The African promise – The African Youth

Column: THE AFRICAN PROMISE - THE AFRICAN YOUTH

By Nicholas Jimmy (Jimmie Nicks)

When 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 the 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”

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

By LUKE ANAMI

Tanzania’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.

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 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.

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.

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. 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

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. 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.

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. 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.

The call for a new Constitution was also part of the dis“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. 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.

Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu

cussions. Incidentally, it is what took Chadema party Still, these changes have been greeted with cautious optimism. The laws Magufuli used to effect these decisions are still

Continued on Page 42

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.

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:

Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu addressing her

country men and women

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).

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. 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.

Late President John Magufuli was regarded as tough and uncompromising

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.

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?

Nigerian Christians under persecution HELPUS 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

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

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

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

Leaders 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 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

Benin exhibits stolen treasures returned by France

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

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, troops or doctors and passed down to descendants who in turn donated them to museums in Europe and the United States. But others were gifts to missionaries or acquired by African art collectors at the start of the 20th century or discovered by scientific expeditions. Doors of the palace of Abomey Kingdom are displayed during the exhibition of returned looted Benin artefacts. PHOTO | PIUS UTOMI EKPEI | AFP A report commissioned by Macron counted some 90,000 African works in French museums, 70,000 of them at the Quai Branly alone. “The work of restitution continues,” said French minister Bachelot. “We are working on a law that will help facilitate this restitution.”

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

President 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. 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

President Kenyatta leads Kenya national day celebrations at Expo 2020

Kenya 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. “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 )

His 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

Kenyan CS Monica Juma quits race for Commonwealth job

Kenyan 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 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

Kenya’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?

Mindbeautysphere

By Caroline Omondi

Betrayal - The deepest cut

You 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 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

AFCON champions Senegal inaugurates Turkish-built world class stadium

Newly 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

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.

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

By William Lloyd

The 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 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