I haven’t written much about Africa lately, although as always the continent’s political turmoil weighs heavily on my heart. We in the West are currently consumed with election news, pushing African headlines that much father away. Did you know Laura Bush recently visited Zambia? Me either. It happened the same day Paris Hilton was released from jail. Ick.
Instead of another conversation about candidates, La Lohan, the fashion ethos of leggings and booties and the $1 cup of coffee from Starbucks, I’d rather be able to debate:
– The recent violence in Kenya. Presidential elections in December turned sour after allegations of fraud, reigniting centuries-old tribal grudges that have sent this previous example for African democracy into a tailspin. Kofi Annan is there, working on peace and trying to help restore order. However, reading stories of tribal warriors spearing innocents, (while carrying cell phones on their loin cloths no less) makes me fume. I just don’t understand tribal violence — whether in Africa or the Middle East. How is killing innocent people ever justifiable?
– The recent coup d’etat that has sent thousands from Chad into neighboring Cameroon. I pray for these families as they make the trek. There is no harder existence than the life of an African refugee.
– The on-going violence in Sudan. I am proud to see Americans pressuring China to knock it off. I fully do not understand the political relationships between China and many African nations, but I do know those cheap weapons are coming from somewhere and it isn’t American sweatshops. Instead we manufacture much more expensive bombs and planes and sell them directly to foreign governments. Americans are far from blameless, I realize. And something tells me if we had the oil agreements with Sudan (instead of Russia and China guarding the valued paperwork), none of this refugee news would reach our shores.
Okay — have I fully bummed you out? Here’s the silver lining: There are lots of great things happening in Africa that never reach the news. TDH is safely in Zambia working alongside a team of foreigners who are trying to quell the tide of infant deaths to HIV. (Compassionate) Bruce is in Botswana similarly working with people to best implement HIV-prevention programs. (Selfless) Peace Corps volunteers are scattered across the continent teaching school, building homes, creating small businesses and being incredible examples of American kindness. (Generous)
If you are interested in African news, here are some great blogs I love to read:
Ali in Mozambique
Luckybeans in Malawi, just moved from Zambia
Brian in Congo
Memsahib in Kenya
Prayers for Africa and prayers for all countries. May we soon figure out as a specie how to help others in distress and do so peacefully.
~K