remember that afternoon very well because i was glued to my father's black and white television set. I was so much interested in happenings around the world at that very young age. That was one of the moments i will forever cherish in my lifetime.

I also remember watching the reactions of several world leaders and victory parades held in almost all of the African countries. I still have that nostalgic feeling of that glorious day. Most African countries supported the ANC in their fight against the apparthied regime. This was a brutal struggle and the black South Africans who were in the majority were being discriminated against on several fronts, thus they became fed up with the system and took up arms to fight for their legitimate rights.

Thus, elections were held and Nelson Mandela won with an overwhelming majority to become the first black president of South Africa. They then gradually started to consolidate their rule. Many years have passed and successful elections have been held in South Africa. We were then taken aback when xenophobic attacks against fellow black Africans by South Africans took place with a lot of foreigners loosing their lives and properties. This was somehow stopped and normalcy prevailed.

Fast forward to 2015, we were met once again with attacks on black foreigners by South Africans in the major cities and towns. It seems the police is not doing much to curb and control the situation as shops owned by foreigners are looted and burnt with a number of these foreigners loosing their lives.

My question is, is this how South Africa repays the rest of Africa for helping them get rid of the appartheid regime? What have we done wrong to deserve these barbaric acts? Other African countries can also retaliate by expelling the South African envoys, boycotting South African owned businesses etc etc.

I see these attacks as afrophobic and not xenophobic because only black African foreigners are being attacked. God save our brothers and sisters in South Africa. Those behind these attacks must be found and dealt with. These are crimes akin to war crimes and i hope the ICC is watching. The indictment should come fast for whoever made statements to incite these afrophobic attacks to be hauled before the ICC to face the full rigours of the law.  

Nigeria Takes A Bold Step

Nigeria being Africa's most populous country took the unprecedented and much awaited step by passing an anti-gay law on 13th January, 2014. This law criminalizes homosexual and lesbian activities in Nigeria. We all know that most of the Western nations frown on this measure. Nigerian law makers mooted that idea some years back, but they were met with so much condemnation by most of the Western nations. The country was even threatened with a withdrawal of aid and other forms of assistance if her leaders went ahead to pass the law.

As the law has been passed now, the Western nations are just bidding their time to come out with a measured and well calculated response. Are they going to withdraw the aid and grants as they threatened to do? It is high time most countries on the African continent stop relying on the West for much of their aid and grants and other forms of handouts. This would enable them to take bold decisions and call the bluff of these western nations who intend to impose their cultures on as. We as Africans must develop our resources by adding value to them. We should encourage trade partnerships amongst the various countries on the continent. Why do we find it very difficult to trade amongst ourselves but are ready and willing to kowtow to the trade agreements imposed on us by the western nations? 

I admire the Nigerians for the bold step they have taken and from what i have heard and seen, majority of Nigerians support the anti-gay law passed by their government. Lets do our best and follow Nigeria's example. God bless Africa.