Your Eyewitness was pleased to see a group of leaders from seven countries in Africa – South Africa, Senegal, Zambia, Comoros, Egypt, Republic of Congo, and Uganda – fly up to Europe to try to bring an end to the war in Ukraine. The first four were represented by their presidents while high level officials represented the last three. Not so incidentally, Comoros’ president is the head of the African Union and South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa’s gonna be hosting the BRICS leaders this August in his country. Russia at least – being a member of the latter grouping that has heavyweights India and China at the table – would’ve understood the African leaders had some heft.
Unfortunately, while they were received respectfully, in the end both Zelensky (Ukraine) and Puti (Russia) refused to budge. But China and India have also attempted to broker a peace accord to no avail – so the African Leaders shouldn’t be too disheartened. What they’ve done is signal that African leaders are beginning to realize they have the legitimacy to intervene in matters affecting their countries. The Ukraine war has severely affected Africa’s wheat supply and they have an interest in having those supplies resumed. And they have enough raw materials that the big boys need that they can use this to get their attention!!
Some may say the African leaders would’ve been more credible if they’d been able to stop the wars t being waged in Africa right now – in Mali, Sudan, Ethiopia, Libya, Congo etc. But those are all internal conflicts waged by domestic players – and the UN has strict rules about members interfering in domestic conflicts of other states. Rwanda’s being accused of “interfering” in Congo and Mali’s just asked the UN to remove its peacekeeping troops – even though most everyone think that’s gonna lead to a greater bloodbath.
And let’s face it, the great symbolic value in being seen as trying to broker peace between European nations isn’t to be sneered at. For centuries it was the Europeans who came to Africa and exploited local conflicts for their own benefit – while pretending to be the only adults in the room as they pushed for “peace”!! It’s high time the roles were reversed!! While they weren’t able to come away with owning some land or such! – this is just their first foray. And the Europeans did take centuries to colonize Africa!!
Africa is poised to become the next China – if the leaders can get their act together. In 1945 their aspiring leaders gathered in Manchester along with leaders of the African Diaspora – and coordinated their activities which led to their independence.
Perhaps they should host a Pan African Congress to plot their role in the 21st Century??
… stance
There are some subjects that just turn your Eyewitness’ stomach – and grown men diddling with children’s right up there on that list. On the said list, that’s about as lowdown and dirty anyone can get – and he believes that once convicted, the most severe punishment ought to be inflicted on the perpetrators. Castration – or its chemical equivalent – should be mandatory since from the much publicised case of Jeffrey Epstein – these fellas are incorrigible.
Now in the present case of the Minister who’s accused of doing some real dirty stuff with a kid, as has been pointed out by the president, the rule of law must take priority. The rule of law insists that all be treated equally before the law and their innocence presumed– no matter what we think of the accused. So here we have it, the fella’s on administrative leave to facilitate a proper investigation.
And with an accusation of statutory rape- because of the child’s age – this must be conducted by the police.
…first baby
All Guyana’s gotten used to Pressie’s son Zayd – who’s been quite in the limelight – as he grey from a baby to a schoolboy during the last three years.
Well, he now faces some competition from his new brother Ilan!!
