As surprised as I am to see Africans participate in sports other than soccer, I was even more suprised to see them playing hockey! Especially since it's hard to find a Black person playing that sport, period. I guess I have even more reason, besides the Washington Capitals playoff run, to jump on the hockey bandwagon. After watching their final game, I realized it's a pretty fun sport; very fast and physical. Though, I still don't understand the fact that they're allowed to fight each other, I do appreciate the physicality. Sometimes I get frustrated with basketball when petty fouls are called. Sometimes you should just let the athletes play!
Okay, now I'm deviating from the point of this post. I think it's great that Africans are branching out to playing other sports. And hockey, especially, is a sport that children in all locales and socioeconomic conditions, can participate in through makeshift rinks, pucks, and sticks. I only see good wholesome fun coming out of this.
4.19.2008
419ers
My friends laugh when I rail on 419ers, but, honestly, this is not a good look.
I know a few people who have been fooled by some of these scams and though I sympathize with their naiveté, I am amazed by the cunningness of their perpetrators. They are netting millions of dollars and I wish that more Africans would use their intelligence to mastermind projects that benefit the development of their people as a whole. Though, I don't doubt most of these people are sending remittance back to their families in Nigeria, I can't help but imagine the type of world power Nigeria could be if these well thought out and calculated plans were directed towards national development. But now, the international community will probably be more skeptical about forming partnerships with Nigerians and other Africans since these scams have garnered the attention of the FBI and international law enforcement.
I know a few people who have been fooled by some of these scams and though I sympathize with their naiveté, I am amazed by the cunningness of their perpetrators. They are netting millions of dollars and I wish that more Africans would use their intelligence to mastermind projects that benefit the development of their people as a whole. Though, I don't doubt most of these people are sending remittance back to their families in Nigeria, I can't help but imagine the type of world power Nigeria could be if these well thought out and calculated plans were directed towards national development. But now, the international community will probably be more skeptical about forming partnerships with Nigerians and other Africans since these scams have garnered the attention of the FBI and international law enforcement.
4.18.2008
Do Not Shun the Oyibo
I came across a very interesting article that gave the authors point of view on Cameroonians and other Africans who seek to establish relationships with "Oyibos" (white people). After the article, there reader comments published that made it even more interesting to read.
What I think needs to be pointed out is, besides relationships that some Africans seek to establish with Oyibos because they believe they will help them establish a better life, many Africans seek to establish relationships within Westerners in general.
I am stating this based on my own experiences in Africa as a Black woman. My Blackness did not deter some people from attempting to establish very superficial relationships with me on the basis of my Westernization. Almost everyday, a stranger would exchange email and other contact information with me after learning that I resided in the US. We shared nothing else in common and often, they did not even pay much attention to me during initial introductions, but once they heard my accent and learned that I lived in the US, they were suddenly interested in maintaining contact with me.
I dont doubt that some people were generally interested in learning about my culture, as I was traveling to learn more about there's. However, some were more forthright and honest with their approach and told me that they were interested in finding someone abroad to sponsor their education or their application for a visa to travel to the US. I never rejected the opportunity to exchange contact information with strangers because though there were some people who were not necessarily interested in establishing a friendship with me, there were many that were. And as a result, I have made quite a few friends abroad who were more than hospitable to me during return trips.
I say this all to say that I think it is unfair for the author to discourage Africans to pursue relationships with foreigners simply because they are white or Western. Relationships are usually mutual and those that are not are due to one parties, naiveté or exploitative nature, rather than their race. In the US, people are constantly giving their business cards to strangers in an effort to network and establish relationships that may be beneficial in the future. How is this any different?
What I think needs to be pointed out is, besides relationships that some Africans seek to establish with Oyibos because they believe they will help them establish a better life, many Africans seek to establish relationships within Westerners in general.
I am stating this based on my own experiences in Africa as a Black woman. My Blackness did not deter some people from attempting to establish very superficial relationships with me on the basis of my Westernization. Almost everyday, a stranger would exchange email and other contact information with me after learning that I resided in the US. We shared nothing else in common and often, they did not even pay much attention to me during initial introductions, but once they heard my accent and learned that I lived in the US, they were suddenly interested in maintaining contact with me.
I dont doubt that some people were generally interested in learning about my culture, as I was traveling to learn more about there's. However, some were more forthright and honest with their approach and told me that they were interested in finding someone abroad to sponsor their education or their application for a visa to travel to the US. I never rejected the opportunity to exchange contact information with strangers because though there were some people who were not necessarily interested in establishing a friendship with me, there were many that were. And as a result, I have made quite a few friends abroad who were more than hospitable to me during return trips.
I say this all to say that I think it is unfair for the author to discourage Africans to pursue relationships with foreigners simply because they are white or Western. Relationships are usually mutual and those that are not are due to one parties, naiveté or exploitative nature, rather than their race. In the US, people are constantly giving their business cards to strangers in an effort to network and establish relationships that may be beneficial in the future. How is this any different?
4.17.2008
Happy (Belated) Emancipation Proclamation!
Apparently yesterday was a national holiday in observance of the Emancipation Proclamation. I didn’t get the day off, but many charter schools in DC were closed and a friend of mine who works for an African based organization said she had the option of taking the day off and many of her co-workers didn’t come in. I have never been and was not extended that option…I wonder why…
I mean, if you think about it, the Emancipation Proclamation should be a widely observed holiday, Veterans and Memorial Days are, so why not the day the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.
Unarguably, enslaved Africans did more for the US than any soldier could claim. Not to minimize the importance of those who have served this country in anyway, but I think enslaved Africans served a more important cause. Not only did many of them fight in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, as well, but the built the country on their backs! Setting aside a day in remembrance is the least they could do!
So next year, I’ve resolved to take off on the Emancipation Proclamation. And somehow, I doubt my employer will challenge me on this one…
I mean, if you think about it, the Emancipation Proclamation should be a widely observed holiday, Veterans and Memorial Days are, so why not the day the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.
Unarguably, enslaved Africans did more for the US than any soldier could claim. Not to minimize the importance of those who have served this country in anyway, but I think enslaved Africans served a more important cause. Not only did many of them fight in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, as well, but the built the country on their backs! Setting aside a day in remembrance is the least they could do!
So next year, I’ve resolved to take off on the Emancipation Proclamation. And somehow, I doubt my employer will challenge me on this one…
4.15.2008
Hewa Bora Plane Crash in Goma
Today, there was a plan crash in Goma, that has left almost eighty people dead, and counting.
It caused even more of a worry in my immediate life because two of my colleagues are currently on a humanitarian mission there. Luckily, they were on a day trip outside of Goma and returned in the evening to the chaos of people looking for their relatives lost in the crash.
Several of my other colleagues where not at all surprised by the situation because of the condition and location of the airport and drunken manner in which most of the pilots operate, when they themselves had flown Hewa Bora. When I suggested that we seek other methods of transport to and from Goma, they notified me that other than UN aircrafts this is the only available option.
It caused even more of a worry in my immediate life because two of my colleagues are currently on a humanitarian mission there. Luckily, they were on a day trip outside of Goma and returned in the evening to the chaos of people looking for their relatives lost in the crash.
Several of my other colleagues where not at all surprised by the situation because of the condition and location of the airport and drunken manner in which most of the pilots operate, when they themselves had flown Hewa Bora. When I suggested that we seek other methods of transport to and from Goma, they notified me that other than UN aircrafts this is the only available option.
Horses More Important Than People
The recent displacement of tens of thousands of Chadians is completely despicable and unimaginable. After a failed coup attempt, residents were given 30 days to evacuate and over 2000 homes were destroyed.
The government stands by its word that the residents inhabited the land, unlawfully and it was needed to build a massive horse-racing track…
The government has not provided shelter for those it has made homeless and many are leaving next to their demolished property or have traveled to Northern Cameroon to join other refugees who fled during fighting in early February.
The government stands by its word that the residents inhabited the land, unlawfully and it was needed to build a massive horse-racing track…
The government has not provided shelter for those it has made homeless and many are leaving next to their demolished property or have traveled to Northern Cameroon to join other refugees who fled during fighting in early February.
Rulers for Life- Mugabe
Weeks after the presidential elections in Zimbabwe, Mugabe refuses to turn over power or reveal the percentage of votes he received. Tsvangirai has fled to Botswana for fear of his life.
The desire of African leaders to be rulers for life has convinced them to completely reject democracy and the will of the people. Even opposition parties, who develop the courage to speak against them are eventually silenced and fear for their lives and those of their supporters because they realize that these dictators care more about their personal power than the future of the nation.
A refugee who fled Zimbabwe with his family said his fellow countrymen had finally spoken, but warned that dark days lay ahead.
"If Tsvangirai becomes president Mugabe will mobilise war vets, the army, police, secret service and the militia to take revenge on the people who just want bread and freedom.
"On the other hand, if Mugabe rigs the elections in the next 21 days and imposes himself as president, people will fight back and lives will be lost," he said.
The desire of African leaders to be rulers for life has convinced them to completely reject democracy and the will of the people. Even opposition parties, who develop the courage to speak against them are eventually silenced and fear for their lives and those of their supporters because they realize that these dictators care more about their personal power than the future of the nation.
A refugee who fled Zimbabwe with his family said his fellow countrymen had finally spoken, but warned that dark days lay ahead.
"If Tsvangirai becomes president Mugabe will mobilise war vets, the army, police, secret service and the militia to take revenge on the people who just want bread and freedom.
"On the other hand, if Mugabe rigs the elections in the next 21 days and imposes himself as president, people will fight back and lives will be lost," he said.
Are they Displaced the Only Ones Who Deserve Aid?
Currently, there is conflict surrounding refugee and displaced people, where locals who are still fortunate to live in their homes, feel that those in camps are receiving better treatment than they are. Aid agencies often overlook the fact that though those that are living in camps are obviously unable to provide for themselves, due to their displacement, most likely those living in the communities surrounding the camps are struggling as well, but were fortunately located in areas that were not directly impacted by conflict, but they still lack basic needs.
Some community members feel so neglected that they often go to camps and pose as dwellers in order to receive the rations given to those who actually live there. Should this be viewed as theft, greed, or perhaps an unavoidable issue that needs to be addressed?
Kenya: Red Cross Complains of Fake Refugees
The East African Standard (Nairobi)
13 April 2008
Posted to the web 14 April 2008
Peter Mutai And Roselyn Obala
Nairobi
The Kenya Red Cross Society Secretary-General Mr Abbas Gullet says half of the 14, 000 people camping at Nakuru Showground are not genuine internally displaced persons.
Gullet said an estimated 7,000 people were taking advantage of the situation to get free food and other humanitarian assistance. He said the masqueraders wanted to use the opportunity to get compensation from the Government.
Speaking at the Nakuru DC's office on Saturday morning, Gullet said the alleged IDPs were only found at the camp during the day and retreated to stay with relatives at night.
Accompanied by a representative of the UNHCR, Mr Liz Ahua, they were received by senior DO 1, Mr Albert Mulita.
He called on the Government to look for ways of getting rid of the masqueraders. At the same time, Gullet said some militia groups have infiltrated the camp.
Separately, IDPs at Kakamega Police Station have expressed fears of disease outbreak due to adverse weather conditions.
Their spokesman, Mr Peter Munyiri, said more than 400 people at the camp have leaking tents.
Munyiri said the IDPs were being forced to sit all night due to the heavy rains. "Children are the worst affected and are prone to malaria and pneumonia," he said.
Some community members feel so neglected that they often go to camps and pose as dwellers in order to receive the rations given to those who actually live there. Should this be viewed as theft, greed, or perhaps an unavoidable issue that needs to be addressed?
Kenya: Red Cross Complains of Fake Refugees
The East African Standard (Nairobi)
13 April 2008
Posted to the web 14 April 2008
Peter Mutai And Roselyn Obala
Nairobi
The Kenya Red Cross Society Secretary-General Mr Abbas Gullet says half of the 14, 000 people camping at Nakuru Showground are not genuine internally displaced persons.
Gullet said an estimated 7,000 people were taking advantage of the situation to get free food and other humanitarian assistance. He said the masqueraders wanted to use the opportunity to get compensation from the Government.
Speaking at the Nakuru DC's office on Saturday morning, Gullet said the alleged IDPs were only found at the camp during the day and retreated to stay with relatives at night.
Accompanied by a representative of the UNHCR, Mr Liz Ahua, they were received by senior DO 1, Mr Albert Mulita.
He called on the Government to look for ways of getting rid of the masqueraders. At the same time, Gullet said some militia groups have infiltrated the camp.
Separately, IDPs at Kakamega Police Station have expressed fears of disease outbreak due to adverse weather conditions.
Their spokesman, Mr Peter Munyiri, said more than 400 people at the camp have leaking tents.
Munyiri said the IDPs were being forced to sit all night due to the heavy rains. "Children are the worst affected and are prone to malaria and pneumonia," he said.
4.13.2008
Uncharacteristic, But Welcomed Peace
Today the Olympic torch had its only leg in Africa, visiting Tanzania. Uncharacteristically, for the torch and much of Africa, this was a peaceful and joyous day.
Though some well-known figures, such as Wangari Maathai of Kenya, pulled out of the race in protest of China, the torch relay was not marred with the same level of violence and protest witnessed in Paris and San Francisco.
Though some well-known figures, such as Wangari Maathai of Kenya, pulled out of the race in protest of China, the torch relay was not marred with the same level of violence and protest witnessed in Paris and San Francisco.
9.17.2007
Reflections on African Brain Gain Movement
While doing some reading about the Brain Drain, I came across a scholars perception of the African Brain Gain. There is nothing especially enlightening about the scholar's position, but he describes his perception of this phenomenon so precisely, that I had to share it.
Reflections on African Brain Gain Movement
By Ebere Onwudiwe*
Brain drain implies the situation whereby some of the best and the brightest among citizens of Africa are leaving the continent for greener pastures in developed countries. Brain gain is said to occur when these “talented 10th” return to their home countries in Africa with their skills and talents.
I do not think that this conception of brain gain is correct. When a scientist, a doctor,a history professor leaves Africa, brain is drained, but when he returns, brain is not gained. It is replaced. When you replace what you lost, you have not gained. I believe that brain gain only occurs when you attract additional skills from other countries not when you replace skilled manpower that left to other countries.1 To gain is to advance, to add value, not to return to status quo ante. Yet, the conditions which are necessary for attracting skilled labor from other countries are necessarily the same conditions that are needed for a successful repatriation of skilled people lost to other countries, professions and sectors. I am sure that many people here are aware of these enabling conditions: paying salaries and working conditions commensurate with level of expertise including relocation expenses and laboratories; fostering a stable condition of peace and stability at home; ensuring a policy of meritocracy rather than nepotism under which people without skills are given jobs due to those that have them; investing in stable infrastructure including communications, electricity, roads, etc. There so many of these.
I believe that if Africa creates the right conditions, it can attract skilled people from other countries including its skilled children who left, and grand children born in other continents. That would constitute real brain gain.
Onwudiwe goes on to compare the plight of highly skilled and educated African immigrants to that of highly skilled and education African-Americans using W.E. DuBois' theory of the "Double Conscious".
But there is another tension which is not captured in the argument between African leaders and African intellectuals who emigrated. This second tension is the one happening in the heads of each of us Africans who are economic refugees in the United States. Many feel that they should be home rather than here. This fact is a living burden with which many African emigrants are dealing with at the personal level everyday.
Some say that this is a type of identity crises, the type of “double consciousness” that W.E. Du Bois made famous with respect to the African-American educated minority that he called the “talented tenth.” It is said that the inner torture of these African American intellectuals was the realization that their qualifications meant very little in a racist society. For the African emigrants to the United States, it is that their qualifications meant very little to their home countries. Both groups of intellectuals suffer an attendant sense of alienation and guilt.
The African knows that his expertise is more needed in his home country than in his
adopted country, but for some very personal reasons of personal survival and extended
family he knows that he is better-off staying here rather than returning home. This duality of loyalty for country and for family is the source of inner tension in the souls of all African intellectuals and professionals who live in this and other countries.
I see this internal struggling present throughout the lives of my family members who migrated over 20 years ago and have yet to return, some are even yet to visit. I think that the saddest part about of this is that this elite, highly educated and skilled class, is relegated to menial positions in Western society and that is where I see the "Double Consciousness" most strongly apparent. Many do not realize that their Blackness will become an impediment abroad and their differences are not valued or understood. Unfortunately, the menial living that they receive abroad is still more than the unemployment they face in their home countries even with advanced degrees and training.
This is where I face my moral dilemma. I am thrilled at the chance to be able to work in Africa and make a descent living, but it is not so much because of the schooling I've received, but where I've received it and my American citizenship. During my travels, I have met professionals who are more experienced and educated than I, but will never receive the same opportunities because of their nationality. It kills me to know that I can easily live and flourish in a land that is not my own and its own inhabitants struggle to live the same way as I on their own land and will never live as easily on my land as I do theirs.
Reflections on African Brain Gain Movement
By Ebere Onwudiwe*
Brain drain implies the situation whereby some of the best and the brightest among citizens of Africa are leaving the continent for greener pastures in developed countries. Brain gain is said to occur when these “talented 10th” return to their home countries in Africa with their skills and talents.
I do not think that this conception of brain gain is correct. When a scientist, a doctor,a history professor leaves Africa, brain is drained, but when he returns, brain is not gained. It is replaced. When you replace what you lost, you have not gained. I believe that brain gain only occurs when you attract additional skills from other countries not when you replace skilled manpower that left to other countries.1 To gain is to advance, to add value, not to return to status quo ante. Yet, the conditions which are necessary for attracting skilled labor from other countries are necessarily the same conditions that are needed for a successful repatriation of skilled people lost to other countries, professions and sectors. I am sure that many people here are aware of these enabling conditions: paying salaries and working conditions commensurate with level of expertise including relocation expenses and laboratories; fostering a stable condition of peace and stability at home; ensuring a policy of meritocracy rather than nepotism under which people without skills are given jobs due to those that have them; investing in stable infrastructure including communications, electricity, roads, etc. There so many of these.
I believe that if Africa creates the right conditions, it can attract skilled people from other countries including its skilled children who left, and grand children born in other continents. That would constitute real brain gain.
Onwudiwe goes on to compare the plight of highly skilled and educated African immigrants to that of highly skilled and education African-Americans using W.E. DuBois' theory of the "Double Conscious".
But there is another tension which is not captured in the argument between African leaders and African intellectuals who emigrated. This second tension is the one happening in the heads of each of us Africans who are economic refugees in the United States. Many feel that they should be home rather than here. This fact is a living burden with which many African emigrants are dealing with at the personal level everyday.
Some say that this is a type of identity crises, the type of “double consciousness” that W.E. Du Bois made famous with respect to the African-American educated minority that he called the “talented tenth.” It is said that the inner torture of these African American intellectuals was the realization that their qualifications meant very little in a racist society. For the African emigrants to the United States, it is that their qualifications meant very little to their home countries. Both groups of intellectuals suffer an attendant sense of alienation and guilt.
The African knows that his expertise is more needed in his home country than in his
adopted country, but for some very personal reasons of personal survival and extended
family he knows that he is better-off staying here rather than returning home. This duality of loyalty for country and for family is the source of inner tension in the souls of all African intellectuals and professionals who live in this and other countries.
I see this internal struggling present throughout the lives of my family members who migrated over 20 years ago and have yet to return, some are even yet to visit. I think that the saddest part about of this is that this elite, highly educated and skilled class, is relegated to menial positions in Western society and that is where I see the "Double Consciousness" most strongly apparent. Many do not realize that their Blackness will become an impediment abroad and their differences are not valued or understood. Unfortunately, the menial living that they receive abroad is still more than the unemployment they face in their home countries even with advanced degrees and training.
This is where I face my moral dilemma. I am thrilled at the chance to be able to work in Africa and make a descent living, but it is not so much because of the schooling I've received, but where I've received it and my American citizenship. During my travels, I have met professionals who are more experienced and educated than I, but will never receive the same opportunities because of their nationality. It kills me to know that I can easily live and flourish in a land that is not my own and its own inhabitants struggle to live the same way as I on their own land and will never live as easily on my land as I do theirs.
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