Union Government for Africa

In a quest to accelerate political and economic integration in Africa, 12 countries are meeting in Arusha to deliberate on a proposed Union Government for Africa. Member states set to attend are Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, Libya, Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda, South Africa and Tanzania.
A union of this kind excites me for several reason. I hope that African leaders can begin to hold themselves accountable for democratic issues and human rights violations occurring in their countries, as there would be a direct effect on their economic stability and that of others in the union. I can only see such a union making countries stronger and making other African countries (especially those not in the union) less dependent on Western aid. I also hope that it would encourage a more communal spirit between nations. Though, I notice the only countries represented in the union that have a a bit of conflict are Cameroon and Nigeria (though it has been moderated through the ICC and has been fairly small scale), I would hope that a union such as this would help to reduce, if not obliterate violent conflict between states, especially members and those who seek to join. Ghana, being named the most peaceful country in Africa serves as a great leader for the continent and I hope to see the union succeed and flourish.

Africans Do More Than Play Futbol

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.

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.