| Author |
 Topic  |
|
Pappa
USA
76 Posts |
 Posted - 03 Jul 2007 : 16:55:59
|
Unbelievable - some of our leaders against African unity!!! I portray them as nothing but selfish and self-centered leaders. I personally applaud The Gambia, Senegal, Libya and all the other good countries/leaders for showing great interest in the oneness of Africa.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6264612.stm
|
When opportunity and prepareness meet, it leads to success!
Great Phonecard rates and a lot more, at affordable prices, check it out at http://www.pjoof.com |
Edited by - Pappa on 03 Jul 2007 16:57:27 |
|
|
kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
|
|
kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jul 2007 : 18:34:46
|
quote:
Originally posted by Pappa
Unbelievable - some of our leaders against African unity!!! I portray them as nothing but selfish and self-centered leaders. I personally applaud The Gambia, Senegal, Libya and all the other good countries/leaders for showing great interest in the oneness of Africa.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6264612.stm
I have said that the African Union will no be possible in the next 500 years and some people think i was too pessimistic. Now i will add another 500 years to it. |
 |
|
|
Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jul 2007 : 18:36:47
|
In a continent where almost all leaders aspire President for Life, it is hard to see them accept a united government. They all fear that to mean immediate loss of grips on power. |
Karamba |
|
|
|
kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jul 2007 : 18:39:38
|
quote:
Originally posted by Karamba
In a continent where almost all leaders aspire President for Life, it is hard to see them accept a united government. They all fear that to mean immediate loss of grips on power.
You are spot on. I never believe in the institution of the African Union and i think Gambia should cease to be a memeber. Its a waste of resources. |
|
|
|
kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jul 2007 : 18:48:56
|
Optimism is there as quoted: "That there is total endorsement of the idea of continental Government is not in doubt."
BUT WE HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO  |
Edited by - kobo on 03 Jul 2007 18:49:25 |
|
|
|
Pappa
USA
76 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jul 2007 : 20:14:45
|
| I totally understand your concerns and I almost agree with some of your opinions but Ladies & Gents, we got to start somewhere, an absolute NO doesn't help solve the issues we have at hand or facilitate a quicker United Africa. After all, even USA had its share of similar problems (Conflicts, greed, slavery, disagreeance, etc) before it's unity. Countries (developed or undeveloped) coming together helps solve a lot of issues within or outside of their respective territories because they get to share ideologies, resources, manpower/intellectuals....you name it. Especially with conflicts, which can easily transpire to the next door neighboring country; if countries such as Somalia/Ethiopia/Eritrea, Chad/Sudan/CAR, Rwanda/Burundi, Sierra Leone/Liberia, shared the same values, goals, a common prosperity of their beloved nations, things could have been different. |
When opportunity and prepareness meet, it leads to success!
Great Phonecard rates and a lot more, at affordable prices, check it out at http://www.pjoof.com |
|
|
|
Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jul 2007 : 20:17:08
|
| Current African leaders have to be the seed of succession. Like farmers bury cereal seeds to reap later, we have to sweep these greedy lot. They are not ready to negotiate. We don't share same ambition with them. The bunch is nothing but deadly poison. Radical strides are needed. This is no call for violent transition. We have to work on getting selfless persons free from greed, to lead and they will lead the way out of this political jungle of Africa. |
Karamba |
Edited by - Karamba on 04 Jul 2007 01:35:33 |
|
|
|
Sister Omega
United Kingdom
2085 Posts |
Posted - 03 Jul 2007 : 22:46:54
|
quote:
Kondorong stated:I have said that the African Union will no be possible in the next 500 years and some people think i was too pessimistic. Now i will add another 500 years to it.
Kondorong who are you the prophet of doom? That's fine because it is the optimists who are the movers and shakers of advancement and will rebuke such negative statements, which rebuke our ancestors who paved the way for the progress we have made along the path to freedom.
If they had been so negative in believing the b.s you espouse to here on the net the sloths would still becoming to Gambia kidnapping Africans from James Island and right around the coasts of Africa.
Peace
Sister Omega
|
Peace
Sister Omega |
Edited by - Sister Omega on 03 Jul 2007 22:47:59 |
|
|
|
kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jul 2007 : 01:12:49
|
quote:
Originally posted by Sister Omega
quote:
Kondorong stated:I have said that the African Union will no be possible in the next 500 years and some people think i was too pessimistic. Now i will add another 500 years to it.
Kondorong who are you the prophet of doom? That's fine because it is the optimists who are the movers and shakers of advancement and will rebuke such negative statements, which rebuke our ancestors who paved the way for the progress we have made along the path to freedom.
If they had been so negative in believing the b.s you espouse to here on the net the sloths would still becoming to Gambia kidnapping Africans from James Island and right around the coasts of Africa.
Peace
Sister Omega
On the contrary sister. I am disappointed with your level of outrage and I believe even an individual with a morally dented character has certain basic principles to uphold in putting his point across.
The freed slaves that "founded" the Republic of Liberia did just the same thing to the native Africans they found there. JJ Roberts who became the first president of Liberia was in fact a late comer to the colony. He came in around 1826 on board a ship with a one time African Prince called Abdourahman from the house of Timbo in Guinea Conakry who was sold into slavery at age 26 and won his freedom through the intervention of US President Quincy Adams.
In fact I am reading the chapter where JJ Roberts and Abdourahman have just touched the shores of Liberia. What came next is something else. May I remind you that right now the Roots Homecoming Festival is going on in the Gambia and I wonder how many brothers and sisters try to visit home?
The indigenous Africans lost complete control in Liberia and which largely explains the civil war in that country. Instead of going home and be Africans, they looked low upon every African institutions they found there. Even their official residence of the president was and is still called the Executive Mansion which was the original name of the seat of the president of the United States before it became the White House.
The current Liberian President is the first indigenous African to rise to the top for nearly 250 years since the colonists first settled in Liberia.
They have counties just like in America and a constitution based on the Us Constitution. Interestingly, they also had one Presidential impeachment like the U.S.
The name of the capital was and is still called Monrovia named after James Monroe a one time US President.
Tell me what had changed. I think we also need to face our past and take stock of our own shortcomings rather than always point fingers at others.
THE LIBERIAN CIVIL WAR IS PARTLY A DESIRE BY THE INDEGENOUS AFRICANS TO BE INCLUDED IN THE GOVERNMENT THAT REPRESENTS THEM.
Let’s argue with facts as mature individuals rather than resort to some incalcitrant tendencies. You can argue without having to be rough.
We have been optimistic since independence. All that we see is a talking shop. This morning a put up a posting showing that the President of Kenya is paid more money than the British Prime Minister and yet you see African Presidents going out with bowls begging when they are paid higher than those from whom they seek help.
Since you are in the UK, I will give you one assignment. Go the ACP Secretariat in Brussels and see the cars the African delegates are driving and then visit the British Representation to the same body. At the ACP Secretariat, their biggest problem is parking with each one competing for the most expensive car on the market whilst the donors are driving small old fiat cars. Modesty is what we lack.
Whenever someone condemns our own shortcomings, others rise calling it mental slavery. Its not. To move forward, we must be aware of our own shortcomings.
Unless we as a group become responsive to the need of our electorates, we will forever continue to be consumers of civilization. Hope is a force multiplier as Colin Powell said. But I would hasten to add that continuous hope in the face of death, and massacre across the continent, is nothing short of madness. At some point we as a group need to change the course of events rather than continue hoping for a deliverer who is not there.
Liberia should have been the better example of what Africa could have been.
|
|
|
|
Sibo
Denmark
231 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jul 2007 : 10:10:10
|
I am a big fan of the United States of Africa. I use ti tell my friends that I will unite Africa one day and become the the first president of Africa.....
When I heard that our leaders are trying to unite the continent, I was thrilled. I think we should all support the idea and back our leaders. I know that we have a long way to go and as Papa said we have to start somewhere. With all the problems that are going on in Africa, this is going to be a long and hard process, bit if we are determine enough I think we can make it work. Lets be a little opstimistic and lets show the west that we can unite. If America can unite, so can we. America didn´t unite overnight. Lets give it a shot |
|
|
|
jambo
3300 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jul 2007 : 10:21:23
|
it will not happen, look at all the internal in fighting, how many civil wars are happening. Its a miracle that they all attend and sit in the same room, minus two. last year was the same, lets get together and become united, the name confederation of african states as opposed to united states of africa USA , THEY NEVER AGREE ON ANYTHING, BECAUSE THEY MIGHT LOOSE POWER, THEY STILL HAVE A STUPID MIND SET. gaddifi saying lets be united when he last year walked out of a room and throw a hissy fit on the seating arrangement, UNITED NOT IN THIS LIFETIME. |
|
|
|
Sibo
Denmark
231 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jul 2007 : 10:41:39
|
| The Americans went through tha same thing, but eventually they unite. Many people died under the civil war, there were a lot of disagreements and diffrences. They were determied to unit the nation, they believed in it and in themselves. we need to do the same. Call me naive, but I think we can make it work if we really want and work hard for it. Lets be open minded about this |
|
|
|
turk
USA
3356 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jul 2007 : 08:52:49
|
I think both sides have valid point. Those who want to follow top-to-down approach wants the process to start asap. They are right because, if there is no initiative union will never be reality. The other school of thought, i.e. uganda, push for bottom-to-top approach and he has the valid point that people should want this and without one strong common denominator, a union is not realistic and he is also right. First approach would be faster but not stable, the second would be stable but not in 500 years.
That is why africans need different approach for the unity. First strong common denominators needs to be found. I think that would be geography and religion/culture.
1. Geography. For those supporting union especially those countries in sahara region from senegal to sudan can come together. Imagine a union from senegal to sudan to libya with no border provides exceptional economic, political and military advantages. From mediteranian to atlantic ocean to indian ocean. Great connector between atlantic far east market via indian shores. Imagine a pipeline from oil fields from sudan or saudi arabia to gambia to ship oil to atlantic market, to libya to market oil to europe? Or Gambia being hub for transport route from atlantic to indian ocean trade. More than 100 million population living in sahara region would address and solve the problems like darfur, casamas region etc. Being single country between atlantic ocean, europe and middleeast is tremendous advantage when it comes to international politic and military.
So it looks like total African Union may not be possible but that does not mean regional union impossible around sahara. I even have a name for it. It is not even confusing with USA as united african states. SAHARAN FEDERATION. That includes countries from senegal to libya to sudan to chad to burkina-faso.
2. Cultural. Ancient Strong Sahara kingdoms may well be todays key players. One common denominator of Islam would help to overcome the concern raised by ugandan president. It is easier to integrate senegalise to sudanese than senegalise to ugandan. They are from same geography and religion.
Why not accomplish smaller union with those who will to do it based common denominator. I guess countries like senegal, libya and sudan who wants the union can push this real hard for regional union. And most important it is realistic to have the Saharan Federation. |
diaspora! Too many Chiefs and Very Few Indians.
Halifa Salah: PDOIS is however realistic. It is fully aware that the Gambian voters are yet to reach a level of political consciousness that they rely on to vote on the basis of Principles, policies and programmes and practices. |
Edited by - turk on 05 Jul 2007 08:59:32 |
|
|
|
kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jul 2007 : 15:59:32
|
The ANSWERS ON THE A.U FORMAT (Timetable for An Advance Union) are here:
INTERVIEW WITH HALIFA SALLAH
ON THE AU SUMMIT AND PRESIDENT JAMMEH’S ABSENCE
under http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3948
HALIFA SALLAH CLARIFIES ON AU GRAND DEBATE ON A CONTINENTAL GOVERNMENT
under http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3965
However the constraints and internal political crises by the different countries appear to be harder to deal than advancing the UNION (A.U). However its a step in the right direction with some caution to bear in mind that its GLOBALISATION, EXPLOITAION & COMPETITION FOR SCARE RESOURCES. Since independence Africas' problems has worsen in terms of POVERTY AND CONFLICTS.
The BRAINS are there but they ARE NOTHING BECAUSE OF NOTORIOUS REGIMES. Halifa Sallah is a case in point as a TOOTHLESS LION in the political fora. He was lucky to contribute his quota whilst an M.P. There are many of his calibre but are refugees and fugitives in their motherland because of POLITICAL CRISES eminent or virtually accross TE CONTINENT.
HALIFA does not even won a seat at home but see him as an illustrious SON OF AFRICA!
GOD BLESS ALL!
|
|
|
|
Sister Omega
United Kingdom
2085 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jul 2007 : 21:36:09
|
Continue to read Kondorong it is good medicine for the mind. It allows us all to open our minds to different points of view. At present I am reading the Autobiography of Frederick Douglas from Slave to Diplomat of the Republic of Haiti.It is so facinating.
I refuse to lose hope that Africans have the capablity to unite and work for the Common Good of Africa. It all starts in the mind. Every action begins with a thought. So in myview I consider it good to have positive ones. The race is not the swift but who can endure it is a common saying. So is the African struggle but yoou know what people become weary, and it's important to take positive steps to make a United States of Africa. Divide and Rule only served one purpose and that was to keep the imperialists on top. And of course Africans have perpetrated and perpetuated acts of oppression there is no denying that. However it is also good to make reference to people over the past 500 years today that are doing positive works how small or how great to improve Africa. Africans at home and aboard as well as friends who have participated in this long long road to freedom should also be recognised. It is important to know history to know how we are arrived to now and which road to take in the future. Unity is strength and is where Africa's future lies to start focusing on sorting out problems which need attention.
Peace
Sister Omega |
Peace
Sister Omega |
Edited by - Sister Omega on 05 Jul 2007 21:47:27 |
|
|
|
Topic |
|
Topic Locked
