The Voice magazine - March 2022 edition by The Voice magazine

ISSN:2588-8807

ISSN:1571-3466

Motto: Actuated towards Africa’s advancement

Volume 22. NO. 215 March 2022

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First complete African magazine published in The Netherlands since August 1999

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Advertorial:

ESA Humanitarian funds brings relief to Kenyan women The pilot project donated by ESA Humanitarian funds of Space Center, Noordwijk in The Netherlands to support 20 women in Kenya on their Agricultural project has commenced and these women are on the path of selfsufficiency and Self-sustainability. According to the organization, Pamoja Kenya Foundation, their aim is to ensure that these women are educated through agricultural procedures. Also to impact the local government and make these beneficiaries financially independent. Their first solar project in collaboration with Perfect Concepts of Mr. John Njeru has also commenced. They are also involved in the Water tank project, which is to enable the rural communities, harvest rainwater and use when there is scarcity. With this water project, the women can grow their own crops and sell their products and have their own businesses. With the operation of the First Solar project, they no longer have need for generators and no high cost of fuel, which has globally become an essential commodity going out of reach of the ordinary people.

The solar panels are installed and already working perfectly well. According to Marion van der Voort, the founder of Pamoja Kenya Foundation, the coordinating organization for all of these projects, she says, ‘we are working with Perfect concept and Optiven Limited which has made additional solar panel available to a family house outside of this project. And these other companies are encouraging partners. There is also the pilot project on Agriculture for women, we have a group of 20 women in the pilot project, the plans for them is to grow crops, to be financially and dependably stable, she added. We also have the rain harvest water project with installed tanks to collect rains and saved for later days and weeks. It is a combination of all 3 partners in one under the Foundation Pamoja Kenya meaning together we can make a difference in our rural communities in Kenya and other places we are called to reach. You can also be part of these projects and support us by donating to Stichting Pamoja Kenya. Transfer to: NL79INGB0005621106/BIC INGBNL2A

info@pamoja-kenya.com Tel: +31654658978

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THE VOICE MAGAZINE TEAM Publisher: Stichting Paddi Europa Editor-in-Chief Pastor Amb. Elvis Ndubuisi Iruh elvisiruh@thevoicenewsmagazine.com Founding/Contributing Editor Edward Idahosa Ogbee apexbest2000@yahoo.co.uk Managing Editor Henry D. Oduenyi (Nigeria Office) henry@thenigerianvoice.com Project Coordinator Ifeyinwa Ezeagabu Joy Onoilu (JEBITV) (Belgium) jebitv2003@gmail.com Middle East Vice- President Amb. Laila EL Aftani Rahhal CORRESPONDENTS ABROAD Barrister Eze Eluchie (Nigeria) paddingr@yahoo.com Contributors Rev. Tammy Abusi (Nigeria) tamabusi@gmail.com Elizabeth Kameo (France) Eva Nakato (Uganda) nakatoeva91@gmail.com Jimmie Nicks (Kenya) kollywoodhorizons@gmail.com Eubaldus Enahoro (Nigeria) enabadus2000@yahoo.com PA to Publisher Lilian Akintokun (Mrs) raven_lilian@yahoo.com Magazine Designer David Banjoko davosban@gmail.com MEDIA CONSULTANT Jonathan Mgbejume Abeka Salmin Abdallah Amb. Patrick McCaffrey Mildred Kleinbussink

The Voice magazine The Voice magazine is editorially independent although we enjoys the support of our readers, subscribers, advertisers, non-governmental organizations and in dividuals of like minds; however the magazine publishers are in no way affiliated to any of these bodies or to any other publishing institution or political interest or group. The Voice magazine strives to foster awareness among the African audience and bridge the widening gap between Africans and the rest of the world in news gathering and dissemination. The Voice is published digitally online except on demand, we print hard copy.. If you want to receive a copy, send us your email address. On the Editorial board are Pastor Amb. Elvis Iruh, Jonathan Mgbejume, Sandra Iruh-Monsels, and Henry Oduenyi READ THE VOICE ON LINE AT www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com Our Affiliate partner: www.thenigerianvoice.com Registration NO: (Kvk. Nr. 34.110.928) TAX (BTW) NO: NL806215809B01 ISSN: 1571-3466 (For Print edition) ISSN: 2588-8807 (For Digital edition) For payments, use these bank details: Stichting Paddi Europa SNS Bank Account No: NL29SNSB0908374372 Swift Code: SNSBNL2A

Address: Stichting Paddi Europa Inz The Voice Jeroen Boschplantsoen 82 1318 HH Almere, The Netherlands Land Line: +3136-8801341 Tel.: +31 (0)6-48519292 Mobile: +31 (0)6-84999548 E-mail: info@thevoicenewsmagazine.com Websites: www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com www.thevoiceachieversaward.com www.elvisiruh.com (For the Publisher book)

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Volume 22 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

NO 215 MARCH 2022

Contents March edition 2022 - Volume 22. No 215 48-61

40-43

64-67 ARTICLES

Page 6 - Just belief in your own – The Aliou Cisse story of African football coaches Pages 12 &13 - The Voice magazine begins preparations for 2022 event in The Gambia. Pages 14& 15 - President Macky Sall of Senegal takes over as the New Chairperson of the African Union for 2022 Page 18 - Mohamed bin Zayed meets President of Tanzania Pages 20 & 21 - The Haitian photographer with a difference Pages 22 & 23 - The self-educated ghetto filmmaker and dancer Pages 24 & 25 - The Gambia celebrates 57th Independence Day Pages 26 & 27 - Stranded and struggling in a foreign country Pages 28 & 29 - The female road construction worker Page 38 - The African promise – The African Youth Pages 40 -43 - Samia is a master political player but Magufuli laws stand in her way Pages 50 & 51 - ECOWAS agreed to impose additional sanctions on the military junta in Mali Pages 52 & 53 - Benin exhibits stolen treasures returned by France Pages 54 & 55 - At EU-AU Summit, President Buhari calls for weighty sanctions for unconstitutional leadership changes in Africa Pages 58 – 61 President Kenyatta leads Kenya national day celebrations at Expo 2020 Pages 62 & 63 - Betrayal - The deepest cut by Caroline Omondi Pages 64-67 6 AFCON champ Senegal inaugurates Turkishbuilt world class stadium Pages 68 & ^9 - Ajax to pay €7.85 million settlement to Abdelhak Nouri’s family over 2017 cardiac arrest

Amb. Patrick McCaffrey joins the board of Consultants to the Voice News magazine. He brings in wealth of experience which would assist in advancing this African global publication. Welcome Amb. McCaffrey. Get fast results by advertising with us. Call us on +31684999548 or +31648519292 E-mail: info@thevoicenewsmagazine.com Send all your articles for publication.... www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Editorial

Just believe in your own – The Aliou Cisse story of African football coaches

FCON 2021 was recently concluded in Cameroon and the two finalists, Senegal and Egypt were coached by one indigenous African coach and the other a foreign coach. Finally an African coach, Aliou Cisse of Senegal came out victorious after a penalty shootout. The media world has continued to praise him and his country for staking to home despite it has taken him 8 years to win a major trophy for his country. Cisse an ex-footballer himself has worked with the national team for close to 8 years, bringing them in 2019 to the finals and lost to Algeria 1-0. In 2022, he brought his team again to the final and he was really under pressure to deliver this time around. I would remember before AFCON 2013, the late Nigeria’s coach Stephen Keshi forcefully criticized African football associations for their preference for foreign coaches. His argument was based on how the Zambia national team under Renard was praised to have brought Zambia football to the forefront but that was not absolute truth – African coaches have been working very hard to build the teams that these foreign coaches come to take over and bring them success once in a while. The fact that African football administrators have always failed to appreciate and make use of its own resources and talent. This is true of football as it is of Africa’s national economies. (As it’s turned out, the split between local and European coached teams in major championship remains a debate as African takes to the pitch this month to get their 5 representatives for the next world cup in Qatar. 6

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The white coaches are not doing anything that African coaches cannot do. African FAs favour European coaches over African: “You tell a white person they need a year to adapt, to know the country and the players–they are told ‘don’t worry, take your time.’ That is unprofessional and is one thing that is killing African football. This is a perennial debate in Africa; it is always there when a football tournament is on in Africa or prior to a major championship like the world cup. The discussion right now in Nigeria is not about preparing the team for the world cup qualifier against

Ghana but who should be the coach of the team. Ghana is faced with the same problem; they have sacked their foreign coach and looking for another foreign coach to replace him. What is wrong the growing list of Nigerian and Ghanaian coaches who have handled the junior teams in Under 17, 19, 21 championships and even winning world cups.

It is not fair on African coaches not to be given a chance to run their own national teams because in the first place most of them are well trained and some are using their resources to

attend these international coaching courses and yet they would not be employed to work for their national teams. I think it’s just because of our own colonial mentality as Africans that we do not believe in our people. Nigeria had a foreign coach for nearly 6 years that did not bring much development to Nigeria football, coach Augustine Eguavoen just took the

team to AFCON 2021, winning 3 matches and losing 1 and yet they are talking of replacing him with a foreign coach, Jose Peseiro of Portugal who has no major success to his name than he is recommended by a successful coach who is looking for job for his fellow country man. These foreign coaches now it is not their business to develop football in Africa, they are only there to make a living and earn their good salary and leave as soon as the tournament is over. Egypt is the most successful football team in the AFCON history; it has won the trophy seven times, mainly with local coaches–take their three successive victories (2006, 2008 and 2010) when Hassan Shehata was in charge. These days they’re coached by Carlos Queiroz, a Mozambican-Portuguese football coach and they have not won another major trophy. Ghana has won the tournament four times, with a local coach guiding the team on all the four occasions. African football seems to be following the path of its national economies: so much resources and human talent but always looking to the West for help. Yet Africa has a massive pool of footballers playing in the top leagues in Europe and elsewhere. (The Economist suggested that in Ivory Coast footballers may yet overtake cocoa as the country’s main export product.) This speaks volumes of the available talent, and Ivory Coast is just one of many similar examples. Ivory Coast would be hosting the next AFCON competition in 2023, we would see if they would allow a national coach from the country to lead the team in their own soil or they would go after foreign coach again European coaches are products of the same leagues that

most Africans play for. Africans and Europeans attend the same coaching courses yet African FAs still see expatriate coaches above African coaches, and are happy to pay them a far higher salary. Familiarity breeds contempt; this is particularly true of Africa. It is the only continent that fails to recognize and exploit its vast footballing expertise for its own benefit. Africa’s national football teams have failed to improve under foreign coaches and there is nothing to suggest that it will ever improve. Let’s face it; a coach that is useful in Europe would never leave for Africa. Why would they or any European country release their best coaches to Africa to beat them at world championship? It is the same way that aid dependency continues to fail Africa, only its own resources and talent can bring its national team’s success on the biggest stages. Let us learn from the Senegalese experience. They stood it out with Coach Aliou Cissé for 8 years to win a trophy for his country. Senegal didn’t sack him or make him resign; neither did they hire a foreign coach. He is building a football culture for Senegal which is beautiful to watch. He was given all the time and support to coach and build a strong team that has now won the AFCON trophy. To all African Countries hiring foreign coaches, Believe in your Own, trust, patience and support is needed to grow a national football team like every other aspect of our society. Africans can do it Pastor Amb. Elvis Iruh Editor-in-Chief

Hon. Ambassador Patrick McCaffrey recieves his appointment as Senior Special Advisor to H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Faisai Al-Qassimi Ambassador Patrick Mccaffrey has worked for several years in United Arab Emirates with special interest in developing businesses and bringing businesses across Africa. Currently he is working with his partner, Hon. Steven Ochieng Nyandiare from Kenya in developing multi-million dollar business corporation across Africa. He was recently appointed by the office of His Highness, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Faisai Al-Qassimi, a member of the ruling family of the United Arab Emirates. He is coming a member of the Advisory Board to His Highness, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Faisal AlQassimi Congratulations to Amb. McCaffrey on your appointment www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Pastor Roel & Ida Van Rooij Senior Pastor 4Pillars Community Church Almere

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Urgent message to all Nigerians in The Netherlands The Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Her Excellency, Dr. Eniola Ajayi has made a personate appeal to her fellow country men and women living in the Netherlands as a matter of urgency register themselves with the Nigerian Embassy in The Hague via the official website of the Embassy at www.Nigerianembassythehague.nl She noted that if any Nigerian citizen has any particular needs weather directly related to the situation in In Ukraine and Russia or any other emergency matters, the Embassy could be reached on this Emergency number line at +3168649361. The Nigerian Ambassador via a video message being circulated online appeal to all Nigerians as a matter of urgency to register via the website. In her words, “This message became very necessary in view of the unfolding situation around the world. We would like to sincerely appeal to all Nigerians living in the Netherlands to kindly register with the Embassy so that we know where you are and how best to locate you in case of any emergency. We would appreciate if you on our website or you could register with any of the Regional leaders we have identified with which includes the NIDOE, UNP or any of the Nigerian- associations in the Netherlands Register through the Regional groups’ leaders, through your churches, your mosques or in any other way you find that they are doing registration for Nigerians around

The Gambia President acknowledges The Voice magazine In a letter with reference number HD/P/321/116/01/ TEMP: (82-LK) written to the Publisher and

you. We would be happy to have your details. We would also like you to not only register yourself but also your children. Any details you are not comfortable with, you don’t have to give. But we need to be able to locate you in case of an emergency. We need to be able to account for everyone and this is the reason for this special appeal. Any emergency at all, we are ready to necessitate the move to account for all our citizens. Thank you so much for your cooperation. Our sincere prayer is that there would be peace in our world, all-round and everybody would be happy and there would be no problems at all. God bless you all”.

Editor in Chief of The Voice magazine, Pastor Ambassador Elvis Iruh, the President of the Republic of The Gambia, His Excellency, Mr. Adama Barrow expressed his appreciation on the goodwill message and prayers that he received from the organization after his election victory at the Presidential polls held last December and he was sworn in on 19th January 2022. The letter reads in part; “I convey the president gratitude and best wishes to you and the dedicated staff and would like to assure you of his support and encouragement in your endeavours in the promotion of your magazine vision and mission and wishes you the utmost success in the coming years for all”. Whilst praying for your continued good health and wellbeing please accept the assurance of our highest consideration and esteem. The letter was signed on behalf of the President by Mr. Lamin E. Kanyi for the Secretary General to the office of the President of the Gambia. www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

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G A M B I A V O I C E B U S I N E S S S U M M I T / AWA R D S 2 0 2 2

The Voice magazine begins preparations for 2022 event in The Gambi

ccording to the Executive Head of the organization, Pastor Ambassador Elvis Iruh who recently returned from a fact finding mission to the Gambia where he held face to face conversation with the country’s First Lady, Her Excellency, Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow at the State House in Banjul. She gladly received and reaffirms her promise to ensure that this global event is held in the Gambia this year 2022. She told her Permanent Secretary, Halima Tambadou Jawara of her experience in Dubai and asked her to work with the Voice team to ensure adequate preparations are put in place in the Gambia to receive our Diaspora guests. Her Excellency informed Ambassador Elvis Iruh that he is welcome to the Gambia

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Pastor Iruh with Her Excellency, Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow after meeting with her in her office in Banjul and he is assured that his organization as well as friends of Africa coming to the Gambia in August would receive the best hospitality the Gambia has to offer. “We are delighted that you kept your promise to visit the Gambia and we are also proud that you have chosen to host the event in the Gambia this year as promised from last year’s event in Dubai on 19th September 2021. The publisher assured the First Lady and the people of the Gambia of a spectacular package of events which includes a 2-day Gambia Voice Business Summit, entertainment, tourism for the guests and a Gala/award night to recognize both Gambians and international awardees selected by a jury after vetting their profiles. Mr. Iruh further disclosed that it would be a week-long activities starting from 16th August to 21st August 2022 but the main event is from 18th to 20th of August. The proposed venue for the event is the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, Banjul, The Gambia. During his visit he made courtesy calls to some businesses in the Gambia including the Gambia Chamber of Commerce, Africell, GACH Global Trading Company, Zenith Bank PLC, Eco Bank PLC, Qcell, Star TV, OIC Secretariat, SmartMatic, Ministry of Information, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare and granted interview to QTV which was broadcast during the independence celebration. He participated at the invitation of the Presidency to witness the 57th Independence Day celebration of the Gambia where the President of the Republic, His Excellency, President Adama Barrow took the official salute and spoke to the nation. The names of the steering committee members responsible for the preparation of the global event includes Abeka Salmin

Abdallah (the Netherlands), Ambassador Patrick McCaffey (Dubai, UAE), Marion van der Voort (The Netherlands), Alpha Karaga (Gambia), Marc Broere (The Netherlands), Modika Bah (Gambia), David Banjoko (Ghana), Basamba Drammeh (Gambia), Rev. Tammy Abusi, (Nigeria) and Jainaba Secka (Gambia) For further details, please reach out to Pastor Ambassador Elvis Iruh Convener Info@thevoicenewsmagazine.com/ +31684999548 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com www.thevoiceachieversaward.com

Pastor Elvis Iruh visit to QTV and he was granted an interview with Mr. Modika Bah Dinner evening with Mr. Abubakary Jawara, CEO of GACH Group with other friends in Banjul

QTV interview with Mr. Modika Bah on the Voice Award in the Gambia

The Gambia Voice Business Summit/Award 2022 18th -20th August 2022 Get ready..........

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President Macky Sall of Senegal takes over as the New Chairperson of the African Union for 2022

he Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) have elected H.E. Macky Sall, President of the Republic of Senegal, as the new Chairperson of the African Union for the year 2022. The event took place today, Saturday 5 February 2022 during the ongoing Thirty-Fifth (35th) Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union, holding physically at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa under the theme: “Strengthening Resilience in Nutrition and Food Security on the African Continent: Strengthening Agro-Food Systems, Health and Social Protection Systems for the Acceleration of the Human, Social and Economic Development”. President Macky Sall of Senegal is taking over the baton of command from H.E. Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), who has concluded today his term as the Chairperson of the African Union for the year 2021. The event took place during the official opening of the 35th AU Summit of Heads of State and Government, in the presence of the Chairperson of the AU Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, the Deputy Chairperson of the AUC, H.E Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa, representatives of the UN, the Regional Economic Commission, dignitaries and invited guests as well as the AU staff. The composition of the new bureau of the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union for 2022 as presented by the Dean of the Permanent Representative Committee (PRC) is as follows: 14

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1. Chairperson of the African Union (AU) – Republic of Senegal, (West African region) 2. First Vice Chair of the Union – Consultations are still ongoing; 3. Rapporteur – Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – (Central African region); 4. Second Vice Chair of the Union – Libya, (Northern Region); and 5. Third Vice Chair of the Union – Angola, ( Southern Region); In his handing over speech, President Felix- Antoine Tshisekedi wished the new AU Chairperson, a successful Chairmanship and thanked the Heads of States of AU Member States as well as the AU outgoing bureau, for their support during the tenure of his mandate which he said, was marked by the prevailing sanitary crisis caused by the COVID19 pandemic. President Tshisekedi highlighted some of the achievements under his chairmanship of the Union notably, the economic empowerment of the women and youths, the enhancement of democracy and good governance, among other development programs under Agenda 2063.The outgoing Chair of the Union further underlined the initiatives undertaken under his leadership to address the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. In his acceptance speech, President Macky Sall said he appreciates the honor coupled with the responsibility and the trust invested in his person, and the members of the new Bureau, to lead the destiny of the Organization for

the next one year., “I thank you and assure you of our commitment to work together with all member countries in the exercise of our mandate” indicated the incoming Chair of the Union. “I pay tribute to the founding fathers of the Organization. Six decades later, their luminous vision continues to inspire our living together and to illuminate our united march towards the ideal of African integration” He added. President Macky Sall further noted that, it is precisely in this pan-African spirit that President Léopold Sédar Senghor had proposed, at the OAU summit of July 1964, to establish “a permanent political and moral authority of the Conference of Heads of State and Government” to give high-level impetus to the management of the affairs of the continent. Commending the work done by his predecessor the outgoing chair of the Union, H.E Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tchilombo, the newly elected Chair of the Union expressed appreciation to the considerable efforts devoted to the service of the African continent by the outgoing Chair. He further noted that, “as our Union celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, we can be proud of the progress made under major initiatives such as NEPAD, PIDA, APRM, Vision 2063, institutional reform, the Great Green Wall, the AfCFTA and more recently our coordinated response to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, our challenges remain numerous and pressing; notably in the areas of peace and security, the fight against terrorism, environmental protection, health and economic and social development...” “I do not forget the resurgence of the phenomenon of coups d’état which constitutes a major attack on democracy and institutional stability on the continent”. Concluded the new AU Chair. About the African Union:

The African Union spearheads Africa’s development and integration in close collaboration with African Union Member States, the Regional Economic Communities and African citizens. The AU Vision is to accelerate progress towards an integrated, prosperous and inclusive Africa, at peace with itself, playing a dynamic role in the continental and global arena, effectively driven by an accountable, efficient and responsive Commission. Media contact: Mrs. Esther Azaa Tankou| Head of Information Division | African Union Commission | Tel: +251 (0) 911361185 | E-mail: yamboue@africa-

union.org | For further information: Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dic@africa-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia Follow us Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AfricanUnionCommission Twitter: https://twitter.com/_AfricanUnion YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/AUCommission

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YOUR COPY NOW.... Getting to know you written by Pastor Elvis Iruh Pastor Felix Asare wrote the foreword

BOOK REVIEW Pastor Elvis Iruh’s new book is out…… Title: “Getting to know you” - A book on marital steps with information about marriage Author: Pastor Amb. Elvis Iruh About the book Whether you’re preparing for marriage or want to enjoy a deeper union with your spouse, this guide will help you enjoy a relationship built on solid Christian values. Pastor Elvis Iruh is a licensed minister with Victory Outreach International. His book highlights simple principles that are often taken for granted. Learn how to: • get to really know a love interest before deciding to marry; • avoid mistakes that lead to divorce; • appreciate the sanctity of marriage;

partners can carry out with each other as well as guidance for pastors and church leaders who may need help in advising couples. This guide will help couples enjoy marriage that is built to last. ***** About the Author ELVIS IRUH is a native of Delta State, Nigeria. He attended numerous schools in Nigeria, including the Nigeria Institute of Journalism, Lagos, Nigeria, before continuing his studies in Europe and earning a degree in theology from Victory Education & Training Institute. He worked for several media organizations in Nigeria as well and has been the publisher and editor-in-chief of The Voice news magazine since August 1999. He is serving as an associate pastor at Victory Outreach Almere, The Netherlands. The book can be used for educational purposes as well as educating your children on the subject of marriage. He is also available to speak on related topics covered in the book at any organized event or church activities. He is open for collaborative efforts to strengthen marriage institutions worldwide. It is a mission he has dedicated himself to helping the younger generation to talk and address the challenges they face in building good and solid relationships which could end up in marriage. You can purchase the book in Holland via his website: www.elvisiruh.com or through his publishers’: www.authorhouse.com/ Elvis Iruh or on www.amazon.co.uk via this link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/ aw/d/1665580844/ref=ox_sc_act_

• forgive your partner when they make mistakes. Before you think of getting married, you should take the necessary steps to really get to know your partner. Your past should not contain any surprises - and your values must be aligned. This revealing book is filled with practical exercises that

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image_1?smid=AHRB2OK2Q2YCL&psc=1 You can contact him directly through any of his social media handle for your questions or comments, he would look into it and respond would be sent to you accordingly. Email: info@elvisiruh.com or elvisiruh@gmail.com

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Mohamed bin Zayed meets President of Tanzania

is Royal Highness, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, last month received President Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of Tanzania, who recently visited the UAE. During the meeting, which took place at the Al Shati Palace, the two sides discussed their friendship and opportunities for boosting their cooperation President Paul Kagame during one of his campaigns in all areas — most notably in investment, economic and issues of mutual concern. development areas. They also exchanged views on regional and international The meeting addressed the UAE’s successful hosting of Expo 2020 Dubai, the key solutions and innovations presented by various countries in areas of sustainability during the major international event, and its importance as a global platform for experts, specialists and decisionmakers to discuss common challenges. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed thanked Tanzania for supporting the UAE and its condemnation of the recent Houthi attacks against the country. For her side, President Hassan extended her gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality she received during her visit, stressing the keenness of her country to strengthen its cooperation with the UAE in all the vital areas, particularly in investments, economy, commerce and sustainable development. She also lauded the development and humanitarian support provided by the UAE to Tanzania. The meeting was also attended by Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Special Affairs Adviser at the Ministry of Presidential Affairs; and several officials.

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BOOKS PRESENTATION By Pastor Michael Umerah John-Mllis 1. BOOK ONE: EVERYMAN WANTS REBECCA by Michael Umerah John-Ellis, Details: “Ten Steps To Successful Marriage Union” Uncovering:- Understanding Marriage. ×How to find and attract your dream spouse, establish true love at first impression, and remain treasured by your spouse. **** 2. BOOK TWO: GOD HATES POVERTY by Michael Umerah John-Ellis The book teaches you ways to banish poverty from your life. It expands for you to understand and take advantage of the God’s provided power for wealth, so you can maximize your life. ***** 3. BOOK THREE: THE RIGHT FAMILY by Michael Umerah JohnEllis It shows ways of rediscovering the marriage Union as was divinely envisaged; in concept, wisdom and beauty of God. ****

4. BOOK FOUR: THE LAST OIL by Michael Umerah John-Ellis It is about how to start divine or circular assignments and see them to successful completion. The book uncovers how to properly enter your calling or dream assignments, and the importance of preparatory trading for a successful and fulfilling practice of assignments. **** 5. BOOK FIVE: SPIRIT OF PROPHECY by Michael Umerah John-Ellis It is a complete topical compendium for the Christian empowerment. The book expounds to teach on what Prophecy is and not, the levels of Prophecy, how prophecies come for the advantage believers, and proper ministerial representation of God as his/her mouthpiece and employer. All books are published on www.amazon.com For your reading pleasure as hard copy or Kindle edition and downloads, Contact +2348032265077 or +2347086368336. E-Mail: michaeljohnellis@gmail.com

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The Haitian photographer with a difference

rom humble beginnings in Haiti, Lentini Theodore is now a world renowned photographer who has traversed many countries. Inspired by his modest background, he opted to shine a spotlight on the positive stories and ‘vibes’ in informal settlements from the Global South. Vice Versa Global speaks to the young professional photographer who is in Kenya for the first time. I am in Kibera attending an annual beauty contest that is organized by Amani Kibera. The contestants are beautiful and the catwalk looks amazing. My attention is drawn to one particular photographer who stands out from the rest of the pack due to his meticulousness. Before he takes any photo, he will carefully scan his surrounding, check his camera settings, then move to his preferred new position. I also notice he has three different types of lenses in his waist bag. Lentini Theodore Lentini the Photographer “My name is Lentini Theodore, a 27 year old Haitian and very single. I am a team player and a photographer. I left Haiti when I was only 19 years old and settled in the United States of America, a place I now call home. Some of the challenges that Haitians face and that played an integral part in my departure are food insecurity, human exploitation, overpopulation and a lack of sanitation. I love travelling, photography which has now become my hobby and basically anything to do with computers,” he tells me. “It’s my first time in Kenya and I’m here on a specific assignment, to document the Miss Kibera beauty contest. I am here for one month during which I will train some of the young people here on the basics of photography, creating ‘mini Lentinis’ in Africa that will be telling more positive stories using photography. Thereafter I’ll head to Tanzania.” For a well-travelled photographer, I am curious about his source of funding for such trips. “I love giving back to the society through the savings I make from both photography and videography. It’s the least I can do.” He goes on to clarify that some of the trips are fully catered for and with good payment, which in turn enable him to visit any country he wishes. How I Became a Photographer “As a young boy, whenever I’d get the opportunity to attend lavish events, I used to admire the big cameras I’d see and fell in love with the people

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behind those gadgets. As time went on, the urge of becoming a photographer continued building in me but I had no single penny to purchase a camera or go for photography classes. Making the best out of a bad situation, I decided to teach myself basic photography skills by watching tutorials on YouTube on how to take good photos. I was 20 years old when I started saving, whenever I could, to buy myself a camera. My sacrifice managed to pay off because within a few months I had acquired my first camera. In the beginning my family was skeptical if I would be able to handle a camera, but I reassured them that I was more than capable,” he recalls. “I started practicing photography with my camera as I continued to watch the tutorials. Since I needed to make money, I started looking for casual photography jobs which in turn sharpened my skills. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, things changed due to the lockdown since there was very little to do. I took this opportunity to watch more tutorials which turned out to be very helpful. I can confidently say that I have never attended any photography class. I’m not saying that I’m the best, but I am on the way to being one. I can proudly say that I make good money with both photography and videography, and I want to make even more,” he declares. Difference with Other Photographers “I can’t say I’m different, but many are the times that photographers portray a lot of negativity in our communities. I want to bring out the positive vibe from our communities through my lens. I want to tell positive stories of the Global South with this camera,” he assures me as he holds his camera. “At my age I have travelled to many countries thanks to photography and for me that is a big achievement. It will be wrong to travel to all these countries just to go and document negative things about them, unless of course it is something that needs urgent attention.”

Gambia 2022. You want join us, request for the trip package info@thevoicenewsmgazine.com

“Whenever I visit any kind of informal settlement, I do not feel anxious at all because I have been in such environments before, back in Haiti, and there is nothing different. This includes Kenya as well. As much as not every slum is harmless, the ones I have visited in Kenya are better in that the people are lovely and the streets are safe,” he admits. “Back in Haiti you can’t walk with a camera or any valuables along the streets in informal settlements

especially if you are a visitor, you will be robbed. You have to make sure you have security if you want to visit any slum. The other thing I love about Kenya is the culture, the food and basically everything about this country. The only thing I don’t like is the traffic. The traffic here is very terrible.” As we wind up, his parting shot is a piece of advice to the young people. “To the young people, you must do the right thing, be yourself, be positive and more importantly respect your elders. Young people are always seen as beggars and complainers, while others are branded as thieves. Therefore it’s upon us to change this narrative by working hard and doing what is right always. Above all respect yourself and the people around you. In Haiti there is a saying that goes ‘Say good morning to all, respect people and people will respect you back’.” Follow Lentini on instagram via https://www. instagram.com/lentini_965/?utm_medium=copy_ link Vice Versa Global is a platform spearheaded by young African journalists who are keen on telling the African story from the youth’s point of view by creating socially conscious content through vlogs, columns, video, articles and discussions in order to share ideas and spark dialogue about social change. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. https://web.facebook.com/viceversaglobal/ https://twitter.com/globalviceversa

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The self-educated ghetto filmmaker and dancer

onnie Styles, the self-taught filmmaker from Masaka, believes that the ghetto youth have a lot to offer, if only they would be given a chance. Using his camera phone, his aim is to inspire more youth out there to not be defined by their past, but by their potential. He spoke to Vice Versa Global’s Ugandan correspondent Martha Nalukenge on his journey so far. Ronald Mugaga aka Ronnie Styles is a skater and ‘telephone filmmaker’ by profession. A multi-talented youth who finds joy in skating, football, dance and modelling, he has filmed several ghetto dance clips and short movies that are readily available on YouTube. Hailing from Masaka in Uganda, the 22 year old reckons that his talents bloomed when he embraced the skate board, which ultimately exposed him to the modelling industry. For him, it is more than just a profession or a hobby; it is a passion. It is a passion that he firmly believes in so much that he was willing to risk everything for it. “I dropped out of school to do film making. As you would have guessed it, my family wasn’t very happy about my choice since to them it didn’t make any sense, but I stuck to my guns,” he told me with a straight face. So, with nothing to his name, he left home and moved to the ghetto in his quest for personal fulfillment. It is important to point out that unlike the Ghetto Kids who come from underprivileged homes, Ronnie actually comes from a well off family! Dropping out of School 22

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Since he was a school dropout with no job nor money, which would have bought him a good camera and other film making equipment, he opted to make do with the little he had; his mobile phone. “If a mobile phone has a camera, I don’t think about its weakness, all I focus on is what the camera can do and my content,” he confidently stated. It is the runway that exposed him to the world of videography, something which immediately caught his attention, enticing him to nurture his skills in that field as well. Nevertheless, the mobile phone can only replace the camera as the component, there is still a lot of work that goes into becoming a professional film maker. Once again, becoming his best self, he went on YouTube and started watching film making video tutorials which he would practice with his mobile phone. And that is how he started using his phone to film. Therapy for the Youth His skills gained him popularity among his friends in the area. In Masaka City, most of the attention and camera are trained on the already established actors, leaving a lot of talent that is in the ghetto unrecognized and undiscovered. Spotting this great injustice, he was inspired to start film making and choreography classes. Dance and music is therapeutic to the ghetto youth, relieving their minds from the stresses of their daily lives. Already coping with struggles for a better life, dance is the only thing that makes their lives complete.

“Our stories will inspire a lot of broken youth to find the strength to grow regardless of our past fails. We will use our dance as a remembrance of the positive stories of the ghetto life, rather than the drugs that are painted on our walls,” he concluded. Vice Versa Global is a platform spearheaded by young African journalists who are keen on telling the African story from the youth’s point of view by creating socially conscious content through vlogs, columns, video, articles and discussions in order to share ideas and spark dialogue about social change. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

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The Gambia celebrates 57th Independence Day The Republic of The Gambia celebrated its 57th independence day on 18th February 2022. The government declare the day a national holiday to enable people celebrate with their love ones and attend the annual parade where the President takes the center stage to address the nation. Independence day is a holiday all over Gambia and the citizens of Gambia do celebrate it with great zeal and enthusiasm. The Republic of Gambia normally celebrates this day in the capital, Banjul at McCarthy Square. School children, civil servants, teachers, and the Gambian army perform a march in front of the President of the country as well as other distinguished dignitaries. It was the year 1960 when some Gambians started demanding independence. However, political parties started to emerge later on. The Gambia

became fully independent within the Commonwealth in February 1965 and became a republic on April 24, 1970. The Republic of Gambia became the 21st member of the Commonwealth, a voluntary association of 54 countries working together for prosperity, democracy, and peace. The Gambia became the 116th member of the United Nations. This year’s event was low key due to covid restrictions and up coming elections for parliamentary seats. Congratulations to the Gambians across the whole world

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Stranded and struggling in a foreign country

any people, mostly from Africa and Asia, have left their home countries in search for greener pastures in Arab countries. Things don’t always turn out as expected for some of them thanks to a few dubious agencies, leaving them stranded in a foreign country and with no source of income. In the first part of a series of articles on Africans Living Abroad, Nsima Nyo, not her real name, narrates her personal experience in securing employment thus far. I am the eldest of six siblings, a hustler, God lover and I like seeing things working out. I am a Ugandan film-maker, business-lady and a teacher by profession. I love them all since they involve improving people’s lives at some point which is great since I am a people person. When the pandemic subjected most of the world to lockdowns, Uganda wasn’t spared either. Our economy

isn’t the strongest and so the lockdown rubbed salt into the wound. My acting deals started dwindling while my business in the city center, which I was maintaining in the hopes that things would get better, consumed my savings. After a few months, a second lockdown of 42 days was announced. This was when I got the idea of relocating to another country, with a better economy, where most sectors were still open. Dubai was the place. I wasn’t going to watch my financial status get worse. After all, I had seen so many people go to the UAE, Europe and America and 26

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come back successful. A friend had been in Dubai for only a year and was already building a house for her mother. I had to do something too. I wanted my parents and siblings to be proud of having a rich daughter and big sister. Relocating to Dubai I withdrew the savings that I still had left and paid six million Ugandan shillings ($1715) to a travel agency in Uganda which was to connect me to an employer in the UAE, specifically Dubai. The money was meant to facilitate my travel, feeding and accommodation while the deal was to get me a school teacher’s job. With this, I would earn and save some money which would enable me to acquire land, invest in a business or build a fair house by the end of the two-year contract. It was the perfect plan. The travel agency bought the visa, ticket and booked an accommodation space for a month. A week to my travel date, I was told that the job I was coming for had been taken but I could wait for a few weeks, which I did. Weeks later my ticket was finally bought, enabling me to travel. I traveled with another girl who had used the same agency. We arrived in Dubai at 5pm and had to wait for two hours before we got picked up from the airport. The agent in Dubai received us and took us to ‘bed space.’ In bed space, people rent beds which are placed in an apartment. Around ten people could share one bedroom at a time, and thirty the whole apartment. We all share the kitchen, living room and washrooms. Most people in the apartment were Ugandans who were very welcoming and tried to make us feel at home. The following day, we were so excited and eager to walk around and see what Dubai is all about. For the first two days we explored different places like the Dubai 2020 expo, Dubai Marina, Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifah. Dubai is indeed beautiful. Delayed Interviews On the third day, I was more interested in what had brought

“

“ I was blocked by the agency that brought me to Dubai before they could find a job for me or even know how I was surviving”.

me here than in more site seeing. I asked the agent to take me to my assigned workplace so I could get started. He told me we had to do some job interviews first since most jobs had been taken. I was ready to do any interview that was required since I was confident I would pass them either way. Days passed yet we weren’t called for any interviews, which left us pondering on what the issue could be. I communicated with the agency in Uganda about the situation to which I was told to keep calm, everything was on track. They assured me that they were in constant communication with the Dubai agent and were planning on getting us good jobs. Staying in the bed space just waiting for instructions is very boring, trust me. I had to think of how to integrate into the new society. One day as I was walking around the park I met a Zumba group. There was no African in the group and I wasn’t sure if they would love the idea of having one. So I gathered enough courage and approached the leader of the group to make my request. She was a kind Filipino lady who let me in without hesitation and with a lot of excitement. At least now I had gotten an activity that I’d be doing every night. That group was my first family in Dubai. The main purpose of the Zumba group is to exercise for fitness, have fun and give food to the needy, especially the

homeless people who always sleep around the park. Most of those people are from Africa with a few from Asia. My heart would sink whenever I’d see my fellow Ugandans hungry and homeless. I would participate in the food charity since I hadn’t started working to be in position to contribute money. Finally the Truth I persistently pestered the agency on our situation until the Dubai agent decided to tell us the truth. This was after two weeks of badgering him. He told us that if the agency had sent him our commission money, then we would already be working since it’s needed to connect us to potential employers. Apparently, the easiest and fastest way to get a job is to pay between 1000 to 1500 dirhams to an agent, who would then link you to the actual employer, where the opportunity to get interviewed would arise. Weird right? It had already been two weeks and with the information I had, I knew the Ugandan agency was not doing enough to fulfil their commitment. I texted them, informing them that I already knew what they were doing and asked them to act immediately. They blocked me. That’s right, I was blocked by the agency that brought me to Dubai before they could find a job for me or even know how I was surviving. They didn’t want to hear from me anymore. It felt like being dropped in the middle of nowhere, alone, and without a starting point. To be honest, this is the most challenging time of my entire life but I believe in myself and I know that I will overcome it. To be continued in the next edition of April 2022. By Nsima Nyo

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The female road construction worker By: Martha Nalukenge Text and pictures: Martha Nalukenge

he outbreak of Covid-19 is forcing people to be creative. Esther Bulimwa is a Ugandan teacher, but found herself without a job due to the closure of schools. She actively looked for something else and is now the only woman working at a road construction site. Our reporter Martha Nalukenge spoke with her. During one of my usual morning strolls in our neighborhood,

up to her. “I noticed you were looking at me strangely,” she said. As I tried to get defensive and save face, she swiftly interjected. “You’re not the first,” she asserted. “I’m Esther Bulimwa by the way,” she added. Shortly after we exchanged contacts and agreed to meet the following day at the same spot.

Esther Bulimwa: From a teacher to road construction worker

something unusual caught my eye; a young woman was working steadily on a heap of concrete. I stood by and watched as she loaded the ready mixture onto a waiting wheelbarrow. After she was done offloading the wheelbarrow, I walked 28

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The Origin After the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus in the country, a number of measures were put in place to combat its spread. One of those measures was the closing down of schools. A nursery school teacher by profession, Esther’s teaching

job at Divine Educational Centre in Sironko District in the Eastern part of Uganda ground to a halt. She soon found herself in the pool of unemployment like most young people in her home country. Without an alternative source of livelihood, poverty and starvation were inevitable for this young woman. Change in Career Driven by the fear of hunger and an empty pocket, she attempted to join the police but was unsuccessful. Not one to give up easily, she gave it a second shot. Lucky for her, she was offered a short term contract of 3 months at Kibiri Police Station as a police constable. However, after its lapse the contract was never renewed and once again, she was unemployed. She gave out a sarcastic laughter as she narrated this to me. The Turning Point One fateful day, Esther received an invitation from her sister to join her in Masaka in South-Western Uganda. Things were not so rosy when she got there either, and it was equally hard for her sister who was also struggling to put food on the table. She then set out on a job hunting spree though she was unable to land on a decent one. It was not until she opened up her mind further that she finally settled for the construction job as a site assistant. “I couldn’t just sit there knowing I have no penny in my wallet yet there are some jobs at the construction site that could earn me a living,” she narrated. “I had to embrace the fact that I was jobless and desperately in need of a job. I also realized that the kind of job you do doesn’t really matter. All that matters is that at the end of the day, you can take care of yourself,” she added.

In her quest to try and cope with change, Esther has been able to stand against all odds by taking on a job that society has always assigned to the male gender. In fact, she proudly associates with the saying that ‘what a man can do, a woman can do better.’ She goes on to further advice young people, especially women and girls, to turn a deaf ear to naysayers and simply concentrate on earning a decent honest living. Vice Versa Global is a platform spearheaded by young African journalists who are keen on telling the African story from the youth’s point of view by creating socially conscious content through vlogs, columns, video, articles and discussions in order to share ideas and spark dialogue about social change. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. https://web.facebook.com/viceversaglobal/ https://twitter.com/globalviceversa https://viceversaonline.nl/vice-versa-global/

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Congratulations Bobi Wine at 40

The struggle continues........ My father was 40 years old when he had me and 40 years later, here I am at 40 with 4 lovely children. I was 4 when our country was taken over and now am 40. What's with the number '4' and me?? They say life begins at 40, so let's toast to life. #BobiWineAt40.

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Floriade Expo 2022 in Almere By Our Reporter

loriade Expo 2022 opens with 33 international participants Under the theme Growing Green Cities, national and international participants at Floriade present innovations and green solutions that are needed to make cities more fun, sustainable and liveable. Together with the Dutch Horticultural Council, Floriade asks parties from all over the world to present their best practices for a sustainable and green future. It is expected that 33 countries will participate in Floriade Expo 2022. International participants Floriade welcomes more than 400 national and international participants, expected to include 33 countries. A large number of countries have confirmed, others are in the design phase and Floriade is still in talks with several countries. The following 26 countries have confirmed their participation: Belgium, Benin, Bolivia, China, Comoros, DR Congo, Germany, Ecuador, Ethiopia, France, Ghana, Italy, India, Japan, Yemen, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Nepal, Sudan, Suriname, Thailand, Chad, Turkey, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and South Korea. Final talks are being held with a number of countries. It is expected that seven more participating countries will follow from these discussions. Bhutan, Indonesia and Russia are not participating in the Expo. Construction activities The construction of the country pavilions is going fast. In recent weeks, the lot transfers have taken place from Belgium, India, Luxembourg, Nepal, Thailand and Turkey. China, France, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Thailand, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are making progress with their field work. Belgium, Italy and Nepal will start building the pavilion this week. First Pavilion Japan’s Sayotama Farm Garden is ready. The Japanese pavilion is the first international entry ready. The garden is being laid out and a start has now been made on furnishing

the pavilion. Visitors will soon discover that the themes of Satoyama are closely related to the theme “Growing Green Cities”. The Expo connects nations, international companies, non-governmental organizations and two million (inter)national visitors. In order to devise structural innovative, green solutions for sustainable and liveable cities, connections between cultures, countries and regions are necessary. By connecting, collaborating and entering into new partnerships, we arrive at solutions that make cities more liveable and sustainable. Floriade Expo 2022 From April 14 to October 9, 2022, Almere will be the stage for the world horticultural exhibition Floriade Expo 2022. Dutch horticulture will then, together with national and

international partners, present innovations and solutions for sustainable and liveable cities. The theme “Growing Green Cities” is central on the 60-hectare site. The exhibition site is a short travel distance from Amsterdam and directly on the A6 with a view of the skyline of Almere. For more information: Press office Floriade Expo 2022 www.floriade. com E: pressoffice@floriade.com M: +31 (0)6 82901074

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Column: THE AFRICAN PROMISE - THE AFRICAN YOUTH By Nicholas Jimmy (Jimmie Nicks)

hen I was growing up, the idea that Africa would one day be perceived as one was a farfetched dream. Some of our former leaders from across the African divides who coiled the Panafricanism possibilities are either long gone or too old to recollect. But what was once an idea is now not only possibility but borders are now beginning to open up. Many of us the young panafricans who are excited to be part of the new Africa with the new thinking are already anxious to see what areas we can thrive with such move of open borders and new economic opportunities - waiting for the entire continent to follow the

example set by a few who have become forerunners in this challenge - Business in mind. While I am very optimistic about what Africa can and will be I keep on summoning myself for meetings here and there - every now and then. Most of my meetings have endless questions and pondering, always ending with the question - what is my responsibility in all this. Previously this question would always end up with more thinking and envisioning but when all is said and done- it always leads to the leadership we have/ we should have. The current slogan ‘I AM AFRICAN AND AFRICA IS MY BUSINESS’ is coming handy in speeches

of many arousing this kind of mind set. But seated enemy of what is my responsibility as I currently encountered during voter registration drive involvement while working with political aspirants in my country Kenya got me thinking. With current state of global elevation in matters awareness, education and involvement in national matters - we expect t h e African community especially the young blood to be upfront in voicing out community matters. But unfortunately it’s not so. Yes we have encountered a few people here and there championing community action from village to global platforms- but the sad story is that not half of the African population is involved. Talk of sensitive matters as election and leadership - voter apathy by the youth is saddening especially in communities where the old rebrand as youth to continue holding offices while the youth has extremely been alienated from politics and leadership. Previously we had a generation that believed the place of women was in the kitchen but with current examples set by many who have defiled such thinking is proven such norms backward and untrue. And while this kind of discrimination against women is fading and a new working community been birthed, the forces that helped change such norms should now focus on the youth or it will be too late to save the burning cake in the oven.

“Nicholas Jimmy (Jimmie Nicks) is a graduate with B. A degree in Integrated Community Development, since his college days, he has continued to champion community programs on capacity building and eventually founding United Global Volunteers International, with twelve years of experience as an expert in Community Development, he is also the Founder of Kollywood Horizons - media Business, he also organizes World Volunteer Day (WVD) every 5th of December in Kenya, creating awareness on the need to grow volunteer culture and helps community institutions to get free experts & volunteers to assist solve community problems while experts get opportunity to re-learn and get exposure through various programs across targeting Grassroot capacity building. Jimmy has been awarded by Kenyan government (2010) receiving Good Samaritan honorary award presided by the then speaker of national assembly, Hon. Kenneth Marende. He has also been awarded by Daystar University as the youngest servant leader impacting communities” 38

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Samia is a master political player but Magufuli laws stand in her way By LUKE ANAMI

anzania’s President Samia Suluhu is increasingly distinguishing herself as an adept political chess player. In the 11 months she has been at the helm in Dodoma, she has put the country back on the world map, moving from Covid denialism to acceptance and vigorous vaccination. She has instituted policy and diplomatic efforts to put the Covid-ravaged economy on a growth trend, wooed investors with tax and other trade-related concessions, and continued pushing the projects her predecessor John Magufuli had started.

Tanzania. The AFD extended a €80 million ($90.9 million) sovereign loan and another €1 million ($1.1 million) grant for technical assistance to strengthen the Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank in its role in financing the agriculture sector. President Samia then flew to Brussels, where she met with one of the government’s harshest critics, Chadema’s deputy party leader and presidential candidate in the 2020 election, Tundu Lissu, who has been in exile in Belgium following an assassination attempt in Dodoma in 2017.

But it is human rights, freedoms and democracy that present the litmus test for Tanzania’s first woman president. As the successor of Magufuli aka Bulldozer, a man seen to have constricted rights and freedoms, Samia has been under pressure to institute reforms. Last month, she toured Europe in her second outing outside the continent since she became president — she attended the COP26 in Glasgow last November — visiting France and Belgium, from where she is returning with a bag full of goodies for Tanzanians. On the sidelines of this year’s One Ocean Summit in Brest, President Samia signed three financing agreements with France totalling €259 million ($294.4 million). The deal, also overseen by Franck Riester, Minister Delegate in charge of Foreign Trade and Attractiveness, and Rémy Rioux, chief executive of the French Development Agency (AFD), is meant to facilitate access to finance for the agricultural sector in

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The meeting gave the clearest signal yet that the fiery legislator and lawyer may return to Tanzania soon. A press release and pictures of both leaders were widely circulated online, triggering a debate on the implications of the apparent rapprochement.

Reaching out Mr Lissu said he was the one who sought the meeting with the head of state. “When I learnt that President Samia was coming to Belgium for the African Union-European Union meeting, I contacted her people and requested to meet with her,” he said. “As you are aware, I am in exile courtesy of the bad leadership of her predecessor John Pombe Magufuli.” He said he asked the president to invite him to Tanzania. “I am ready to return home. All I need from her is a public commitment, a public invitation that I am free to go and that I can be safe. I can work with her as the vice-chairman of Chadema,” said Mr Lissu. The camaraderie in the photos shows two politicians who have mutual respect. In fact, when Mr Lissu was flown to Nairobi Hospital after gunmen sprayed his vehicle with bullets in Dodoma, hitting him 16 times, Mama Samia, then the vice-president, was the senior-most state official who visited him. During the Brussels meeting, President Samia did not immediately respond to Mr Lissu’s demands, but she lent him an ear. “I did not expect her to answer immediately, but she assured me that she would address my concerns,” Mr Lissu told the press. The call for a new Constitution was also part of the dis-

leader Freeman Mbowe to court. He is facing six charges, including conspiracy to commit terrorism. The case has dragged on for more than six months, with frequent deferments. Last month, a High Court ruled that the accused have a case to answer, paving the way for defence proceedings to begin on March 4. He and other Chadema members were arrested in Mwanza last July ahead of a planned public meeting to demand constitutional reforms. Mr Lissu says the president has the power and authority to grant Tanzania a new Constitution and ensure free and fair elections. He is optimistic that President Samia is open to reforms. Shrewd politician But observers say President Samia is a shrewd politician, who knows how to exploit public relations opportunities like the one Mr Lissu offered, while still having an ace up her sleeve. Her calm mien, in contrast with former president Magufuli’s abrasive “bulldozer” character has won her admiration, with hopes that she will heal the divisions in the country. Mr Lissu and ACT-Wazalendo leader Zitto Kabwe have expressed hope that the government will change course under her leadership. “Tanzania will return to international and regional fold under her presidency. That misguided isolationism that defined Magufuli is untenable. It was costing the country dearly,” Mr Lissu told the press last year. When she took over office, she promised to call the opposition to dialogue. She also went on to take the chair of the CCM, shattering the sentiment in some quarters that the party hardliners would not give her an easy time. But she has moved to build a political base in the ruling party before any major rifts.

Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu cussions. Incidentally, it is what took Chadema party

President Samia has also made headway in mending fences broken by her predecessor on the human-rights front. Her early days in power saw, among other things, the release of dozens of Tanzanians who spent years in detention without trial under Magufuli for non-bailable charges ranging from money laundering to economic crimes and terrorism. Still, these changes have been greeted with cautious optimism. The laws Magufuli used to effect these decisions are still Continued on Page 42 www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Continued on Page 41

in place and President Samia says the time for constitutional review is not ripe. Although power play, grumblings of discontent and other intrigues within the CCM haven’t yet come to a head, pundits say they will inevitably do before the next General Election in which she is expected to defend her seat.

Stergomena Tax, the first female Defence Minister, Liberata Mulamula (Foreign Affairs) Ms Mwalimu (Health), Angelina Mabula (Land and Housing), Ms Ndalichako and Ms Chana (PM’s office).

To this end, she has dealt firmly with the emerging dissent in her party, recently sacking ministers and officials who didn’t seem to toe the party line and those who have exhibited ambitions for a contest in the 2025 general election. The January Cabinet reshuffle saw the president’s loyalists make it into government. She removed William Lukuvi (Lands), Industry and Trade Minister Kitila Mkumbo (Trade), Palamagamba Kabudi (Constitution and Legal Affairs), as well as Geoffrey Mwambe (Investment). CCM’s former publicity secretary Nape Nnauye, who had been sacked by Magufuli in 2017, bounced back as Information, Communications and Technology minister, and Ummy Mwalimu returned to the Health docket after a stint as the Minister of State in the President’s Office. Pindi Chana, a former high commissioner to Kenya, was named Minister of State Prime Minister’s Office in charge of Policy and Parliament Affairs, and Joyce Ndalichako Minister of State in Prime Minister’s Office in charge of Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disabilities. Ridhiwan Kikwete, former president Jakaya Kikwete’s son, was named Land deputy minister. Powerful women Notably, the president has put women on powerful dockets:

President Samia Suluhu of Tanzania This month, Tulia Ackson was elected parliamentary Speaker after Job Ndugai was pushed out of the seat following a falling out with the president over his criticism of her borrowing trend. Mr Ndugai said that the country was in danger of being auctioned over its growing external debt. Tanzania’s national debt rose by almost 20 percent last year as President Samia ramped up borrowing to fund infrastructure projects. Public debt increased by $6.1 billion to $37.1 billion in 2021, according to the Bank of Tanzania. In January, Mr Ndugai bowed to growing pressure from CCM to resign. Recently, she appointed Zuhura Yunus, a veteran journalist, as director of Presidential Communications. The provincial administration has also been populated with women administrators although their ratio is still lower than that of men. This is part of President Samia’s efforts to achieve gender equity in her administration. She says her aim is to achieve a 50:50 ratio. On media, Samia lifted a ban on four newspapers that were shut down by Magufuli. Tanzania Daima, Mawio, Mwanahalisi and Mseto were said to have been troublemakers and unethical when they lost their licences.

Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu addressing her country men and women

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Information Minister Nape Nnauye told editors in Dar es Salaam that the licences were restored as part of the country’s continued efforts to support civil liberties. “It’s good to start a new chapter,” he said.

But serious concerns about the perceived reforms remain. For one, the draconian rules are still in the statute and can be deployed by the state at any time. In 2016, Tanzania enacted the Media Services Act that allowed the government to shut down media houses, or suspend publications and broadcasts. It was followed with a clampdown, including demanding registration from YouTubers and bloggers as well as restricting cue-ins by local TV stations to global channels. Newspapers touching on sensitive issues were quickly shut down. The International Press Institute (IPI), an association of editors, media executives and leading journalists, and which had initially criticised the clampdown, has welcomed the new reforms but called for further action to ensure oppressive laws are repealed. “Lawmakers must urgently bring Tanzania’s media laws in line with international standards to prevent the threat of censorship in the future,” said Ravi Prasad, IPI Director of Advocacy. “In addition, attacks against journalists in recent years must be the subject of serious and thorough investigations to prevent impunity.” Tanzania Editors Forum chairman Deodatus Balile, after meeting with Minister Nnauye in Dar es Salaam, made a similar call.

Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu in warm handshake with opposition leader who fled the country under the former President Magufuli When she came to power, President Samia called on public officials to stop harassing journalists, reassured the country of the freedom of expression and directed the lifting of bans on media. At a briefing in Dar es Salaam in April 2021, she said the media should be allowed to operate freely as long as they work within the law. This week in Europe, she reiterated the same in an interview with DW Swahili Service. The president’s approach of meeting with heads of state and organisations has opened up and strengthened diplomatic relations and reinforced her political influence across the region and beyond. From the early days of her administration, she indicated that she would pursue economic partnerships. From holding meetings with key players in the global economy to visits to Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi and Mozambique, she has been repairing ties with the outside world.

Late President John Magufuli was regarded as tough and uncompromising

Will the same charm hold off the campaign for law reforms and expansion of the democratic space? Will she repeal laws that she could deploy to shore up against her rivals? www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Nigerian Christians under persecution Help us please....... It is a well known fact that Nigerian Christians are under severe persecution particularly in the Northern part of the country. They continued to be attacked, properties destroyed, thousands of people dead, many more displaced, farm lands destroyed, children left homeless, orphans and desolate in a nation of plenty of resources. A government unable to protect his people. We have received a request from an organization helping these persecuted Christians to get some type or relief. They are calling on us on the Diaspora to support and help through our kind donations. The organization is coordinating assistances, see the flyers published below for details of how you can support their efforts. We approve the flyers so you can send support directly or contact them for clarification or more information. God bless you all. TV Management https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zg52LK6cJlw&feature=youtu.be

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Meet Makiwa Ekyiombani who goes by the Artist name: King Fanatic He was born in 1992 in Braka Fizi in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In 2000, he fled from Congo to Kenya where he grew up and he had his primary school, High school & University. In 2012, he was resettled in the Netherlands in first place was in Sneek Friesland and currently he resides in the city of Rotterdam. He started playing music at a very young age when he was 11 years old and at the time he reached high school where he discovered that he had a talent and from that time he started perusing his music career. In his career, he managed to come up with his line of clothing and his brand which goes with the name FIZI EMPIRE and for now he is proud to see it growing from different part of the world. For more blackout levels and his music, please follow him on social handles; Instagram: @kingfanaticofficial Twitter: King Fanatic Facebook: King Fanatic And lastly you can stream to his music in all music platforms worldwide by searching KING FANATIC. Ladies & Gentlemen, we present to you a New Song by tittle CHERIE COCO, this is my new project of this year 2022. The author is calling on friends to help share the music on social media, WhatsApp and other social media outlets. SHARE LIKE, COMMENT https://youtu.be/aG_YtTDMiU8

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Attributes to Tony Elumelu, C.O.N.

Dear Editor,

Kindly help to publish his message of congratulations to Mr. Tony Elumelu for being an outstanding personality and deserves all recognitions being given to him even though he does not seek after those attentions. Imagine if more successful Africans would start programs for African start-ups? Imagine if African billionaires would have #venturecapital to invest in local innovators? We would not need to go abroad to raise capital and be laughed at because we are developing solutions for the African continent. Congrats Tony O. Elumelu, C.O.N By Henri Nyakarundi Marietta, Georgia, United State

Tony Elumelu is truly an African Champion? Dear Editor, Can I add that you are truly an African! Empowering the future of the continent! Thank you Tony Elumelu for raising entrepreneurs with a difference! Looking forward to connecting with your organisation to collaborate on Comprehensive Schools in Lagos taking off this January 2022. The idea of Comprehensive Schools is to integrate vocational skills acquisition cum academics so that students graduate with all in “one skills” to make them relevant to themselves, the society and the 21st century. Hoping to speak more on this with you sir. Well done! By Onuoha Ezihe Lydia Lagos, Nigeria

Tony Elumelu is man of this generation. Dear Editor, I don’t work with his foundation neither do I work with United Bank of Africa (UBA) but my love for this man Tony Elumelu knows no bounds. The way he has impacted and touched lives in Nigeria and across Africa is truly magical. I am watching and learning from afar. Indeed social and economic development does not only thrive in an atmosphere of peace but of love, and charity. I recall in December 2019, I met a beautiful damsel in UBA Biu in Borno State of Nigeria and today she is a wife. Tony’s name is always on her lips. She is so grateful for the opportunity given to her through Tony Elumelu foundation. More grace sir and may God continue to keep you for generations to come. Happy New Year 2022. Mr. Tony Elumelu you are the man of this generation. By Paul M. Obeka Gombe, Nigeria

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ECOWAS agreed to impose additional sanctions on the military junta in Mali

eaders in sub-region of West Africa have shown commitment to good governance, democratic enterprises, says Nigeria’s Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo immediately after the meeting with ECOWAS Head of States where he represented President Buhari. The Vice President added that there is clear

Summit of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government to discuss the political situation in the Republic of Mali. At the Summit, ECOWAS agreed to impose additional sanctions on the military junta in Mali, withdraw all ECOWAS Ambassadors in the country, and also close land

Vice President of Nigeria Prof Yemi Osibanjo

evidence international community will no longer accept unconstitutional takeover of government in any country within the region and in the continent at large. With its latest stand against unconstitutional seizure of power, leaders of member states in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have shown strong resolve and commitment to issues of good governance and democracy in the sub-region, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN. Prof. Osinbajo stated this in Accra, Ghana last month, where he represented President Muhammadu Buhari at an Extraordinary 50

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and air borders between ECOWAS Member States and Mali. The Vice President disclosed that there is a strong resolve by ECOWAS Member States to stand against coup d’états in the sub-region. Speaking to journalists after the Summit, Prof. Osinbajo said: “what is being done is unprecedented. In the years gone by, the African Union, then known as OAU and ECOWAS, never came down heavily on Coups de’tats; but there is evidence now that there is a very strong resolve that ECOWAS and, indeed, AU and the international community will not accept unconstitutional

takeover of government.” Continuing, Prof. Osinbajo said, “it’s very evident that there is very strong resolve, which is why we are here today. We expect that the actions that will be taken will point the junta in Mali in the right direction.” “I think ECOWAS has shown that it has not lost its bite where there are concerns about issues of good governance and democratic enterprises in the sub-region, which is why sanctions against Guinea and Mali were imposed. After reviewing the situation in Mali at the Extraordinary Summit, the sub-regional leaders rejected the transition schedule proposed by the Malian military junta, noting that “the proposed chronogram for a transition is totally unacceptable”. The body also imposed additional sanctions on the junta, including the following: a) Withdrawal of all ECOWAS Ambassadors in Mali; b) Closure of land and air borders between ECOWAS countries and Mali; c) Suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS Member States and Mali, with the exception of the following products: essential consumer goods; pharmaceutical products; medical supplies and equipment, including materials for the control of COVID-19 products, and electricity d) Freeze of assets of the Republic of Mali in ECOWAS Central Banks; e) Freeze of assets of the Malian State and the State Enterprises and Parastatals in Commercial Banks f) Suspension of Mali from all financial assistance and transactions from financial institutions. The communique also disclosed that the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government “instructs all Community institutions to take steps to implement these sanctions with immediate effect.” Noting that the sanctions will only be gradually lifted “after an acceptable and agreed transition

chronogram is finalised and monitored-satisfactory progress is realised in the implementation of the chronogram for the elections.” Regarding Guinea, ECOWAS noted that it remained concerned about the slow progress of the transition process four months after the coup. According to the Communique issued at the end of the meeting, “The Authority regrets the absence of chronogram for the election and the nonsetting up of the National Council of Transition (CNT). It also directs that a mission be fielded to Conakry to discuss the transition.” Earlier in his remarks at the opening session of the Summit, Chairman of ECOWAS, President Nana AkufoAddo of Ghana, praised the commitment and support of West African leaders to the progress and prosperity of the sub-region. Recalling the efforts of the leaders in resolving the crisis in parts of the sub-region, President Akufo-Addo said, “as you did through the entire year of 2021, you continue to demonstrate your commitment to responding to urgent and critical evolving situations in the region. “This is the 6th Extraordinary Summit since I assumed the chair of the Authority that Your Excellencies have participated in concerning the vexed issues of Mali and Guinea. It is a strong testimony to your leadership and concern to the progress of ECOWAS.” Aside from Vice President Osinbajo and the Ghanaian President - who presided at the Summit, other West African leaders present at the Summit were Presidents Macky Sall of Senegal; George Weah of Liberia; Patrice Talon of Benin Republic; Roch Marc Christian Kaboré of Burkina Faso, and Alassane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire. Other Heads of State present include Umaro Embalò of the Republic of Guinea Bissau; Mohamed Bazoum of Niger Republic; Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, and the Vice President of The Gambia, Isatou Touray. The session was also attended by former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, who is the ECOWAS Mediator for Mali; the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mr Jean-Claude Kassi Brou; among other representatives of international organisations. By Laolu Akande Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity in the office of the Vice President

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Benin exhibits stolen treasures returned by France

enin President Patrice Talon last month inaugurated an exhibition of historic treasures returned by France last year, nearly 130 years after they were stolen by colonial forces. The 26 pieces, some considered sacred in Benin, will be displayed in a 2,000-square-metre (21,500-square-foot) space in the presidential palace in Cotonou in a show entitled “Benin art yesterday and today”. The return of artefacts by France comes as calls grow in Africa for Western countries to hand A woman takes photos of an anthropo-zoomorphic statues depicting King Glele and King back colonial spoils from Behanzin during an exhibition of returned looted Benin artefacts at the presidency in their museums and private Benin’s capital Cotonou. PHOTO | PIUS UTOMI EKPEI | AFP collections. Britain, Belgium, the In the first room of the exhibition, immense black walls Netherlands and Germany have all received requests from African countries to return form the backdrop for a display of the thrones of Dahomey, lost treasures. The 26 pieces returned in November last year including the wood and metal sculpture throne of king after two years of negotiations between Paris and Cotonou, Ghezo. were stolen in 1892 by French colonial forces from Abomey, “Since it was installed, I haven’t stopped contemplating it,” capital of the former Dahomey kingdom located in south of said Theo Atrokpo, one of the exhibition guides. “I had already seen it in the Quai Branly museum in France, modern-day Benin. This exhibition equals “pride and faith in what we once were, but to see it here, home with us, it brings back part of our in what we are and in what we will be”, President Talon told soul and connects with our history.” President Talon inaugurated the event presented the reporters. That the exhibits were finally returning home had broken exhibition to France’s Culture Minister Roselyne Bachelot a taboo and paved the way for more such repatriations, he before the official opening. “It’s a magnificent exhibition which brings out the majesty, argued. creativity, and the incredible historic, political and aesthetic “We did it,” he said. patrimony that these 26 artefacts represent,” the minister ‘Part of their soul’ Benin Culture Minister Jean-Michel Abimbola earlier told told the press. the press that the exhibition was “returning to the Benin ‘Very emotional’ people part of their soul, part of their history and their Alongside the royal treasures, the works of 34 contemporary artists have been selected for the exhibition. dignity”. The objects “were taken from a kingdom, but they are “It’s very emotional to be in front of this throne,” said Laeila Adjovi, a French-Benin artist whose work forms part of the returning to a republic”, he said. Before its unification Benin was made up of several exhibition. kingdoms, including Dahomey, which was known for its “But I never imagined it would be so large.” French President Emmanuel Macron has worked to restore vibrant artistic culture.

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African heritage and Benin’s culture minister said discussions were ongoing to return other objects, including the sculpture of the god Gou, which is in the Louvre Museum in Paris. French lawmakers have passed a bill allowing Paris to return artefacts to both Benin and Senegal, another former French colony. Some were seized by colonial administrators, Doors of the palace of Abomey Kingdom are displayed during the exhibition of returned troops or doctors looted Benin artefacts. PHOTO | PIUS UTOMI EKPEI | AFP and passed down to descendants who in A report commissioned by Macron counted some 90,000 turn donated them to museums in Europe and the United African works in French museums, 70,000 of them at the States. Quai Branly alone. But others were gifts to missionaries or acquired by African “The work of restitution continues,” said French minister art collectors at the start of the 20th century or discovered Bachelot. “We are working on a law that will help facilitate by scientific expeditions. this restitution.”

A sculptural artwork by Euloge Ahanhanzo-Glele is displayed during an exhibition of returned Benin artefacts and the capital Cotonou. PHOTO | PIUS UTOMI EKPEI | AFP

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At EU-AU Summit, President Buhari calls for weighty sanctions for unconstitutional leadership changes in Africa

resident Muhammadu Buhari in Brussels, Belgium called on European leaders as partners in promoting democracy and good governance to lend their weight behind measures put in place by the African Union to stem the tide of unconstitutional leadership changes, rearing its head again on the continent. In his contribution to the round table discussion on Peace,

President Buhari with Dr. Adesina during their meeting in Belgium at AU Summit conference.

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Security and Governance at the just concluded 6th EUAU Summit, President Buhari equally stressed the need to nip the root causes of extremism, conflicts and tensions in Africa at inception. “Africa has continued to witness different waves of violent extremism, community- based conflicts and interethnic tensions, notably in rural areas. For many decades, our continent has been deprived of political stability and socio-economic development due to terrorism and violent extremism. “More worrisome is the current state of democracy on the continent, which has become a great source of concern to many of us, with increasing cases of unconstitutional change of governments across the continent, particularly in West Africa. This is in addition to the challenges posted by COVID-19 pandemic. “The African Union has often responded to these challenges through its different structures, such as the African Peace and Security Architecture and the African Governance Architecture. “Through enhanced collaboration with our development partners, especially the European Union, we can identify areas of cooperation for quick and substantive results. “As leaders and policy makers, it is important for our partnership to place priority on tackling the root causes of conflicts in Africa, as well as taking measures in safeguarding peace and security, if we are to achieve the African Union Agenda 2063. “We also call for stronger support from the European Union in the condemnation and imposition of weighty sanctions on countries that engage in unconstitutional change of governments, as well as manipulation of constitutions in favor of extension of term limits,” he said. The Nigerian leader added that it was imperative to ensure that election processes in Africa have outcomes that truly reflect the wishes of the electorate, as to go contrary to these is courting instability. According to him, “we have a responsibility to reduce conflicts that stem from lack of good governance, unaccountability, corruption and social exclusion. “Free, fair, credible and transparent elections remain crucial elements in ensuring peace and security, and

promoting constitutional order, democracy and inclusive governance on the continent. “It is therefore imperative for our partnership to also focus on strengthening election processes in Africa and prevent interference to influence the process and outcomes of elections.” President Buhari also called for the concretization and transformation of promises of cooperation made by the European leaders to actions. “I wish to underscore the need to convert our pledges on political cooperation in the area of peace, security and conflict prevention into concrete initiatives such as joint field missions, shared understanding and analysis on crisis situations, as well as joint early action and swift implementation of agreed positions. “The movement and operation of terrorists and violent extremist groups along the Sahel could better be addressed through an improved Continental Early Warning Mechanism. Consequently, we believe there is a clear need to strengthen our cooperation on security

with the European Union, particularly through improved intelligence sharing and acquisition of military equipment and hardware. “We invite the EU to up scale its support for the G5 Sahel and the Multinational Joint Task force in the Lake Chad Region as we strive to further degrade the BokoHaram insurgents and their Islamic State in the West Africa Province counterparts. Africa also looks up to Europe for enhanced support in the area of combating Illicit financial flows and terrorism funding that aid the activities of terrorists and violent extremist groups.” He called for all hands to be on deck to ensure that Africa’s Blue Economy Agenda for development is realized. According to him, “I must emphasize the importance of expanding regional and international cooperation on ocean governance, on the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing as well as on maritime security, including piracy, illicit trafficking and other maritime crimes and threats as reflected in the 2050 Africa Integrated Maritime Strategy.” By Garba Shehu Spokesperson for the President of Nigeria

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President Kenyatta leads Kenya national day celebrations at Expo 2020

enya is taking its turn in the spotlight at Expo 2020 in Dubai as the country celebrates its national day. President Uhuru Kenyatta led a flag-raising ceremony in Al Wasl Plaza earlier with hundreds of onlookers present. He was welcomed by Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, commissioner general of Expo 2020 Dubai. President Kenyatta said: “I wish at the onset of my remarks to congratulate the government and the people of the United Arab Emirates for the successful and safe management of this expo. “Organisers have effectively ensured adherence to the regulations set out by the World Health Organisation (WHO). “This has helped keep all those participating in this event safe, and indeed proved instructive, offering lessons, on how the world can deal with any such eventuality in the future.” Each national day is dedicated to a participating country, with a cultural showcase on offer to guests. Kenya will also seek to bolster business opportunities and foster partnerships between local and international investors. Kenyatta added: “Kenya is very keen and strengthens existing relations with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states – and, indeed, with all participants of this expo. ADVERTISEMENT “We seek to harness the opportunities offered by this expo to build new business relationships, new investments, but also to bring tourists to enjoy Kenya and its renowned attractions.” He continued: “Today, I invite all of you to visit our exhibition, to sample the goods and services on offer, and to participate in the esteemed tourism promotion event we are offering. “Kenya is becoming a newly-industrialising, middle-income country, providing a high quality of life to all our citizens, as set out in the Kenya 2030 agenda. “Trade and investment, as well as strong relationships with the private sector, are key to realising this mission.

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“It is against this backdrop that we seek to increase trade with the GCC and partners across the Middle East.” Expo 2020 visitors can today also enjoy a spectacular and colourful live performance of the traditional music and dance of Kenya. Performed by the celebrated national dance company, the dance troupe will showcase the beauty and diversity of traditional Kenyan music. Kenyatta concluded: “As a country, we are in a strong position – Kenya is without doubt the largest economy in eastern Africa, it is the business hub for the region, a trade and logistic facility for the surrounding eleven countries. “Further, Kenya enjoys economic stability; we are a fullyliberalised economy, with a large domestic consumer market, and access to our most important asset, which is a youthful, educated population. “These attributes have made Kenya the destination of choice for many multi-national companies, and a destination of choice for foreign direct investment in our region. “In the spirit of our vision for 2030, we are here to promote business-to-business partnerships, and to establish links between public and private sector institutions.”

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed receives President of Kenya

HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces (R) receives HE Uhuru Kenyatta, President of Kenya (L), during a Sea Palace barza. (Rashed Al Mansoori / Ministry of Presidential Affairs )

is Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, received President of Kenya, President Uhuru Kenyatta, in Abu Dhabi last month. President Uhuru also attended his country’s celebration of the National Day as Expos 20220 Dubai where he spoke to the international press and Kenyans resident in United Arab Emirates. During the meeting that took place at Qasr Al Bahr Majlis, Sheikh Mohamed underscored the UAE’s keenness to strengthen its relations with Kenya in the fields of economy, trade, investment, agriculture and other areas related to the development drive championed by the two nations. The two sides also discussed a number of issues of interest,

including bolstering cooperation and coordination at the United Nations to support common issues and goals in light of the two countries’ membership in the UN Security Council. The meeting touched on Kenya’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai, and its importance in embodying its vision for the future and introducing its culture and heritage and the investment opportunities it offers. Sheikh Mohamed thanked the Kenyan President for his country’s condemnation of the recent Houthi terrorist attacks on civil facilities in the UAE and for declaring its solidarity with the UAE following that act of terror. During the meeting, Sheikh Mohamed reiterated the great importance that the UAE attaches to its relations with the African continent in various fields, and its support for all that it takes to achieve stability and peace and bring prosperity, development and prosperity to African peoples. For his part, the President of Kenya thanked Sheikh Mohamed for the warm reception and support provided by the UAE to Kenya in facing the Covid pandemic. He commended the UAE’s ongoing development drive, stressing his country’s keenness to strengthen its relations with Emirates in various fields. By Wam

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Kenyan CS Monica Juma quits race for Commonwealth job

enyan minister Monica Juma has pulled out of the race for the secretary-general of the 53-nation Commonwealth, suggesting divisions in the club of mainly former British colonies about her candidature. Sources in government confirmed that the Energy Cabinet Secretary, who has been a key figure in President Uhuru Kenyatta’s government, had withdrawn her candidature. “Yes…she [Dr Juma] has withdrawn,” one source told the press.

fracture, rather than cohere, the Commonwealth family,” the publication quoted a statement from Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs as saying. The ministry was quoted as maintaining “that a change of leadership was still needed at the top of the Secretariat and that Juma’s withdrawal would allow time for another candidate to enter the race and build the consensus that the Kenyan candidate could not.” Elections for the top job are set for June in Kigali, Rwanda.

Kenyan Minister Dr. Juma drops out of the race Earlier in a report published, it said that Kenya had formally communicated Dr Juma’s withdrawal citing lack of adequate backing from Commonwealth countries for Kenya’s bid. Kenya’s Foreign Ministry said that it had ‘become apparent that some member states of the Commonwealth are uncomfortable and/or unwilling to provide their support for our candidate’,” reported the publication. “In essence, this means that we have not coalesced consensus among all the member states, a situation that could precipitate a raucous campaign that could further 60

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Before press we could not obtain the statement or get additional details from Dr Juma on why she or Kenya abandoned the spirited bid despite repeated phones queries. Dr Juma had been seen as a strong contender to replace Dominican-born British diplomat and long-serving politician Patricia Janet Scotland. Ms Scotland is serving as the sixth secretary-general of the Commonwealth. By BRIAN NGUGI

Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta endorses Opposition Leader Raila Odinga as Successor

enya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta has officially endorsed opposition leader Raila Odinga to succeed him in the presidential elections set for 9 August 2022. President Kenyatta urged his supporters to back Mr. Raila Odinga’s bid saying that he had the best interests of the country at heart. He said Mr Odinga understood where the country was heading, and that he would therefore be at peace to hand him the “leadership mantle”. Mr Odinga will vie under the Azimio la Umoja, (Swahili for “pledge of unity”) alliance, which is made up of 10 parties, including his Orange Democratic Movement and President Kenyatta’s Jubilee party. Before press time, we also heard that the Raila Odinga alliance is in close contact and negotiation with former Vice President Steven Kalanzo on forming a bigger alliance to confront the alliance of the incumbent Deputy President, Dr. William Ruto. The president’s backing of Mr Odinga has led to the political isolation of Deputy President William Ruto, who is also seeking the presidency under the United Democratic Alliance. The president and his deputy have been estranged since the president reconciled with Mr Odinga in the

aftermath of the 2017 election. After several months of rumours, the contest is getting more clearer now, the battle line is drawn between two men who had been in the same camp to contest and fight the institution are now on opposite directions. The contest is Ruto versus Odinga! Who wins is a matter of few months time to decide. Kenyans are encouraged to keep the peace and ensure there is no repeat of political violence that has come to characterise elections in Kenya in the past two decades.

Would this handshake make all the difference for Odinga? www.thevoicenewsmagazine.com

Mindbeautysphere

By Caroline Omondi

Betrayal - The deepest cut

ou are cut off on the knees, fallen, and left to bleed, the depth of the pain is intense, it feels physical. One is left in one’s own underworld. Betrayal doesn’t come from an enemy, you know, it happens from somebody close. Someone you granted trust to. It can be family, a close friend, your partner. A consequence of betrayal is that you find yourself facing the world with a lot of insecurity. What have I been to this person in the past and how do I move forward from here? It is as if you sink into a deep black hole, left in your own underworld. How do you move forward from an experience as intense as this? The feeling of mistrust, even towards yourself is immense. Shattered is the trust in your own gut feeling. Mistrust flows into future relations that have nothing to do with the initial act of betrayal. And this is harmful in many ways. For one, opening your heart, letting someone in, is a beautiful part of being human. Giving trust heightens the depth of the connection, makes you feel understood, mentally supported: you no longer have to carry matters of the heart all alone. Violation of trust leaves a scar on the soul, that always reminds you of what happened. And you may blame yourself for allowing yourself to be so open,

so sharing, so vulnerable. Of course, this is as utterly unfair as blaming the victim of a crime. It may be easy to blame the other person, but you know trust and betrayal is a joint venture, you played a part in it by letting that other person in. This leaves you with strong emotions of fear, anger, and distrust. Betrayal from sisters, brothers ‘family’ within the 62

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Diaspora, hurts at an even deeper level. You initially think it’s easy, needed and so good to trust when you find someone with whom you share so much in a place where you are considered a minority. You share a lot from where you come from, added by common experiences you face as a person of color in an overtly white society, where we face all daily prejudice, biases, and mistrust. Nobody really cares whether you are here, to stay, to contribute, or not. They, your sisters, and brothers within the Diaspora understand this because they have similar stories to tell. Betrayal in the Diaspora is the wronged expectation that one ‘naturally’ shares a common horizon, by the very fact that you find yourself in the same situation, a world that is not inclined to let you in, full of people that hold you off so easily, the numbed pain of being treated by indifference. That SHOULD make mutual trust, easier. THEN you realize that similar fate is BEING USED as a RESOURCE - in exchange for another relationship that is considered more PROFITABLE. This violation of trust, this deep pain of deception leaves you in the gutted trauma of betrayal. For one cannot feel betrayed if that element of mutual investment, mutual interest, shared knowledge, friendship was never there, to begin with. Many of you know that we are not loved by the people around us. They put up with you, in the family, in the workplace, but somebody else could easily fill your place. Experiences of not being wanted heighten the need to belong, to be understood. Hence you want, you need, you long for being understood, this trust of your sisters and brothers, your people in the Diaspora. The hard lesson you then learn is that it is never ‘us versus them’, that meaningful categories in life are more fluid. It’s more like, ‘people that share more and respond similarly to same experiences like I do, in contrast to those that have less in common in their emotional responses to situations. The bias here is that one assumes that the ingroup, we people of the African Diaspora in Europe, have more in common than you have with members of the outgroup. The mistake is that one easily forgets there is as much diversity WITHIN groups as BETWEEN. One of the lessons I learned from betrayals within the Diaspora is that I am now more than before, inclined to look at people and my relationship in terms of degree: more, or less in common, instead of heralding absolutes, as in black and white experiences. I guess, what I want to say is that if you have little or no positive expectations of people, as in for instance

your colleagues or in-laws, you are not easily disappointed by them either when they retract from or not choose for you, let alone see and resonate with your side of stories. Betrayal comes not from people that you always knew were not on your side, it comes from abuse of trust, of the assumption of being kindred, and then, blast, the opposite happens! What we tend to overlook, is that one assumes similarities that should, as if by force of nature, bring trust. It’s like, we are all in the same boat, living in a cold alien world that doesn’t know us, doesn’t appreciate us - not even tries to get us. We give trust by sharing our problems, concerns, pains - and then, this trust is violated - because those that we believe to have so much in common with, have beyond commonalities also traits that differentiate them from us, differences that we happily overlooked, blinded as we are by our personal need of solidarity. This being different, and going for their own short-term needs, makes them exchange your trust for spilling over to someone else. Ouch! Is there recovery from the trauma of betrayal? I do believe we need a lot of assumed or real experienced similarities as a precondition to share our vulnerabilities. Being human, we all need and benefit mentally, emotionally even spiritually, from having significant others in our lives: dear friends, partners in the true meaning of the word. Often, we find this among people that share a lot of cultured experiences with us. But having such cultured experiences in common is never a guarantee for trust to flourish. We best be aware of that. One may in retrospect wonder whether the trust given was justified in the first place. Yet, does the builder stop the construction of a home if (s)he encounters one or more crooked nails? No - (s)he puts them aside and builds on. That’s what we most likely would wish to do ourselves, but in many cases, it doesn’t happen that way. Experienced pain doesn’t make you automatically more compassionate, more kind, simply because we all are fragile beings, wanting to be understood, to share, and to empower ourselves and hopefully others. It takes determination, effort, and inner courage to move away from the bitterness and pain of betrayal. Most likely to move on we need something precious that significant others left in us - the experienced grace of being unconditionally loved. It is this foundation, this gift by others, that gives us the inner confidence and self-love that enables us to TRANSFORM - the pain of betrayal, into a higher quality. Not all of us are this lucky that they have within themselves this cushion, this resilience, that allows them to bend but not to break. To bend, and to bounce back. Wiser, not harsher. This brings us back to choices. We do not pick the situations we find ourselves in, but we can choose how we respond to the challenges life presents us. To struggle is not bad. Not negative in or by itself. It’s good to remind oneself that betrayal - is a relational term, in yet another meaning of the word. It’s the negative, painful evidence that you can connect, that you are able to trust, to give access. All these are essential and beautiful human qualities that constitute the foundation that underwrites our humanity. They makes us beautiful, loving, rich. Violation of these qualities hurts so much because it betrays what is in essence given freely. One can, with some effort and time, see that one is blessed,

to own this unique human capacity to connect lovingly with another human being. We can choose for kindness, warmth, non-duality. Because this fertilizes, feeds the self and those that we bestow our love onto. It’s the most beneficial choice. Not the easiest one, but the one that bears the richest fruits. Should we limit our vulnerability? Can you truly connect with people without sharing something that is dear to you? Because this sharing is what’s mostly used against us when we face betrayal. Yes, you can. But the principle of reciprocity, which I use consciously as ‘empathy’ in my seminars, is a great enabler of feeling good, of making oneself understood. And it is a valuable currency that has the potential to empower oneself as much as others. When I use the words ‘sharing of parts of oneself ’ in one breath with ‘currency’ I mean that this sharing has the potential to liberate but offers no guarantee that the outcome is always as desired. One should use the sharing of what is personal, wisely. And maybe as with all things valuable, with a good sense of its value. In matters of the heart, as in trust, one must be awake, patiently surely. I like to call this maintaining healthy boundaries. Give it time to open, to grow, give time to everything, including trust. You may be familiar with the Italian saying, ‘To trust is good, not to trust is better!’. There is some wisdom here, like in all popular sayings, one should be careful who to trust with one’s trust. But personally, I don’t like the ‘do not trust’ (others) message that is in it. We need to trust, it’s wholesome to be able to build relationships with meaningful others and this presupposes some level of trust. It’s a capacity to share and in the sharing to lighten one’s burdens. One should not let one’s life be primed and dictated by fear. The paradigm of fear stiffens and does sell short to our human potential. I believe in the power of softness, kindness, sharing, be it of course not to the level of stupidity. I also don’t like the message, that maybe one better be more cautious and learn from past mistakes. Such lessons learned, easily translate into shielding oneself from future disappointments by holding oneself back, and in doing so protecting oneself from future betrayal and the hurt that comes from it. I don’t like this lesson to the Self because, fear, distrust, do not simply protect, it negatively affects the level of connectivity we can have. In that sense, it hampers present and future relationships with others because we approach them always with a sense of reserve. That is not the quality of life I choose for myself. I want to trust, to enjoy the light of trusting meaningful relationships. And pain - sorry to say, dear readers - serves a purpose too. Pain isn’t all bad, it has potential for the good as well. Pain is a knot that indicates we hit a learning curve. Providing we are courageous, kind, and caring enough to unravel, we may find a way to grow. Let’s remember, not all growth comes intended. For if we would know the price, the costs, the pain, maybe we would rather step away from it. And in choosing to avoid pain we may lose something else, something we maybe would have never found out the true value of. She could be reached or followed via @mindbeautysphere @fashionhightea E-mail: info@fashionhightea.eu

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AFCON champions Senegal inaugurates Turkish-built world class stadium

ewly crowned Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champion Senegal inaugurated a 50,000-seater stadium, the country’s only venue certified to host international football. Thousands of Senegalese gathered for the inauguration of the stadium aimed at making the country Africa’s go-to venue for international events. The world-class stadium in the city of Diamniadio, 30 kilometers (20 miles) from the capital Dakar, was built in just 18 months by Turkey’s Summa construction company, at a cost of 156 billion CFA francs ($270 million). The inauguration ceremony was attended by Senegal’s

President Macky

Senegal’s President Macky Sall (C) stands beside Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (L) and CAF President Patrice Motsepe as they attend the inauguration of the Stade de Senegal, Diamniadio, Senegal Sall, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, FIFA President Gianni Infantino among others. President Adama Barrow of the Gambia was also in attendance during the inauguration of the new ultra-modern Olympic stadium in Diamniadio, in Senegal at the invitation of Senegalese President Macky Sall. He joined other African leaders of President George Weah of Liberia, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea Bissau, and Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany. The venue is named in honor of former President Abdoulaye Wade. President Sall said during the naming of the stadium was a “tribute to the multidimensional, intellectual, pan-Africanist politician.” “This beautiful infrastructure dedicated to young people is an invitation to continue our path towards excellence,” President Sall said. Jubilant crowds came by bus and train for the inauguration, which follows Senegal’s

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dramatic victory at the AFCON finals which took place in Cameroon on 6th February 2022. “It’s a source of pride to have a stadium as beautiful as this in Senegal. The country needed it to restore its footballing image,” said one fan, Bamba Dieng, 24. “I’ve never seen such a great stadium. I hope it will be properly maintained so that it lasts for a very long time,” said Ibou Ngom, 29. Mbaye Jacques Diop, a communications advisory at the ministry of sports, said the project was part of a program to make Dakar a “sporting hub” for Africa. It would mean an end to matches transferred to Asia because the continent lacked infrastructure, he said. The first big competitive match at the Stadium will be held on March 29. Senegal has launched a program to refurbish its stadiums before Dakar hosts the Summer Youth Olympics in 2026.

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Ajax to pay €7.85 million settlement to Abdelhak Nouri’s family over 2017 cardiac arrest By William Lloyd

he family of Ajax player Abdelhak Nouri and the Amsterdam football club concluded a settlement agreement four and a half years after the player suffered a cardiac arrest during a friendly match against Werder Bremen in Austria. The Amsterdam football club will pay the family 7.85 million euros in compensation, Ajax said last month. It was already clear in November that the arbitration case against the team had been cancelled. Nouri collapsed on the pitch during the match on July 8, 2017, when he was just 20 years old. Had a defibrillator been available and put to use, it would have given medics a clearer picture of how he should be treated, the team admitted in a report a year

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after the incident. Instead, Nouri was rushed to intensive care but it took too long before anyone focused attention on his heartbeat and the poor level of blood circulation. As a result, Nouri has extensive brain damage. “If the defibrillator had been deployed, this would have shown that resuscitation could start,” said the team’s director, Edwin van de Sar, when the report was released. “If that had been done, Abdelhak might have had a better outcome.” Ajax already accepted responsibility for the incident in 2018, but the family said the team dragged its feet when it came to agreeing on a settlement amount. The family filed an arbitration case as a result. Since then, Nouri has received continuous intensive care around the clock. That situation has not improved in the last

six months, according to broadcaster NOS. As part of the settlement, Ajax will also reimburse all costs related to Nouri’s care dating back to July 2017, and the team will continue to pay for his care into the future. “We greatly appreciate the way in which the family takes care of Abdelhak day and night with a lot of love and attention. When I visit him, I am always welcomed with open arms by the family. That also applies to other Ajax colleagues and we appreciate that enormously,” Van der Sar said in a statement. “It is great that an arrangement has been made between the family and Ajax,” attorney Lucas Hogeling told the press. “This has given Abdelhak lifelong financial security.” Nouri’s number 34 shirt officially retired Ajax also retired Nouri’s shirt number, 34, which will no longer be used by its top-level team. “The bond between Ajax and the Nouri family will always remain. Not only because

of the Abdelhak Nouri Trophy, which the family annually presents to the greatest talent at our trainings. Also because we have decided to give jersey number 34 to the Nouri family. At Ajax1, the number 34 will never be played again, unless the Nouri family and Ajax want to make an exception together,” Van der Sar said further. Nouri’s dressing room chair will also become a permanent fixture of the team’s fan shop. “We cherish the bond with people within the club as well as with the loyal supporters. Abdelhak will forever be associated with number 34, it was his promise to all supporters to ensure the 34th league title,” said Mohammed Nouri, the footballer’s father. The family also plans to launch the Abdelhak Nouri Foundation in partnership with the team. The organization’s launch and its mission will be announced at a later date

The Voice magazine - March 2022 edition

Articles inside

The African promise – The African Youth