AfricaWorld Newspaper 16 - 28 February 2013

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february 15-28 2013

Vol 001 Nº29

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THE WAR AGAINST FEMALE CIRCUMCISION

By Ukachukwu Okorie

AKIDWA LAUNCH GENERAL PRACTITIONERS SURVEY ON FGM Are you aware that 3,170 women in the Republic of Ireland have suffered genital mutilation? ...

UNITED YOUTH OF IRELAND WORKSHOP ON FGM On Thursday 7 February, the United Youth of Ireland organised a workshop on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) prevention at the Irish Aid Centre, Dublin ...

continued on page 3

X-RAY Fr. vin

pRIDe OF AFRICA

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AFRICAWORLD february 15-28 2013

opinion

The return of the native

Editorial

AS KENYA GOESTO POLLS

By Ukachukwu Okorie

Stephen Keshi

Open and peaceful democracy is needed for Kenya’s prosperity. On 4 March 2013, Kenyans will be going to the polls in a general election to elect a President, Senators, County Governors, Members of Parliament, Civic Wards and Women County Representatives. The elections will be the first to be held under the new constitution, which was passed during the 2010 referendum.

As the campaign hots up for the elections, particularly the presidential seat, observers are hoping for a peaceful transition. The last general election in Kenya was marred by violence in 2007 over ethnic issues, costing over one thousand lives. There is still a cloud of tension over possible violent actions during and after the elections. However, assurances from the presidential hopefuls in their first televised debate are encouraging. The eight official candidates vying to replace President Mwai Kibaki include, Prime Minister Raila Odinga; Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta; Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi; parliamentarian Martha Karua; Assistant Minister for Planning; National Development and Vision 2030 Peter Kenneth; former Education Permanent Secretary James Ole Kiyiapi; former parliamentarian Paul Muite; and businessman Mohammed Abduba Dida.

14.3 million Kenyans registered to vote compared with the 18 million expected by the newly established Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). Although Kenya is prone to ethnic tensions like many African countries, its markets are opening and development is reaching the hinterland. However, it is important that the new constitution is strictly adhered to, especially the devolution of authority and resources.

There will be peace when resources circulate throughout the country, good governance is maintained, and infrastructure properly developed. We wish Kenya peace, stability and prosperity.

Come inside.

Uka

Stephen Okechukwu Keshi was born on 31 January 1962 in Lagos to parents from Illah in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State. Often nicknamed “the Boss” by his contemporaries, Keshi’s life revolves around football and the quest for black African Coaches to be recognised.

He came to global stage when, at a young age, he joined the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Keshi started his playing career with the A f r i c a n Continental Bank (ACB) Lagos where he played a total of 10 games in 1979 before joining New Nigeria Bank (NNB) where he plied his trade from 1980 –1984.

From NNB, w h e re he played about 42 games, Keshi was transferred to S t a d e d’Abidjan in 1985, and then to Africa Sports in 1986, all in the Ivor y Coast. His rise further took him to play professionally in Europe, starting with Belgian side Lokeren between 1986 - 1987, Anderlecht 1987 - 1991 and Racing Club de Strasbourg in France between 1991 - 1993. He came back to Belgium, starring for FC Molenbeek Brussels Strombeek, often referred to as FC Brussels from 1993 - 1994. In 1995, Stephen Keshi went to the United States to play for Central California Valley Hydra in Stockton California, Sacramento Scorpions in 1996 and the Perils FA of Malaysia from 1997 - 1998. In 2000, a testimonial match was arranged for Keshi in Lagos

to cap his illustrious football playing career and service to his fatherland.

Keshi debuted for Nigeria in 1981 at the age of 19 under Brazilian born Otto Martins Glória who led the African giant to glory in the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations, which the team won 3-0 in the final in Lagos against Algeria. From 1981 until 1995, when he retired from the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Keshi played 64 games, scoring

on 9 occasions. He went on to captain Nigeria to another Africa Cup of Nations glory in Tunisia 1994 under the guidance of Dutch coach Clemens Westerhof. While Keshi led the Super Eagles as a Captain, Nigeria witnessed a rise in prestige around the world as a flurry of successes in the field of play sent jitters to opponents’ spines.

Stephen Keshi ventured into coaching with the Super Eagles as an assistant before having an unsuccessful stint with the Junior Eagles at the 2001 African Youth Championship, which also served as qualification for the 2001 FIFA World Youth

AfricaWorld & Millenium Development Goals

The Editorial team at AfricaWorld would like to point out that it is aware of the Millennium Development Goals

Editor Ukachukwu Okorie

Graphic Design Mirco Mascarin

Chief Reporter Paul Kelly

Photography Darek Gutowski Giorgia Pistoia

Published by Uyokanjo Media Services Ltd. 46 Parnel Square West

3rd Floor +353 87 637 3210 Dublin 1, Dublin City

Republic of Ireland Skype: africaworld1 E-mail: africaworldnews@gmail.com

Sub-Editor Roisin Morris

“It’s not for me alone. I hope more African coaches will get to this position and make their country proud.”

Championship. He broke records by qualifying the unfancied Republic of Togo national team for their first World Cup tournament, Germany 2006, only to be promptly replaced by German coach Otto Pfister prior to the World Cup finals.

Unfortunately, Togo put in a dismal performance and failed to advance to the knockout stage in 2006 African Cup of Nations in Egypt. However, in 2007, the To g o l e s e f o o t b a l l authorities reengaged Keshi in time for a friendly against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon. In April 2008, Keshi became the manager of the Mali national football team, taking them to the Nations Cup in 2010 which was hosted by Angola from 10 January to 31 January 2010.

Stephen Keshi was appointed coach of the Nigerian Super Eagles National in 2011, leading them to qualification for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, which they won, defeating impressive Burkina Faso 1–0 in the final. Keshi thus became the first black African to win the prestigious trophy as Captain and Coach.

Keshi is known as a gentle football technocrat but is vocal in the empowerment of coaches of African extraction. His desire to carve a niche for himself and African coaches has often pitched him against Nigerian football administrators, who are generally believed to favour foreign managers, especially those that can satisfy their corrupt demands.

and seeks to synergise its work in accordance with those aims wherever possible. Those goals are to improve

issues of Education, Health, HIV/AIDS, Gender Equality, Environmental Sustainability and Global Partnerships.

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february 15-28 2013 AFRICAWORLD

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NEWs (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1)

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On 6th February, Akina Dada Wa Africa (AkiDwA) marked the International Day on Zero Tolerance of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) with the formal launch of its findings of a General Practitioners Survey in Ireland at the Irish Aid and Volunteering Centre in Dublin.

The launch, which lasted close to 2 hours, began with a speech by Salome Mbugua, CEO of AkiDwA, on the necessity of the survey in order to tackle the menace head on. According to AkiDwA, “The aim of the survey was to help inform the planning of an awareness programme and for a network which would support the needs of migrant women and girls who are at risk or affected by FGM in Ireland.”

As the first point of contact for patients in Ireland, AkiDwA decided to provide General Practitioners (GP) with information on FGM. As envisaged, some medical practitioners lacked knowledge on FGM and the associated issues.

Speaking on the outcome of his survey, AkiDwA’s Consultant Egide Dhala lampooned African men for allowing women suffer the process of cutting their genitals. “This is bad because African men do not want women to enjoy the maximum satisfaction in their sexual relationship whereas they (men) do.” He gave accounts of why this is practiced in many African communities and some of the assumptions behind it, which lack substance. According to the AkiDwA Consultant, “I was very impressed by the GPs who responded. Their honesty and willingness to receive information in order to educate themselves on the issue is a huge step forward.”

Statistics on AkiDwA’s findings include: - GP’s in Ireland lack knowledge on FGM

Akidwa CEO - Salomi Mbugua

and the associated issues.

- 12 of the 64 GPs that responded to the survey indicated they have met 25 FGM patients in their clinics.

- 65% of GPs said they were unable to identify symptoms presented by FGM patients.

- Participating GPs indicated that they are not aware of the available referral pathways for providing support and information to FGM patients.

- 80% of GPs said that they lack knowledge on the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2012.

... The function, which had important speakers from Ireland and other European countries, laid down the law for all practitioners of female circumcision.

Other speakers at the function included Dr Fanta O’Brien, who responded to Egide’s survey outcome, and Happiness Mwase, AkiDwA’s Policy Officer, who spoke on the next steps for AkiDwA. There were open discussions, questions and answers, and free literature and leaflets were made available to enable further understanding of the issue. According to the AkiDwA leader, “The findings and recommendations of the survey will help shape our work in the coming year.

AkiDwA has a great role to play in particular to ensure that women and girls who have undergone FGM are supported fully. Our work is not only on awareness campaign, it is also about policy implementation and accessibility of services.

In her opening remarks, Ifrah recounted the struggles of women around the globe in the fight against circumcision and for empowerment. “I was a survivor of FGM and it is unethical and retrogressive for the uplifting of women”, she said. Before the introduction of Anne Walsh of the National Youth Council of Ireland, who was the Master of Ceremonies, a video was shown on the campaign efforts of Ifrah Ahmed against the outlawed FGM. Joe Costello a Teachta Dála (TD) and Minister for Trade and Development was the keynote speaker at the workshop. In his statement, he said, “Working to combat all forms of gender-based violence (GBV), including female genital mutilation, must be seen as part of a broader struggle to achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Increasing women’s access to quality health care and education as well as providing women with opportunities for economic and political empowerment are all key dimensions of strengthening women’s rights.” The minister in charge of Ireland’s overseas transactions and development programme promised to partner locally and internationally in the effort to combat all forms of gender-based violence especially female genital mutilation.

Salome Mbugua in her note of thanks said, “The results of the survey indicate that a lot of awareness is needed at all levels in order to protect future generations and support the 3000 women living in Ireland who have undergone FGM.” The AkiDwA CEO thanked the Irish Government for the ratification of the FGM Act 2012, and the Department of Health and Social Inclusion Unit for their moral and financial support throughout AkiDwA’s work on FGM.

According to Ifrah Ahmed, the founder of United Youth of Ireland (UYI), the point of organising the workshop was to “look at practical strategies for preventing FGM in Ireland by raising awareness among stakeholders including An Garda Síochána, health and social workers and community groups.

Another key message came from the special guest speaker, Zahra Naleie of the Federation of Somalia Associations in the Netherlands.

Ifrah Ahmed & Joe Costello TD

In a chat with AfricaWorld, Zahra said, “I have been campaigning against FGM for over 15 years, working with different organisations around the world, particularly the Netherlands, Nigeria, Somalia, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Mali, Eritrea and more. In my years of struggle against FGM, there have been lots of challenges but results are being achieved. There is more work to be done by organisations in Ireland, parents, Africans and the Irish Government.”

Another Guest Speaker, Saria Khalifa, a Youth Programme Officer of Forward UK spoke on FGM and the United Kingdom experience.

Talking to AfricaWorld, the Youth leader said, “I work with youths who are between 16 - 25 years on issues related to FGM. We engage in awareness-raising sessions and many other projects in photography and poetry to get them involved. We also go into schools, training staff and volunteers to assist others in combating FGM.” The representative of the Gardaí (Irish Police) at the function, Darren Coventry-Howlett, laid down the law and processes involved in prosecution. Talking to AfricaWorld, Darren, a member of the Gardaí’s Racial, Intercultural and Diversity Office said, “It has to be stamped out and we take it very seriously. It is one of the reasons the Garda Commissioner established the office of the Garda Racial, Intercultural and Diversity Office.” Darren informed AfricaWorld that officers have been trained to tackle the menace of FGM very rigorously.

Binta Obola, a Social Worker, talked about FGM from a Social Work perspective, recounting patterns of interaction - especially between those who are tackling the menace and victims. There were break-out sessions with facilitators and rapporteurs and feedback with questions and impressive answers from the speakers. The well-attended workshop ended with lunch and networking among leaders of organisations and participants.

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AFRICAWORLD february 15-28 2013

column

X-RAY

with Fr. Vin

WHAT IS IN A NAME? the consent of the members of the community. This is because there is something more in a name than what meets the eye.

The New International Webster’s Dictionary defines name as the distinctive appellation by which a person or thing is known. This means that name defines a thing or person. Without name, the entire universe would be

By Fr. Vincent Ezeoma Arisukwu meaningless. Scripture says, “In The question “What is in a the beginning, when God created name?” sounds more like rhetoric. the heavens and the earth, the It is a question that perhaps has earth was a formless void, and been asked in centuries past by darkness covered the abyss…” poets and philosophers alike; a (Gen.1:1-2). What followed was question whose answer looks the creation and naming of the simple but goes beyond the created universe. Creation here physical. It touches me, however, could not have had meaning to raise this question once again without name. Imagine a place after a close reflection on three where everything was a mass of experiences recently. Firstly, an nameless, amorphous substance encounter with a young man who and nothing was distinguishable introduced himself as “Ahaka” from another. It would mean that (name is worth more than…). nothing would have identity.

Secondly, a story told of a young When God said, “Let there be…” illegal immigrant in a foreign the implication is that he brought country who was caught because into being what is and defined he used a fake name. He was the elements that hitherto had implicated when he couldn’t no name and meaning. Hence respond spontaneously at the they began to answer whatever mention of his pseudonym. names he gave them. Light Thirdly, the crisis raging in a became light as it was named, Nigeria Soldiers roar in battle community in Igbo land as a water became water, etc. God result of a sudden arbitrary equally gave man the power to change of its name by an give names to various animals influential clique in the and birds of the air when he community. The community in brought them to Adam to see question became divided on the what he would call them. The issue of the name change. The Bible says, “The man gave names question which some kept asking to all the cattle, all the birds of was whether it mattered to the air, and all the wild animals…” change the community’s name.

(Gen.2:19-20). Name therefore Whereas this group takes the conveys identity and meaning. It issue of name change for granted, confers a fundamental meaning another enlightened group on a thing because by it, whatever perceives it as a betrayal of the exists is identified. It is ontological community’s identity and status. because it goes beyond the level They believe that name defines a of having to the level of being. person or thing, including the The beingness of a thing is community. They argue that the inextricably linked to its name. acquisition of name over decades A thing ceases to be without its conveys value on the community. name or even changes They maintain that if a name has substantially when the name is to be changed, it must follow due changed. Water, for instance, legal process, involving the cannot answer to fire and vice bearers of the name and seeking versa; car cannot answer to ship;

Nigeria cannot answer to Cameroon or Ghana, else its identity changes.

Another important point here is that name conveys status and locus. In the book of Genesis, “A river rises in Eden to water the garden; beyond there it divides and becomes four branches. The name of the first is the Pishon; it is the one that winds through the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold… The name of the second river is the Gihon; it is the one that winds all through the land of Cush. The name of the third river is Tigris; it is the one that flows east of Asshur. The fourth river is the Euphrates” (Gen.2:10-14).

In the above, the four rivers that flow from Eden are defined by their status and location. Each answers its own name, not only because of the source but because of its location and direction.

Name therefore points to the root or origin of an individual or thing.

Once for instance, a person introduces himself as Musa, he is automatically believed to be a Hausa, so also Amadi is Ibo while Rasheed is Yoruba. It would be a contradiction for a Rasheed to be Ibo or Musa to be Yoruba or for Amadi to be Hausa. By a person’s name or surname, one can even say he/she is English, German or Italian. For example, the famous artist Leonardo da Vinci sounds Italian. “Da Vinci”, which was Leonardo’s surname, tells his background because he was born in Vinci being the town near Florence in Italy. This is also the reason why communities cherish their names. Such names not only define or identify them but also tell their history and story. I use my own community Owu Amakohia as an example here.

History has it that Okpuala and Owu were the two sons of Amakohia in Ikeduru LGA. Amakohia was said to have been a great farmer and had one of his farm lands located across the

Oramiriukwa River known as Ekeonumiri. Since the farm was a little distance away, it was said to be regularly ravaged by elephants and criminals. It then became necessary to mount constant surveillance on the farm. This necessitated Amakohia to dispatch one of his sons, Owu, to go across the river and inhabit the land. Owu thus went and settled across Ekeonumiri River and so from there derived its name. Owu took one of the four market days, Afor, as its major market and so the market square of Owu came to be known as AforOwu up until now. Also, since every child, especially in Igboland, adopts the father’s name as surname or family name, Amakohia became the homogeneous name to identify the nexus between Okpuala and Owu as sons of Amakohia. Hence we call Okpuala Amakohia or Owu Amakohia. This is applicable to other communities and towns which certainly have historic backgrounds that give them their locus.

In Christianity too, every person adopts baptismal names that become what the individual bears all through life. Just as the local names are informed by certain circumstances and occurrences at the person’s birth, baptismal names are often names of patron saints of individuals. Most often, baptismal names portray names of saints who were born or who died on the particular day of birth of the individual being baptised.

And once such names are pronounced and the sacrament conferred, it becomes indelible and accompanies the person all through life. This is why names cannot be arbitrarily changed for reasons of either dislike or unacceptability. This is also the reason why names cannot even be altered. One may wonder why baptismal certificates continue to be a primary demand at every stage in a person’s life. This is b e c au s e name carries metaphysical symbolism. They tell the story of a person as well as a community or thing. Even dogs or lower animals are branded particular names which give them identity. Ironically too, in the midst of other dogs, each identifies its name and reacts accordingly. A dog whose name is Carlos will not respond to you

if you see it and start calling Mambo, etc.

Back in Igbo land, we see common names such as Ahaka, Ahanna, Ahamefule, Eziaha, etc. These names portray the sacredness and dignity accorded to names in Igboland. Ahaka for instance, can be interpreted to mean that name is of greater value than mere acquisition of material possession. It is more than merely comparing a person’s name with what he has. Rather, it projects the respect due to a name, the value which a name has and which means it should be guarded with utmost caution. Ahamefule and Ahanna all go beyond the bearer of the name to talk about genealogy and the immortality of name, while Eziaha, just like Ahaka, describes how precious Igbos regard name. The Igbos believe that though a person may die, his name tells his story to posterity. They believe that name lives longer than its bearer. For these reasons, the issue of defamation, calumny or slander is taken seriously, not only in Igboland but in law courts generally. This is because to damage a person’s name is to damage his being, his person. The Igbos express this in an adage, “Mmebo ogaranya ka ogbugbu ya” (A king’s disgrace is worse than his murder).

It is clear from the foregoing that name is of great value. It is the greatest asset a person has in life.

It is not a property of the individual but could be described as his possession. It tells the story of one who possesses it. It defines the person or entity. It guides. It directs. It conditions. It inspires.

It is meant to be guarded jealously because to mess it up is to mess up the one who possesses it. If, for instance, one echoes, “He is a criminal”, this may not immediately elicit reactions because the next question by those around is “Who?” But if someone says, “John is a criminal”, every John in the environment will become worried because his name has been placed on the spot. There is something very important in name. That which is in name is its substantial relevance to the bearer. A good name, they say, is worth more than billions of silver and gold.

february 15-28 2013 AFRICAWORLD

5

coLUMn

heARt OF the MAtteR:

It’s A Jungle Out there! (part One)

by Max uspensky

“...few men realise.. .the very essence of their character.. .to be the expression of their belief in the safety of their surroundings.”

- Joseph Conrad Verdant giant sized arboreal parasol ontology of two hundred foot stature and forty foot girth – composite parts of an immense paradigm of verdure stretching 2000 miles across the continent’s heart – at once its lungs and kidneys too ... and much, much more ...

Education in the west often refers to the three ‘r’s’ – reading, writing and arithmetic (although any African of primary education prowess might point out that just one of these begins with an ‘r’).

Education regarding the Congolese jungle might similarly consider some ‘r’s’. Infinitely more complex than western standards of education, it requires at least nine – rigour, remote, resource, refuge, requisite, recycle, rain, river and our soul (on its own so to speak). Once again any primary educated African will identify that the last of these doesn’t begin with an ‘r’ either, but unequivocably they would agree one and all that one, Henry Morton Stanley, fits in among this category.

Among his diaries, he recorded the following rigours upon warning from Arab traders, who attempted to dissuade him from penetrating the rigorous environment of verdure, “There are monstrous large boa-constrictors, suspended by their tails to the branches waiting for the passer-by or a stray antelope. The ants in the forest are not to be despised. You cannot travel without

your body being covered with them, when they sting you like wasps. The leopards are so numerous that you cannot go very far without seeing one. Almost every native wears a leopard-skin cap. The gorillas are in the woods, and woe befall the man or woman met alone by them; for they run up to you and seize your hands, and bite the fingers off one by one, and as fast as they bite one off, they spit it out.”

Unfortunately, our soul, Stanley took heed of the traders’ warnings and decided rather than endure such aforementioned travails, he would snake his way along the course of Africa’s mightiest vein, the Congo aqua way. Of course had he ignored the perils, he might have had all his fingers bitten off by gorillas and thus unable to scratch his ‘ants in the pants’ ass, before being subsequently skinned by the jungle’s finest milliners, antecedent to being routed down the digestive tract of a boa’s belly. How different and thus much more pleasant might history have been!

On occasion where our soul, Stanley, was compelled to circumnavigate difficult stretches of river, he had no choice but to forge a way through the jungle - contemporary travellers will directly relate to Stanley’s words, “We have had a fearful time of it today in these woods and those who visited this region before declare with superior pride that what we have experienced as yet is only a poor beginning to the weeks upon weeks which we shall have to endure. Such crawling, scrambling, tearing through the woods!...It was so dark sometimes in the woods that I could not see the words, recording notes of the track, which I pencilled in my notebook...We arrived in

camp, quite worn out with struggle through the intermeshed bush, and almost suffocated with the heavy atmosphere... Our Expedition is no longer the compact column which was my pride. It is utterly demoralised. Every man scrambles as he best may through the woods; the path, being over a clayey soil is so slippery that every muscle is employed to assist our progress. The toes grasp the path, the head bears the load, the hand clears the obstructing bush, the elbow puts aside the sapling.”

Shortly after this entry, our soul, Stanley, entered several jungle villages, each which demonstrated avenues made of twin planted rows of skulls – explained via translators to be that of apes lost in the forest, subsequently caught for food.

Having stolen a couple such cranial souvenirs, medical expertise in London showed them to in fact be human. It is from this account, that Joseph Conrad’s own account of the fictitious character Kurtz and his house decorated with human skulls is drawn upon.

Conrad’s own description from a river perspective, just before the character, Marlowe, reaches Kurtz, also draws upon the rigorous nature of the environment, “Going up that river was like travelling back to the earliest beginnings of the world, when vegetation rioted on the earth and the big trees were kings. An empty stream, a great silence, an impenetrable forest. The air was warm, thick, heavy, sluggish.”

Conrad’s tripartite premise from his novella, Heart of Darkness is pertinent among all the aforementioned characters mentioned here. The premise assumes a harsh and rigorous

environment, how that might influence one’s actions and how those actions in turn effect others.

Stanley in awe and no doubt frightened of this environment recorded “the indifferent immensity of the natural world.” Poignantly,

he appears to have been in turn immensely indifferent upon delivering all the territory he travelled through to Leopold II in 1878, to be held as his personal possession – it’s but an alternative take on the premise – taking the premises? (Incidentally, when the Belgians gave up the Congo in 1960 just 169 Congolese children held a secondary education on the premises!)

Our souls in the Congo continue bad stewardship of the Congo to this very day. The Congolese jungle is simply too complex to explain in one go – more ‘r’s’ next issue!

hOLLAnDe In MALI

by Max uspensky

On Monday 11th February, part of France’s 3 000 strong forces retook Gao, largest city in northern Mali, following two days of heavy fighting.

The Malian government reports that the situation remains volatile.

The retaking of the city boosts, French president, Francois Hollande’s profile and standing, but the entire region remains unstable against the backdrop of a shape shifting enemy.

Senegalese writer and novelist, Boubacar Boris Diop reports the following dimension to the conflict in response to claims of neo colonialism by France, “France is certainly in its comfort zone and,

with the exception of Nigeria, the countries involved on the ground are part of its former colonial empire. In the end, though, it should be viewed through the logic of global war. The model is really based on the US invasion of Iraq. In addition, the French interventions in Africa have always happened somewhat casually, almost without thinking, while this one is marked by councils of war at Elysee Palace and has been designed as a big media spectacle.”

Not forgetting, that most of France’s strategically crucial uranium is sourced from neighbouring Niger.

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AFRICAWORLD february 15-28 2013

pEopLE

pRIDe OF AFRICA

tOMIKe JInAD

tomike was born in dublin 16 years ago. the multitalented student is a singer, model and actress. our Pride of africa was a star act in a school musical in Huntstown in 2006. in same year, she performed as an ‘umbrella babe’ in Miss africa ireland.

Pretty tomike performs yearly at the same beauty Pageant. in 2012, she performed at the africa day event as a singer and model and won the musical talent competition (d.idol) in her school.

Her peek in 2012 was receiving an award after performing for former uS Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton on her visit to ireland.

60 seCOnDs WIth the DuChess Nigerian movie called Bless the Child directed by T. Chidi Chikere.

She has starred in over 100 movies.

She Intends to use her name as a tool to give back to the society through her foundation,Chika Ike (Help A Child) foundation.

Find out more about her via www.chikaike.com

nena Duchez huntaz Chika Nancy Ike is a UN Ambassador, a Nigerian actress and the CEO of Fancy Nancy Collections. Chika started her acting career at the age of 5 in church plays. In 2005, she landed her first role in the movie Sweetlove. Same year ,she also landed her first lead role in a

it difficult for me to do other stuffs. But I still try to squeeze out time as much as I can to do other stuffs.

What has been your major highlight in your career?

My Biggest Highlight will be May 2012 when I hosted over 3000kids at a children’s day party organized by my Foundation. I felt fulfilled How did you start out in putting a smile on the kids face. acting?

I started acting in 2005, Went for auditions and auditions and Who is your role model? auditions. It wasn’t an easy Kimora Lee. I love her work spirit Journey to be honest with you a lot, She motivates me a lot. She and meanwhile I dint always get is a strong woman. a call back after my auditions. I never gave up. Until I got my big What projects are you break in a movie called Bless the currently working on at the child. Directed By T.Chidi moment?

Chikere. I had a major role in the movie and since then its been a Am working on my Foundation projects. The Chika Ike blessing.

Foundation. we have a major Charity event coming up., Loads What has been a major of movie shoots and some other challenge in your career? new Projects I won’t like to Time... My career takes a lot of disclose for now , Trust me you my time, in fact being a busy will be the first to know when actress is not easy at all. It makes we are ready.

february 15-28 2013 AFRICAWORLD

7

nEWS

A ChAt WIth GARDA RACIAL, InteRCuLtuRAL AnD DIveRsItY OFFICeR In April 2000, the Irish Garda (Police) Commissioner established the Garda Racial, Intercultural & Diversity Office (GRIDO). According to the Garda Commissioner’s mandate, “The staff members of this Garda unit coordinate, monitor and advise on all aspects of policing in the area of diversity.” GRIDO staff members are equally available to the public.

Garda Sgt. Dave McInerney is the officer in charge of GRIDO. He is an experienced police officer who joined An Garda Síochána in 1980.

He is widely travelled with extensive international knowledge of policing in different communities and countries. Sgt Mclnerney started as a patrol officer in different posts before joining the drug unit. He was later sent to the former Yugoslavia and present-day Croatia where he served the United Nations as a human rights investigator. He also served in Mozambique in 1994 during the RENAMO issue, enforcing international human rights protocols. Garda McInerney also served in Bosnia, advising the police on the application of human rights standards. When he came back to Ireland, the Garda Commissioner assigned him to work with the Traveller community before his current job.

The GRIDO boss enjoys his job. His international assignments have given him valuable experience and knowledge for this kind of role -

Garda sgt. Dave McInerney

especially in relating to people of different backgrounds.

AfricaWorld approached Sgt. Mclnerney for a frank discussion on the Gardaí’s strategy to implement the FGM Act 2012 and the challenges of policing ethnic minorities in Ireland.

From a Gardaí point of view, how do you see the FGM issue?

We respect the different groups, customs and religious inclinations in Ireland, so we will investigate thoroughly all cases that come to our office before reaching any conclusions.

However, with due consideration of the victims’ vulnerability, it is important to note that as long as there is a threat or danger to life, we will come in. In Ireland, we do not take human rights violations lightly and this is the reason why this office was established by the Garda Commissioner.

Have the Gardaí handled any FGM case in Ireland?

No, we have not.

Do you expect to have one?

I hope we never have need to have one but unfortunately that’s why we are at this FGM function. It does exist and it has to be stamped out.

How serious are the Gardaí

taking the FGM issue?

We do take this issue very seriously.

The reason why the Garda Commissioner launched a Garda Racial and Intercultural Unit in 2000 was to make sure that minority rights are protected like the majority population. They will be treated with respect for their difference and vulnerabilities and this is why we have liaison officers and my office.

How do you tackle the rigorous process in the implementation of the law on FGM? It is our job and we are paid to do it.

Our primary assignment as police officers is to protect life and individuals from harm and breach of their security. Any information in this regard will be handled with utmost confidentiality as it is of immense importance. As I said earlier, we do have ethnic liaison officers, a domestic violence unit and the Garda Racial and Intercultural Section. That a process is tedious does not mean anything to us as we are prepared to deal with it. The p a r a m o u n t importance of any investigation is to make sure that the State does its job of protection through the police. We have specialists who are well able to carry out investigations of any type of crime.

Is your unit trained to handle these kinds of cases?

We have commenced training for these cases. Myself and colleagues who are here are equipped for this job. Our training is continuing with

the attendance of FGM functions like this one organised by Ifrah Ahmed. Other functions related to the issue are vital too as it is all about information and partnership with those at the forefront of the campaign. You can see that our full squad is here to reassure the migrant community. The ethnic liaison officer is here today and we are fully equipped to implement the Irish FGM Act as the law demands.

What is your message to those who are frightened to report to the Gardaí?

I understand that many immigrants in Ireland do have issues with security agencies in their country.

However, it is important to trust the Gardaí as we do respect difference and human rights. If they can have access to these organisations campaigning against FGM, then they will be fine. However, organisations should help reassure the public on the need to trust An Garda Síochána and report cases of female genital mutilation.

What has been the most challenging issue for you and your unit?

When the police respond very well to people, the latter will react positively. I don’t see major issues as long as we partner and address our differences. It is all about working together and providing security for all. However, if any major issues arise, we will be up to it.

8

AFRICAWORLD february 15-28 2013

PICTURES

Pictures from Gambia’s 48th Independence Celebration

Fast rising Artiste Jo Representer celebrate birthday in Dublin Murray Bar

Akidwa General Practitioners Survay Launch Anti Austerity Protest in Ireland

Tiberio Ventura photography

Pictures from United Youth of Ireland Workshop on FGM

february 15-28 2013 AFRICAWORLD

9

news

STEPPING STONES University of Limerick unwraps “Taste of Africa” series

By Lylian Fotabong African Affairs Correspondent Academy of Music& Dance, UL The impressive building of the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance (IWAMD) at the University of Limerick (UL) stands tall among other structures and provides a celebration for African arts.

Similarly, for more than 20 years, the Academy has been offering classes, workshops and performances in cultural practices from around the world, including Africa.

The Academy continues to place a high interest in African artists, music and dance and in an unprecedented move, it will, on February, 27, begin a series of workshops titled “Taste of Africa”.

The workshops are a series of interactive gatherings on African music and dance, designed to further integrate African arts into the educational ethos of the Irish World Academy.

I sat at the exquisite venue of Blas Café on the ground floor of the Academy, with the Associate Dr Helen Phalen, and she said the events will be “amazing”.

“The series comprises interactive workshops that

focus on music and dance of different African regions and offer audiences a typical social evening as experienced in many indigenous African cultures”, Dr Phalen said.

Dr Phalen added that the first session will feature an opportunity for audiences to work with two internationally acclaimed African artists: O’dyke Nzewi and Rasmikey Courtney.

Immediately, I headed to Mr O’dyke Nzewi, who is from Nigeria and is a master of African classical drumming and author of several publications on African classical ensemble music, and currently conducting a doctoral research at the Academy.

He told me of his delight with his work at the Academy: “I see my presence here as an opportunity for me to share my cultural experience with the Irish and international communities in Limerick, and also to learn from the different cultures represented at UL.” “Our conception of the “Taste of Africa” is driven by a desire to share one of the most humanising experiences of living in a rural African environment - the experience of community”, the postgraduate student said.

Mr Nzewi added that everyone should come together once a month for the next three months to indulge in therapy, relaxation, recreation, and healthy somatic exchange through music and dance, and to commune as one great community - just a little taste of Africa.

Before I left the Academy, I spoke with another post graduate student at the Academy who is also an internationally acclaimed African-American artist Mr Rasmikey Courtney.

Mr Courtney is of Ethiopian origin and is a globally acclaimed dancer and choreographer, who is examining his experiences with the African Diaspora Hip Hop culture and contemporary dance as part of his work on the Masters in Ethnochroeology.

The dancer and choreographer said the concept of the “Taste of Africa” is to project “Life” and give everyone the opportunity to know Africa in a different light:

“Although many people have a general knowledge of Africa and its artistic culture, there is a lot that is unknown about the process of creation within African communities.

“These workshops will exemplify the individual influences in the creative process and the performance presentation, while exposing participants to the diversity of African music, dance and lifestyle.”

Entrance to the workshops is free of charge to everyone and will be held once a month in the Main Theatre of the Academy from 6:30pm to 8pm.

Just as the Academy is not short of facilities to enable African arts, it is also a “stepping stone” for African masterminds who have, and are studying or performing at the university.

In my next contributions on this column, I will chat with some of the founding figures of African and Irish musicology to explore the story behind this unique connection.

10 AFRICAWORLD february 15-28 2013

iT

TECH_PILOt >>>>>>>> with Uchenna Onyenagubo

try this “system” Quick Fix Repairs are often approached using a process of elimination to ascertain the root cause. Physical damage usually requires replacement of components, while software generally requires reinstallation, uninstallation or restoration.

In this edition of Tech Pilot, we will examine a quick-fix approach to resolving software issues. In the

stand-alone computers. Brand new computers are purchased with repair/restore installations and driver CDs in them. But since the increase in Internet availability, manufacturers tend not to incur the cost of including installation CDs, relying instead on their company’s websites for downloads of necessary software. In most cases, folders are created in the computer containing

computer causing it to affect its performance. This is frustrating and often embarrassing as it causes delays.

There are six steps that I would advise in order to resolve the problem.

Disk Clean up: To carry out this process; Go to Start -

The computer has become man’s help in the last two decades.

Acceptance was very slow at the beginning due to its complex nature but over the years there have been tremendous improvements in the operation of the wonderful machine — hence it has received overwhelming approval. The process of achieving desired goals and objectives has increased and requires less time and manpower.

Once you own a computer, you will wish keep it in good condition, otherwise it would break down and cause holdups which we all prefer to avoid. Repairs depend on the expert handling it or the extent of the damage. The basic structure of the computer is the hardware & software; the hardware is comprised of the physical components and the software is the applications installed. Therefore, any damage is either to the software or hardware.

start-up from the menu - uncheck the program you want to stop from start-up - click apply and ok.

Sort Temporary Files: Some of the temporary files accumulated during Internet activities use up available space and therefore slow down the system. To remove these, go to Start - Run - type %temp% - select all files available delete them all. Alternatively, go to Start - Run - type Prefetch - select all - delete them all. (Some files might refuse to delete ... never mind).

Run Ccleaner Ccleaner is a powerful clean-up tool.

Fortunately, the basic version is free and adequate for the job. It allows easy cleaning of temporary files and obsolete registry. In order to obtain this software, go to www.piriform. com/ccleaner. Navigate to the download icon and download following the instructions.

current economy, we all wish to avoid excessive spending and reduce the cost of computer repairs. I also want to provide you with a solution to some basic problems experienced with software systems.

Most computers are connected to the Internet; it is very rare to see

this software, especially the ones not requiring online updates.

Accessories - System tools - Disk clean.

When computers run Internet activities, temporary files, including viruses and spyware, are inevitable and eventually slow down the system. This Internet baggage eats up the RAM (memory) of the

Remove start-up program: Some programs are configured to run while the system boots up and most of the time, they are not required. To remove these; Go to Start - Run - type msconfig - select

Defragmentation This process helps to remove clusters on your hard drives. It is recommended that you perform this exercise regularly to free up space.

Go to Start - Accessories - System tools - Defragmentation - on the display window, select your C: drive and click Defragmentation (it takes minutes to complete. You should ensure that all other applications are closed and that the system is free from use).

YOu ARe An ADORABLe MuM! BuILDInG YOuR ChILD’s seLF COnFIDenCe III. spenD ReGuLAR DAILY tIMe WIth YOuR ChILDRen

Leader of Adorable Mum - ADM Gbeminiyi ‘Gee Bee’

Spending regular daily time with your children is very important. it helps to foster a good bond between you and them and it helps them grow into happy, confident and responsible adults. Spending quality time with your child is very important to your child’s development.

No matter how busy you are, it is important to schedule time that you can spend with your child uninterrupted and it is very important to give each

child individualized attention. avoid any distractions and give your child full attention. Spending time doesn’t mean you always have to do something special. all it means is that you give your interest and attention. be creative and think of fun things to do. you can think up different ideas that will create lifetime memories for your child with out spending a fortune.

Spending time with your children is very vital and is often the time you can bond most meaningfully with them, while also creating happy childhood memories for them. the time you spend together will strengthen your bond as your child grows.

february 15-28 2013 AFRICAWORLD 11

FAMiLY coRnER

P

s m e o orie hukwu Ok

By Ukac

the MOtheRLess MAn

Here comes the eyes that saw once a gazelle in the tears of her world deprived of the cuddles that inspire and the voice that protects. lost in the limbo of confusion demands made came splattering like blood sprayed on earth he came, he saw and wept. oh my adoring mother faded fast like icicles on the sun rise though congealed but evergreen lies in you.

I AM nOt ILLeGAL the BIG WILLIe engine of the family you differentiate men from boys friendly to the rise of humanity awh! you love the beaded meat ruthless at the wrong pelvic they admire your swagga and hunger for your actions even at a probation period you wreak havok as you love the family you also tear ‘em apart a rare gift to mankind to who it concerns you are a bargaining chip and the real power that decides who rules

Wisdom Bits Good products sell itself.

Meaning - Positive attitude earn recognition.

Cork and bull story, is it?

May be or may not be sure sailing for greener pasture flying across the atlantic or trekking on the sand dunes all for a better living. you are legal and you are illegal immigration is a privilege it isn’t a right, they keep yelling. i am never illegal in my world humanity belongs to all you sailed to my homeland accompanied by guns and bible i came empty handed you sailed to my homeland and bought my ancestors i came with open heart to mingle because my aim is single humanity owns the world.

intimidating the spirit the stillborn man you are loved by brutes and those that bully like ancient gods you are revered by animals attached you are to them like a Siamese twin you bring worries like a lover you love to caution but rule over a people nations get thy smack before the main menu you make pants wet you love the panic buttons like throats love water but when chips are down you dread yourself like a layman in battle

When an animal runs well in the bush, the hunter takes a good aim.

Meaning - Tribulation make one better to tackle life.

One cannot leave breast to suck bump.

Meaning - There should not be scarcity in the midst of plenty.

on

What a hen searches under the rain is very important.

Meaning - Important tasks deserve attention.

TALES FROM OWERE

WhY the RAt AnD CAt ARe eneMIes

Connect with

AfricaWorld

No word is bad until it is spoken.

Meaning - Discipline is a positive virtue.

The snake does not bite a child in his mother’s presence.

Meaning - The child is always safe with the mum.

FOLKtALe

uJO

By Ukachukwu Okorie

once upon a time the Cat and rat lived together in unity with their master who was human. they all grew up loving one another. they not only shared the same bed but they also ate from the same pots and plates. the master, however, loved the rat more than the Cat because of its size and cunningness, and went as far as willing his entire property to the rat in the case of his death. this act of generosity was nonetheless not enough for the rat. He wanted the properties sooner rather than later. So, he poisoned his master in order to enrich himself with his master’s possessions and belong to the crème de la crème of society. after his master died, he accused the Cat of the atrocious act. this infuriated the Cat who loved his master and was still mourning the human’s demise. the Cat brought the allegation to the other animals and appealed for a search of the murderer. the other animals agreed with him deciding that both Mr Cat and Mr rat would take an oath to determine the culprit. at the beginning, the rat supported this decision to prove his innocence but then began to change his tactics.

He heard that the repercussion for failing the oath was death; consequently he would die if he took the oath. the prospect of death terrified him and he decided to escape from the house on the day of the oath ceremony.

He believed that staying away from the oath would allow him to return at a later stage to continue with his plan.

His plan, however, backfired when the animals ruled that he was guilty of killing their master. as a result, they willed the entire property of the master to the Cat and left the rat with nothing. the ruling vindicated the Cat but did not satisfy him. He told the animals that although he was happy with their generosity, he felt that it was not enough to undo the evil act that the rat had committed.

He then resolved that he would never share anything again with the rat and would avenge the death of his master. the rat was left alone and went into hiding for fear of what would happen to him if he was seen and caught. after spending a long time alone, he felt very depressed and returned to the family home for reconciliation, but the Cat had made up his mind that he would never forgive him. from time to time, the rat sneaked in intermittently but the Cat gave chase and wanted to kill the rat for the crime he committed. from then onwards, the Cat and rat became enemies.

ReCIpe COLuMn COCOnut RICe (nIGeRIA)

by Nkiru edokobi

Ingredient 1 big cup of rice or brown rice (healthy option) 1 tin of coconut milk 4 ounce fresh tomatoes diced 1 whole green pepper 1 onion 1/4 cup sunflower oil or olive oil 1 teaspoon black pepper(optional) 2 Maggi and salt to taste

COOKING

boil the rice for 10 - 15 minutes but do not let it become too soft.

Heat the oil in a cooking pot and do not add much as there is oil content in the coconut. add onions, diced green pepper and black pepper. Stir for one minute before adding the diced tomatoes. Stir for a minute then add coconut milk. Cover to cook for 7 minutes and when the mixture boils, add rice, maggi and salt to taste. Stir and cover to cook after reducing heat and allowing to cook for 10 minutes.

When the rice is soft and dry, serve with meat of your choice.

12 AFRICAWORLD february 15-28 2013

dd’s cubicle

COLUMN

‘’GUNS DO NOT KILL, PEOPLE KILL PEOPLE’’

By Dunstan Ukaga

The world awoke on 14 February to news of the shooting dead of the girlfriend of Oscar Pistorius, the South African superstar athlete whom almost all South Africans adore due to his rise to fame at the Olympics. The breaking news from the International Media Group alleged that the girl was shot four times and killed by superstar Oscar Pistorius, who reportedly mistook her as a thief and intruder. Is that not strange?

Unfortunately, the killing happened on a good day to celebrate and show love. It happened on Saint Valentine’s day, thus giving Valentine a bloody day.

Gun rights activists say ‘’guns do not kill people, people kill people’’.

Was it the gun that killed the late girlfriend of Mr Oscar Pistorius or was it Oscar Pistorius? Gun rights activists and gun manufacturers will claim it was not the gun that killed the lady.

Within last year alone, the US has seen some of the worst murders in history and the world is asking if it is not the right time to outlaw the use of guns and weapons by

individuals and those who should not even see guns.

The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution is the section of the Bill of Rights that enshrines an American’s right to keep and bear arms (weapons).

CNN Legal Analyst Jeffrey Toobin examined this text in the wake of the latest mass shooting in the United States: “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

For 100 years, the Supreme Court said that the second part of the text had nothing to do with individuals’ rights to bear arms, according to Toobin. But four years ago, the Supreme Court, in a case called “Heller,” said the Second Amendment does mean that individuals have the right to a handgun at home.

What is not clear is how much more Americans have a right to: whether they have a right to handguns in the streets, whether they have a right to machine guns, semiautomatic weapons. But handguns at home, at least, are protected by the US Constitution.

On this note, we are wont to review some of the most reprehensible gun violence around the States. Since 2012, there have been more horrible, high-profile

shootings. Jovan Belcher, a linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs, took his girlfriend’s life and then his own. In Oregon, Jacob Tyler Roberts entered a mall holding a semi-automatic rifle and yelling “I am the shooter”. And, in Connecticut, 27 people died including 18 children after a man opened fire at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Accordingly, Mother Jones has tracked every shooting spree in the last three decades happening in the US. “Since 1982, there have been at least 61 mass murders carried out with firearms across the country, with the killings unfolding

in 30 states from Massachusetts to Hawaii. “ And in most cases, the killers had obtained their weapons legally: 15 of the 25 worst mass shootings in the last 50 years took

place in the United States.

Of the 11 deadliest shootings in the US, five have happened from 2007 onward. That does not include the shooting in Sandy Hook, Connecticut. The Associated Press put the early reported death toll at 27, which would make it the second-deadliest mass shooting in US history.

From these stand points, we wish to state that more guns tend to mean more homicide. The Harvard Injury Control Research Center assessed the literature on guns and homicide and found that there is substantial evidence that indicates more guns means more murders. This holds true whether you’re looking at different countries or different states.

States with stricter gun control laws have fewer deaths from gun-related violence.

Last year, economist Richard Florida dove deep into the correlations between gun deaths and other kinds of social indicators. Some of what he found was, perhaps, unexpected: higher populations, more stress, more immigrants, and more mental illness were not correlated with more deaths from gun violence. But one thing he found was, perhaps, perfectly predictable: states with tighter gun control laws appear to have fewer gun-related deaths. The disclaimer here is that

correlation is not causation. But correlations can be suggestive.

While gun rights activists claim guns do not kill people but people kill people, gun control advocates in the US and all over the world hope 2013 marks a turning point as the world struggles with gun violence. The massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary, where most of the 27 victims were killed with an assault rifle similar to the M-16 rifle issued to US soldiers, might spur Washington lawmakers into action following a year of grisly, tragic mass shootings in 2012. There are now calls to reinstate a federal ban on assault weapons; the weeks ahead may see a heated debate over the long-enshrined place of guns in American society.

Sadly the death of the girlfriend of Oscar Pistorius on 14 February is a sad reminder of what guns can do to humanity.

2013 may be the watershed moment. 1996 was for two countries that have shared histories and bonds with the United States. Separate mass shootings 16 years ago in the UK and Australia prompted much soul-searching, anger and a rapid political response in both London and Canberra. Anti-gun legislation passed then, say many experts, has had a lasting, positive impact in both countries.

So guns kill people?

february 15-28 2013 AFRICAWORLD 13

news

SARIA KHALIFA AND THE FGM CAMPAIGN INTHE UNITED KINGDOM

TALKING FGM WITH ZAHRA NALEIE

Saria was one of the speakers at the United Youth of Ireland Workshop on FGM Prevention.

She is the Youth Programme Officer for FORWARD UK.

actions with Africa. We want to develop action more in Africa so that young people will be running exchange projects. FORWARD have tried it twice and we want to do it more.

How are you involved in the FGM campaign?

I work for FORWARD, the Foundation for Women’s Outreach and Development, as a Youth Officer. I work with young people of 16 to 25 in the United Kingdom on the issue of FGM. We do awareness training sessions to help them understand about the FGM campaign and advocacy. We do a lot of creative and engaging things like photography exhibitions, spoken word and poetry to attract them in. While they are with us, we teach a whole range of things, going to schools to teach students and teachers all about FGM. We make sure that information about FGM is accessible to all, especially those who have undergone it. The fact is that it is a child protection issue and staff have a duty to assist.

Ireland banned FGM last year. What is the case in the UK? In the UK, it has been illegal since 1985 but it was revised in 2003 to include exterritoriality. So you cannot practice it in the United Kingdom as long as you are a citizen or resident.

Zahra Naleie is originally Somalian but lives in the Netherlands. She is the Project Leader for the Federation of Somali Associations in the Netherlands and a global campaigner against FGM. Zahra has been leading campaigns against FGM for over 15 years, working with different organisations around the globe particularly the Netherlands, Nigeria, Somalia, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, Mali and Eritrea.

Do you have an age cap of those you talk to?

Definitely. Our funding conditions have a requirement of between 16 to 25 years of age but we do work with all, depending on conditions attached.

How far have you connected with Europe in your campaign?

We are starting to connect our programmes across Europe and Africa at the moment for the young people. In Europe, we have started projects to link the UK, Ireland, Holland and Portugal and there have been successful

Saria Khalifa

What about those who still sneak into the UK to circumcise babies?

We have held evidence that the UK has a soft approach to it. Because there haven’t been prosecutions, people can get the idea that the law is not active on it. Remember ,it is challenging for kids to report their parents as it is not customary.

How long have you been involved in the FGM campaign?

I have been with FORWARD in this campaign for 3 years now. My experience is that people are willing to engage you now unlike before.

What is your greatest challenge in this campaign?

My greatest challenge is working with young men in London and I am learning more on what catches their interest. I am devising a strategy of getting in role models to talk to them as I discovered that interest differs between young girls and men.

AfricaWorld had a chat with the activist and here are the key points in our discussion: What is the name of your organisation in the Netherlands?

It is called the Federation of Somali Associations, an amalgam of 15 organisations, and I partner with different pressure groups around the world.

What have been your greatest challenges in this struggle?

There are lots of challenges. Many of our jobs are project based and when each is finished without any new ones, it is challenging. Another factor is that the

Zahra Naleie

issue is taboo; it takes a long time, especially on behaviour, and religious leaders have no clear position on this.

Though we are all Africans, we are still different when it comes to beliefs.

However, the fact that this issue involves long processes, it is challenging.

How do the law and processes in the Netherlands combat FGM? It was in 1993 that the Netherlands outlawed all forms of FGM; however, it went under the child protection law.

Initially, it was a bit tedious to combat but when we requested the need for public enlightenment campaigns, people started getting afraid to involve their children, even outside the Netherlands.

In Ireland, there is a need for organisations to partner with each other, the government and Irish NGOs on the issue.

The Irish government should assist in all aspects of tackling FGM. For instance, the government of the Netherlands funds African organisations to facilitate their work against FGM. Furthermore, the campaign has to be taken to Africa where FGM originates, but the battle starts here.

14 AFRICAWORLD february 15-28 2013

coLUMn

february 15-28 2013 AFRICAWORLD 15

SpoRT

nIGeRIA supeR eAGLes ARe KInG OF AFRICAn sOCCeR

nigeria super eagles with African trophy

Coach stephen Keshi

nigerians Jubilate in Dublin

president Goodluck Jonathan with super eagles

nigerians Jubilate in Dublins havilah Restaurant

pitroipa - Most valuable player

Burkina Faso team

Mali team

16 AFRICAWORLD february 15-28 2013

Where Africa meets the World.

Where business promote itself.