In the course of an eventful life, Iyad Ag Ghali, head of the al Qaeda-linked Ansar Dine, has been a rebel, diplomat, negotiator and Islamist militant. In his latest avatar, he could also now determine the future of northern Mali.
I don’t even know where to start this little story I’m about to share now. It’s about Mali, a peaceful and democratic country located in West Africa.
Wow, I’m shocked but at the same time this, was predictable because Mali shares the Sahara desert with the Maghreb therefore after the revolution in the Maghreb area commonly called the Arab Spring, a lot of weapons where spread around the Sahara desert. Unfortunately stable countries are usually victims of radical anythings, if you know what I mean.
Anybody who knows the West African history and culture will understand that “the implementation of sharia law” a ridiculous assertion. Malian people strongly reject the idea of anything that would divide their country such as “sharia law”. Malian people are very independent and dedicated to fighting for human right and human dignity: they love life, music, art, poetry and therefore “sharia law” does not belong to Malian society and it has no place in the Malian way of life. It’s a big distraction intended to create more chaos around the West African region so some armed groups can benefit.
Here is what’s up. Some groups are taking advantage to make turmoil amidst the hunt for democracy and the pursuit of happiness in the Maghreb area following the Arab Spring by developing a platform of war, a money making machine for personal benefit. And if the international organizations did not watch closely guess what is going to happen - more innocent poor people will just die for no reason. And the sad part is these innocent poor people have nothing to do with politics or politicians what so ever.
People shouldn’t forget this: Mali was the first country in West Africa in 1991 to stand up against 23 years of dictatorship and to overthrow it by using the technique of non-violence. Since then Mali has lead the light of democracy in West Africa. The Malian technique to democracy was unique, well organized and coordinated and never seen in modern African political history. I believe the international community should recognize the Malian people’s courage and dedication to preserve what many countries failed to accomplish. Koffi Annan, Alassane Ouattara the president of Ivory Coast and the international community at large should make sure to protect young and stable democratic nations in West Africa.
I believe Koffi and Alassane are the best people to drive this project because both truly believe in diplomacy; moreover both are well known in international scene for their hard work and have a successful track record of achievement. Alassane Ouattara has Doctorate in Economics, is a fantastic politician and visionary has taken his country from a ridiculous bloody ethnic war and collapsed economy to the international scene. Alassane transformed Ivory Coast from war field to happy home. Today businesses are flourishing in Ivory Coast. He had a clear vision for Ivorians and the future of Ivory Coast. He’s detail-oriented and truly works by the calendar. His agenda is working and the beautiful life is back in Abidjan. These guys can manage a robust organization with the support of international community to save and secure the infant democracy in the West side of Africa.
Here is the trick: In the 21st century Africans youth are for democracy, better governance and open debate. Who has better agenda for country future? How one will pay for renewable energy projects, technology and heavy agro-pastoral projects because Africa is the only continent who can’t not feed himself. The 21st century African youths are eager to find a leader who has a solid details proposal skills and proven track record to sell to voters.
Unfortunately some stone age African politicians are slowing down the process because they’re scared of competition and the only way for them to stay in power is to create chaos in every corner they can.
I personally believe that this is another test of Mali’s young democracy and our courage to stand-up and lead the light of democracy in the west side of Africa. Honestly, the Malian people feel neglected by the international community after playing everything by international rules and nurturing their young and fragile democracy for 21 years. This is a kind of déjà vu: If the international community fails its obligation to protect and provide support to Malian democracy the last and only one standing will fall. Tiken Jah Fakoly is my witness that the whole West African youth’s dream of democracy can fall of the cliff.
Mali is the only stable and democratic nation left in the area because of its core cultural value is base in peace and dialogue. One of African proverb state that “one bad peanut can make one mouth spoil all the peanut.” The rest of the world needs to know that only together we can save the lives of innocent people and make this earth a good place for all of us.
The only goal for the Touareg armed group is to displace as many innocent women and children as they can, to create a vast famine and instability, kill as many people as they can kill and finally, to make as much money as they can. Together the international community can stop these smalls group moving from cave to cave, destroying humankind’s way of life. The road to strong democracy has been tough, challenging and foggy for Malian people but as long the Malians are united, they can prove once again to the world through the up-coming election in April 2012 that the voice of people will always prevail.
I encourage all Malian people to understand that they’re blessed to have a vast land and a beautiful multicultural nation, therefore peace and love is the only solutions.
Go Mali - keep your head up. Keep building and leading on the road of democracy in West Africa and I guarantee you nothing can stop the power of people’s massive human energy because that is the final and ultimate power.
Mali's whisky-drinking rebel turned Islamist chief
In the course of an eventful life, Iyad Ag Ghali, head of the al Qaeda-linked Ansar Dine, has been a rebel, diplomat, negotiator and Islamist militant. In his latest avatar, he could also now determine the future of northern Mali.
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Mali Democracy Under Siege
I don’t even know where to start this little story I’m about to share now. It’s about Mali, a peaceful and democratic country located in West Africa.
Wow, I’m shocked but at the same time this, was predictable because Mali shares the Sahara desert with the Maghreb therefore after the revolution in the Maghreb area commonly called the Arab Spring, a lot of weapons where spread around the Sahara desert. Unfortunately stable countries are usually victims of radical anythings, if you know what I mean.
Anybody who knows the West African history and culture will understand that “the implementation of sharia law” a ridiculous assertion. Malian people strongly reject the idea of anything that would divide their country such as “sharia law”. Malian people are very independent and dedicated to fighting for human right and human dignity: they love life, music, art, poetry and therefore “sharia law” does not belong to Malian society and it has no place in the Malian way of life. It’s a big distraction intended to create more chaos around the West African region so some armed groups can benefit.
Here is what’s up. Some groups are taking advantage to make turmoil amidst the hunt for democracy and the pursuit of happiness in the Maghreb area following the Arab Spring by developing a platform of war, a money making machine for personal benefit. And if the international organizations did not watch closely guess what is going to happen - more innocent poor people will just die for no reason. And the sad part is these innocent poor people have nothing to do with politics or politicians what so ever.
People shouldn’t forget this: Mali was the first country in West Africa in 1991 to stand up against 23 years of dictatorship and to overthrow it by using the technique of non-violence. Since then Mali has lead the light of democracy in West Africa. The Malian technique to democracy was unique, well organized and coordinated and never seen in modern African political history. I believe the international community should recognize the Malian people’s courage and dedication to preserve what many countries failed to accomplish. Koffi Annan, Alassane Ouattara the president of Ivory Coast and the international community at large should make sure to protect young and stable democratic nations in West Africa.
I believe Koffi and Alassane are the best people to drive this project because both truly believe in diplomacy; moreover both are well known in international scene for their hard work and have a successful track record of achievement. Alassane Ouattara has Doctorate in Economics, is a fantastic politician and visionary has taken his country from a ridiculous bloody ethnic war and collapsed economy to the international scene. Alassane transformed Ivory Coast from war field to happy home. Today businesses are flourishing in Ivory Coast. He had a clear vision for Ivorians and the future of Ivory Coast. He’s detail-oriented and truly works by the calendar. His agenda is working and the beautiful life is back in Abidjan. These guys can manage a robust organization with the support of international community to save and secure the infant democracy in the West side of Africa.
Here is the trick: In the 21st century Africans youth are for democracy, better governance and open debate. Who has better agenda for country future? How one will pay for renewable energy projects, technology and heavy agro-pastoral projects because Africa is the only continent who can’t not feed himself. The 21st century African youths are eager to find a leader who has a solid details proposal skills and proven track record to sell to voters.
Unfortunately some stone age African politicians are slowing down the process because they’re scared of competition and the only way for them to stay in power is to create chaos in every corner they can.
I personally believe that this is another test of Mali’s young democracy and our courage to stand-up and lead the light of democracy in the west side of Africa. Honestly, the Malian people feel neglected by the international community after playing everything by international rules and nurturing their young and fragile democracy for 21 years. This is a kind of déjà vu: If the international community fails its obligation to protect and provide support to Malian democracy the last and only one standing will fall. Tiken Jah Fakoly is my witness that the whole West African youth’s dream of democracy can fall of the cliff.
Mali is the only stable and democratic nation left in the area because of its core cultural value is base in peace and dialogue. One of African proverb state that “one bad peanut can make one mouth spoil all the peanut.” The rest of the world needs to know that only together we can save the lives of innocent people and make this earth a good place for all of us.
The only goal for the Touareg armed group is to displace as many innocent women and children as they can, to create a vast famine and instability, kill as many people as they can kill and finally, to make as much money as they can. Together the international community can stop these smalls group moving from cave to cave, destroying humankind’s way of life. The road to strong democracy has been tough, challenging and foggy for Malian people but as long the Malians are united, they can prove once again to the world through the up-coming election in April 2012 that the voice of people will always prevail.
I encourage all Malian people to understand that they’re blessed to have a vast land and a beautiful multicultural nation, therefore peace and love is the only solutions.
Go Mali - keep your head up. Keep building and leading on the road of democracy in West Africa and I guarantee you nothing can stop the power of people’s massive human energy because that is the final and ultimate power.
Ibrahim Doumbia