24. May 2008 by Assimba.

Fretsidiq Fekade

Looking further back into the past, archives collected from every epoch and through out ages indicate Ethiopian history is a prototype or an archetype to what civilization and the evolution of humanity inclusively are all about as well as exclusively to Ethiopia and Ethiopians. “ It is pretty well settled that the city is the engross great contribution to civilization, for it was in Africa where the first cities grew up”. E.Haldeman Julius said in regard to Ethiopian civilization. Count Volley also said “Those piles of ruins which you see in that narrow valley watered by the Nile, are the remains of opulent cities, the pride of the ancient kingdom of Ethiopia. … There a people, now forgotten, discovered while others were yet barbarians, the elements of the arts and sciences. A race of men now rejected from society for their sable skin and frizzled hair, founded on the study of the laws of nature, those civil and religious systems which still govern the universe.”

In the absence of scientific and cultural colonialism, geographic and pale anthological distortion, Ethiopia takes the top place in every discovery. It is true that classical historians conceded, in ancient times Ethiopia extended over vast domains in both Africa and Asia. Egypt itself used to be called the oldest daughter of Ethiopia. Materials likely to support the above thesis are common and pervasive. As a DNA helix provides genetic information to trace a particular organisms biological make up in a given environment as is; in the same token, the geographical positioning of inhabitants suffice to give a clue as to how the cognitive and spiritual development attested. Therefore, when we talk about Ethiopian civilization or evolution, one fundamental substance plays a major role in the process is the intelligence nature endowed to the Ethiopians. The prevalence of this substance is simply the hallmark of growth. So in thus biology and history are two fundamental tools by which we come to perceive the nature of humanity in its metamorphosis and a subsequent course of events or processes respectively. Consequently, in Ethiopia’s case, it is also quite true and plausible. As a result, this is the reason why Ethiopians are proud of whom we are - that is the extension of ancestral collective consciousness inherited. In implicit connotation, here is what is written in the book of the prophet Jeremiah, God says “ can the Ethiopian changes his/her skin, or the leopard his spots? Allegorically, “skin” may denote consciousness with in the context.

Any research attempts to define a society without basing the predominant consciousness of the inhabitants is subject to distortion and more likely fallacious and un orthodoxy; hence, is immaterial . In fact, it is well said that every discipline must begin with its origin. My contention is not to articulate a full-fledged biological or historical analysis; however, is to cognize the fact any identity acquired through biological mechanisms solely unique to a particular environment has underpinning factor to leave its psychological and social experience or imprint to the generation to come - be it the negative or positive dynamic entailed. To be an Ethiopian isn’t a mere superficial matter but it is that consciousness of Ethiopiawinet one psychologically experiences compatible with others. Nationalism, or to be a nationalist, isn’t simply earned or freely given to those who wish to be. But it is again determined by the strong psycho spiritual belief system collectively predisposed, upheld or enshrined; over and above, the sacrifice paid to preserve this common denominator is invaluable. Whatever consciousness depicted or exhibited otherwise is a reverse of this fact, and tantamount to conditioned identity and distorted beliefs. These reverse facts are testimonial as in the case of TPLF stooges malevolently ensuing the annihilation of Ethiopia at the highest rate.

Those who cant think Ethiopiawinet are deficient of Ethiopian consciousness

Sadly enough, the past 17 years we have witnessed that Ethiopia’s history and geographical limitation have been marginalized and relegated all its valuables; by envious narrow nationalist elites born out of the seed of dissolution in Tigray, and by other historical enemies. As a result of this, our motherland has more ever become a victim of its own children of “liberation fighters”; with consecutive atrocities, distortions, miss education (disorientation), and un accountable crimes perpetuated upon the citizens to cope with.

Recently, startling and extraordinary social, Political, and economical phenomena are taking center stage, and heralded heavily via media outlets and websites. Starting with impoverished economy up to political embezzlement; the territorial integrity of the country, etc. are mainly knocking on everyone’s door eliciting a sense of urgency. One can possibly reach at conclusion with out political rhetoric and interpretation (analysis) given as a prerequisite. The mission of modern and historical enemies of the mother land is almost accomplished by the incumbent, self declared, run-of-the-mill government of weyane. A land once begot patriots, who had been uncompromisingly custodians of its sovereignty, is occupied by traitors who are diabolical intrinsically and stir up its demise. These very creatures have plotted the demise of Ethiopia from where they were conceived and sprouted up, long before seizing power by their western collaborators. With no doubt and hyperbolic expression, among the elements surfaced Ethiopia then and now, the TPLF government unequivocally disgraced what has been exalted and fought for by our predecessor for eons-that is the sovereignty of Ethiopia. Why?

Beyond the physical, the psychological experience weighs more in perpetuating beliefs (since beliefs are a psychic element) thereby influencing individuals to act in distinctive manner. As the mystics say “what a man thinks in his heart, so is he”. This is evident in the case of butcher Meles Zenawi. His perception is a conclusive evidence to ancestral psychic impediment ( the spirit of a banda ) bestowed up on him; thus became of a personage nothing less than a traitor, idolatrous, conceit, any evil epithet you can name! Convincingly, he is the exact out put of his papa and grand papa’s cerebral. Ethiopian history and evolutionary mechanics are yet a myth to his wicked intelligence. What do we expect any good to come out of the banda whose psychological make up or cognitive development, and political adherence is inherently alien to our convention? If my argument is concise enough, I dare to deduce Ethiopia is occupied by alien force - nothing more or less than a foreign invader.

This is not an insult intended just to disparage one’s personality and capitalize on antithetical opposing view; however, is a good example to correlate between the behavior being exhibited by the prime minister and his familial inscription. So ironic! isn’t it? No, it isn’t. It is factual and logical that whatever he thinks cant depict a complete Ethiopian consciousness as a result there of. Prima facie, his political motives and intents are absolutely to terminate the existence of Ethiopia. Do I need to chronicle all what he and his Tigrayan “decadents ” have done or presently doing? No, I don’t. but I will mention a few. There was nothing as such Meles and companies concealed from Ethiopians for a fear of a public riot or disobedience. Whatever has been done to us and the country, done in disdain. For that matter, Meles or weyane made it easier for us to react sooner than later; unfortunately, we didn’t. In short, there hasn’t been a political secrecy weyane held and executed behind a closed door for us to declassify nor to react late.

Among the lists either or not chronologically recorded below, which one of the following has been concealed from the public knowledge? Be your own judge if Ethiopiawinet bear such acts.

From its inception to present, The TPLF manifesto declares the ultimate purpose of its struggle is establishing the Tigray republic.

Ethnic federalism, the main theme of the Ethiopian constitution is incorporated from the TPLF manifesto and was ratified in 1994.

The cessation of Ethiopia’s northern province, Eritrea, in 1993 with out a referendum that involved the majority per se.  From its inception to the present, TPLF deliberately distorts and refutes the countries 3000 plus histories.  Genocide and atrocities against the Amharas, Oromos and Agnuwaks, who are the majority collectively, has been committed by the TPLF.

Vital economic privileges has been given to one specific ethnic minority ( the Tigrayans ) under the provision of the federal government.

Human rights abuse.

Badme. Here is a case that serves no particular purpose, as a matter of fact, left a historical predicament for the country to win over a war and yet loses a territory fought for. What a paradox!

Rigging and losing an election, subsequent prosecution and jailing including the leaders of the opposition.

The aggression on Somalia, which can be defined as proxy war, special servitude given by the prime minister to his Masters, Tony Blair and George W. Bush, under the pretext of war on terror. Logically, a terrorist government can’t ensure stability to others by destabilizing his own. Virtually, it is a political reciprocity norm enmeshed in human sacrifice.

Persecution and coercion.

Prevalence of corrupt judiciary system thus unable to implement the rules of law.

1600 km of lands giving up to Sudan. This is a confirmation to every one of concerned citizens that Weyane facilitate a means to establish the Tigray republic by blocking a gateway to contiguous region like Gondar. We can as well correlate this with the annexation of lands from Gondar and Wello which took place a while ago.

I can take it back if anyone comes up with any counter point of argument to pin point if any of the above mentioned is used just to serve a political motivated mind. Or, attempt to persuade me in any style of reasoning, be it inductive or anything else (except Malelitizm), whatever Weyane has done has justifiable cause.

The machination of similar psychopaths help the regime extends its power.

Meles and companies maintain a game attitude by publicly extol the virtues of a game player attitude to sustain power for ever. This game attitude ( pick and roll ) targeted few individuals who don’t have good resumes in mobilizing a national struggle. This is very indicative as to why they spirit of a Banda is selectively contagious or run into its likes. We could possibly see how well inculcated in Dr. Berihanu’s and Andargachew’s mind. Two ordained personalities of lies, capable of altering realities with illusion, appear normal on the surface until performing an outrageous criminal act. Suitably and reasonably exhibit psychopathic personality. Beside what is believed to have been a public secret, a “genius” operative Dr. Berihanu managed to disintegrate CUDP while he was “imprisoned”, let me recite a line or two out of his “mystical ” speech which was high lighted much before his ascension to the summit. To what avail, I am not sure, yet, Dr. Berihanu promised to his congregants in regard to his upcoming political strategy. He said, “I would like to contemplate by sitting on the mountain top in the state of Pennsylvania”. could that be a prayer seeking for a remission of sin, or plotting something as usual?

As many would suspect that he may have some good left somewhere to bring down to the struggle, analogical to Moses ascension to Mount Sinai where he received the Ten Commandments. Hitherto, serve as sacred and immutable law to his followers (the Jews ) as well as to the Christians. Nevertheless, the good Dr. neither articulated what his contemplation would be about nor did he say the purpose intended to serve. Whatever the case may be, there was something deep rooted at the back of his mind. Any guess would be to the readers power of discernment. But as for me, it builds up same old case study categorically elaborates the nature of mental distress he is bound to further denial. For that matter, I would speculate what the immaculate pilgrim would bring forth after the “subae”. The spirit of a traitor descended down from where he was contemplating and disguised in the skin of “the patriots of Adwa, delivering the tablets where the commandments were scribbled - a call for armed struggle.

The declaration is something I go for it personally, but, guess who is talking? Dr. who?  An expert in manipulating others by playing to their emotion. What a transformative psychopathic stage of development the expert entrenched into? Is he a psychopath? Before giving an answer, I would like the reader to understand what a psychopath means and see the reason why I use it to describe the good Economist in the context above.

The psychopath is one of the most fascinating and distressing problems of human experience. For the most part, a psychopath never remains attached to anyone or anything. They live a “predatory” lifestyle. They feel little or no regret, and little or no remorse - except when they are caught. They need relationships, but see people as obstacles to overcome and be eliminated. If not, they see people in terms of how they can be used. They use people for stimulation, to build their self-esteem and they invariably value people in terms of their material value (money, property, fame, power, etc). DR. Robert D. Hare, a researcher renowned in the field of criminal psychology.

Indeed, it is true that “the prominent characteristic involves psychopathic personality presents no signs of guilt or remorse regardless that is factual and congruent to the behavioral pattern being observed. Many victims of the imposter are those who are myopic to discern the spirit of a psychopath with a lack of realistic long and sustainable goal; on top of that, count on his grandiose sense of self worth. Unlike to Moses followers as such delivered by a true prophet, the busy drummers of Berihanu’s camp are undeservedly bow down to an “emancipator” who is a psychopath. I guess it is a sort of “ the same birds of a feather flock together”, which can be translated in Amharic in a way very descriptive  Gim le Gim abreh azigim. If the snake in the suit was a healthy political figure, he would ask for an apology to what he did - raising the fascists from their grave. In so doing, he became the most favorable great asset to Meles zenawi. So thus, is he really an opposition leader? Who is he opposing to?

What we Ethiopians with in the country and across the globe should do now to do away with these Bandas, came out of the wilderness of Dedebit and their cronies, is to exorcise their demons, and order them to go straight down to the pit. Their spirit is contagious and likely to infect many if not cast them out promptly from the sacred land graciously preserved by our ancestors. Remember also the old saying, telatima telat new asqedimo memtat ashokishakiwin new”. We are pursuing a career involves the liberation of Ethiopia from anti Ethiopia psychopathic entities. How contagious the spirit of a Banda is a matter of serious thought. So, to spearhead the struggle at our disposal in a manner free of saboteurs and traitors, we must be vigilant, courageous, and willful to defend and preserve our sovereignty.

Ethiopia will prevail!

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15. May 2008 by Assimba.

Obo Arada Shawl alias Wolde Tewolde - May 13, 2008

Politics is about Addition

Revolution is about Division

Cession is about Subtraction

Nationalism is about Multiplication

EPRP is about Addition and Division

On Meeting

I normally do not attend public meetings especially if I sensed hidden agendas and time bomb. I do not quite understand why hidden agendas will help for advancement or cooperation. Most of the time, on the one hand, while the educated class or elites of Ethiopia practices hidden agendas, on the other hand, the uneducated class of Ethiopians prefers time bomb. What I meant by “time bomb” is that they hold grudge against those who have different opinions for them opinions are not separated from facts and truth. As a result, they wait patiently until their organization or groups or tribes gain control and ready to attack. This is what I call a time bomb, which will blow up in time of adversity. Most Abyssinians belong to this vengeance system. But the educated classes all cling to its hidden agendas when they are short of alternative solutions and lack of freedom.

Let me be an apologist for a moment for EPRP’s hidden agendas and time bomb. Many opponents of EPRP claim that EPRP practice hidden agendas and wait for time bomb. But this is not true. It seems true because politics is about controlling the message. While EPRP was struggling to bring change for all Ethiopians, the people who were in power were using the propaganda (Yabiyen Ekek wede Emye L’kk) of hidden agendas and time bomb propaganda against EPRP. The fact of the matter is that EPRP’s addition via politics and division via Eway Revolution is difficult for many folks to grasp.

Some years back, a personal friend of mine invited me to attend a public meeting of EPRP that was held at 1610 16^th street, in Washington DC. The meeting place was a church called “Unification Church.” EPRP getting unified in religious terms! Wow. I did not attend the meeting to analyze EPRP in terms of religion, but here I was inside a church watching a heated presentation about EPRP’s quo vadis (from where to where) and its future struggle.

Starting with the seating arrangement of the EPRP leadership in the open was a bit strange for me. Normally, the collective leadership is conceptualized in a circular table but this one the seating arrangement was hierarchal. Five leadership members sitting in a row and behind them in raised platform two veterans, a patriot and a heroine. This was my first image of collective leadership in a holy alliance. Right there and then, I did not take it to be a political or an organizational meeting. For my self, I perceived the meeting from a religious point of view. Here is why.

On the first row was sitting Ato Iyassu whom I considered as an Apostle

On the second row was seated Ato Mersha whom I considered as a Prophet

On the third row was seated Ato Fassika whom I considered as an Evangelist

On the fourth row was seated Dr. Getachew whom I considered as a Reverend

On the fifth row was seated Dr. Mesfin whom I considered as a Teacher

The main reason why I labeled them as I did was simply not only because of their sitting arrangements and the fact that they were in a church but also because their presentation and analysis of the Ethiopian situation. I have told them in person about my labeling of course, jokingly.

On Religion

Religion is recognition on the part of man of some higher unseen power as having control of his destiny, and as being entitled to worship, obedience and reverence (WOR). Much of traditional organized religion is of the nature, Debteraw used to argue. Debu used to indicate that the tragedy of all religions is that they violate the principles of freedom as soon as they become mass organizations controlled by an ecclesiastical bureaucracy.

The worst thing is that many people have character structures, which are authoritarian and therefore easily fall prey to the large religious organizations. When such people join the church, for instance, they become a part of a great authoritarian structure. They feel that they too now possess the strength of the authority, which in turn gives them a sense of security, even if at the expense of their own integrity.

In authoritarian religion God is a symbol of power and force, whereas in humanistic religion God is a symbol of man’s own powers. The individual who is attracted to the first symbol and internalizes it may find a tentative kind of psychological security, but he will never be an individuated person, a whole mature adult. For genuine maturity a person must embrace humanistic religion.

Debteraw’s faith-love-hope (see call me by my name XII.). A humanistic religion is centered around man and his strength. Man must develop his power of reason in order to understand himself, his relationship to his fellow men and his position in the Universe with God. He must recognize the truth, both with regard to his limitations and his potentialities.

I know Debteraw has developed his powers of love for others as well as for himself and experience the solidarity of all living beings. Debteraw has principles and norms to guide him in his aims. Debteraw’s argument is to achieving the greatest strength, not the greatest powerlessness. He says that virtue is self-realization, not obedience.

In Debteraw’s Ethiopia religion was united as far as loving humanity but separate in structural operation.

Dr. Tesfaye Debessay was Catholic Christian

Debteraw Tsegey is an Orthodox Christian

Engineer Osman was a Muslim

Berhane Meskel Redda was an atheist

Many other leaders of EPRP were Protestants.

This collective leadership used to respect not only their own religions but also their friends religions including their organizational and geographical set up. After all, every one and every body in EPRP must embrace all religions.

The Tesfayes can have a center in Vatican if they want to

The Debteras can have their center at Axum if they desire to

The Osmans can have their center in Mecca if they prefer to

The Berhane Meskels can have the “Communist Party’ as their center if they choose to

The Protestants can embrace the corporate world if they can handle it. By the way, I believe that the current Ethiopian situational crisis have emanated from the corporate religion.

On Conclusion

Notwithstanding about my labeling, what did the collective leadership say during the five-hour meetings?

The Apostle summarized that EPRP is going from “Struggle to struggle” (Ke’Tigle wede Tigle).

The Prophet’s emphasis on EPRP as losing ground.

The Evangelist revealed that words of EPRP is spreading all over the world

The Reverend disclosed about his student presidency during the downfall of the Monarchy of Ethiopia.

The Teacher pleaded to call back all ex EPRP members.

As democracy is only relevant when a group of people want to make decisions collectively for the group, the existence of a group is vital, but issues of its size and composition can raise problems for the success of democracy. Relations within the group are important. When the group is seen as a collective, as a cohesive whole, then decision making will be different from cases where the group is seen as an aggregation of individuals. Reflecting back to what was going on during this important meeting, we should have asked the collective leadership the following questions:

• Who can put an issue on the agenda?

• Who can suggest alternatives?

• Was there informed debate on the issue?

• Who decides on the options?

• Are the decisions that are made followed?

Now what has happened? Two of the five or seven collective leadership have withdrawn or walked away from the main stream of EPRP. I can see that the prophet could not predict the future of EPRP and the Reverend could not feed members of EPRP not only physically but also mentally. What a tragedy!

For comments and criticism

woldetewolde@yahoo.com

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1. May 2008 by Assimba.

By Kidane Alemayehu  UN Expert (retired)

It is highly gratifying to note that the new Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, unlike his predecessors, including Mr. Kofi Anan, is showing a keen interest in African issues right at the outset of his tenure. Aside from his relatively frequent visits to the region, his focus on complex issues such as the cases of Darfur, the Eritrean/Ethiopian border, the on-going conflict in Southern Somalia, etc. he has now taken on the challenge of the devastating malaria pandemic which is responsible for the perennial death of millions of African people. Mr. Ban Ki-moon deserves to be commended for his effort in giving some attention to the beleaguered continent which is afflicted by huge issues of poverty, diseases and lack of democracy.

After all, despite all its shortcomings, real or perceived, the United Nations remains one of the very last hopes for humanity.

The question is whether Mr. Ban Ki-moon’s priorities are appropriate? The more apt challenge for Mr. Ki-moon is, in fact, whether he has the moral courage and fortitude to address the real fundamental issue facing the millions of Africans who are suffering under abject poverty not because of lack of resources but mainly due to lack of democracy and the consequent poor governance. It remains to be seen whether he would meet that challenge head on or, like his smart predecessors, hide behind the mantle of “the UN mandate”! Judging from the very positive start of his onerous assignment, I would prefer to believe that Mr. Ban Ki-moon would side with the masses of poor Africans suffering under their twin enemies of poverty and vicious dictatorships, at times, masquerading as “democratic” parties.

Despite the fact that his job is made difficult by superpowers who tend to emphasize his being a Secretary than being a General, there is no doubt that he does have the opportunity to bring to focus issues of substance that affect humanity in a significant manner. This is particularly true especially when comparing the United Nations organization with such other entities as the African Union which is an almost totally toothless bulldog that demonstrates a zero sensitivity or impact when it is confronted repeatedly by gross human rights abuses right under its very nose. Recent examples of election riggings throughout Africa (with the exception of extremely few such as Ghana) have not evoked even a peep from the African Union which is supposed to be there to look after the interests of the people of Africa and NOT those of the petty dictators! The fat leaders of the African Union are, in most cases, parading in their limousines and their a la mode fashions while Africa is burning from tyrannical regimes bent on corruption, gross abuse of human rights, and turning virtually a blind eye against devastating diseases such as malaria, TB, and HIV/AIDS. African leaders are not ashamed of the fact that the continent has become a basket case while it is endowed with god-given riches (resources) that could make it a bread basket for itself and the world if only it had a democratic system of governance that would give priority to the interests of the African people and not the corrupt few.

Among the black man’s burdens (to turn a phrase) that Mr. Ban Ki-moon has to bear in the context of “the UN mandate” is the fact that corrupt dictatorships in Africa are often supported by self-serving developed, and less developed countries such as China for their immediate interests. The Secretary-General’s dilemma is evident in that he has to bear in mind that it is mostly the permanent members of the UN Security Council, which is his virtual boss, that are siding with the dictators at the expense of the suffering African people. Nevertheless, it is hoped that Mr. Ban Ki-moon would also recognize the fact that it is incumbent upon him, as the leader in charge of enhancing respect for human rights globally, to play an effective role in bringing about a change in the international community’s complicity with corruption and tyranny. He is one of the very few leaders on earth who could and should tweak the conscience of the international community regarding the tragic plight of the African people suffering under the most oppressive regimes.

USA has a declared policy to promote democracy throughout the world. In one of his inaugural addresses, President Bush had stated: “All who live in tyranny and hopelessness can know the United States will not ignore your oppression or excuse your oppressors. When you stand for your liberty we will stand with you.” It is in USA’s long-term interests to adopt a more potent policy of siding with the people instead of their oppressors. As the sole superpower in the world today, USA’s clear support to the UN Secretary-General in the quest for democracy in the developing world would, more than anything else, accelerate economic development ending the grinding poverty and consequent diseases that cause millions of deaths in Africa. One of the beneficiaries of such a sound policy would be USA itself from expanded trade and the prevalence of stability.

A point is often made to the effect that it is only Africans who can liberate themselves from their oppressors and that expecting the accomplices of their tyrants, in this case the international community including the UN, is an exercise in futility. Nevertheless, it remains the strong opinion of this writer that the United Nations could and should play an effective role in bringing about a fundamental change in policy towards tackling one of the world’s most serious challenges, namely, the unbridled dictatorships that are the bane of so much suffering for millions of people in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. In any case, what chance do poor Africans have when their oppressive regimes are armed and supported by the international community?

Given the constraints under which Mr. Ban Ki-moon is operating, what could he, as a person of conscience, do, in his capacity as the head of the United Nations organization, to alleviate the untold suffering of the African people?

1. He must face the truth: that Africa’s primary problem is not lack of resources; its main problem is lack of democracy without which, the international community may continue to pump in billions of dollars into Africa but would have little to virtually no positive effect except to meet certain natural and man-made emergencies and enrich the corrupt few.

2. There is an urgent need for the Secretary-General to use his considerable moral and political influence to bear upon the gross abuse of human rights and corruption in Africa in a manner that would yield practical results unlike his predecessors, who satisfied themselves with merely hollow expressions of double-talk that were scoffed at by African dictators. It is interesting to note here that Mr. Kofi Anan was more effective after the end of his service with the UN with his masterful performance in Kenya than all the years he wasted as Secretary-General without making a dent in the vicious grip of dictators in his own continent!

3. There is no doubt that Mr. Ban Ki-moon is aware of the numerous ways and methods by which he could influence events in Africa. What, above all, is needed as a matter of great urgency is to formulate and apply an effective strategy for the creation in Africa of an environment in which dictatorship and abuse of human rights would not be tolerated and that there would be a heavy price to pay by tyrants and corrupt governments. Tyrants should be given a clear notice to make way for democracy!

4. It would be most important for the Secretary General to be personally engaged in the quest for democracy in Africa to the extent that it would constitute one of his top priorities and eventually become his unique legacy as a huge contribution to humanity during his tenure. Such a courageous policy would not endear him with the dictators and their bosses elsewhere but it would be worth the fight unless he prefers to be an accomplice in the continued subjugation of the African people under a brutal suppression and abject poverty.

5. The Secretary-General should be wary of the fact that some of his top advisors could be bureaucrats honed in perpetuating a continued debilitating impact on the United Nations and that their advice regarding Africa is likely to side more with the corrupt dictators in that continent on the basis of the so-called UN mandate than taking new initiatives that would liberate the Africans from the vicious grip of poverty and untold tyranny.

6. Another extremely important aspect that Mr. Ban Ki-moon will have to consider carefully is that the powers that be in the international community are interested in Africa more for the purpose of exploiting its immense natural resources as well as their other latent motives such as the so-called “war against international terrorism” than the alleviation of dictatorship and poverty: the very factors that breed terrorism in that sad continent.

CONCLUSION

The new UN Secretary General’s, Mr. Ban Ki-moon’s recent focus on Africa deserves appreciation. However, it remains to be seen whether he has a clear cut strategy for the continent, focusing on its immense challenges as well as opportunities. It would, in particular, be interesting to see whether Mr. Ban Ki-moon will exert the necessary effort in ridding the continent of the gross human rights abuses and its rampant poverty emanating from the vicious dictatorships from which millions of African people are continuing to suffer.

It is hoped that the international community, especially USA and EU will, in their own long-term interests, side with the UN Secretary-General’s efforts at alleviating the grinding poverty and dictatorship in Africa instead of supporting oppressive regimes for myopic interests.

It is hoped that under the able leadership of Mr. Ban Ki-moon, the United Nations will for once help in bringing a real democracy in Africa resulting in the efficient utilization of its immense natural resources for the benefit of its people.

*The title is an obvious play with words and a hyperbole but one would not be blamed for wishing the power of a magic wand for Mr. Ban Ki-moon!

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