MEND known as the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta Region is probably known as one of the most powerful “rebel” groups in the Niger Delta region. MEND argues they are working for the freedom and rights of the people in the area. However, Most of the time I wonder if they are really doing that. How are they actually helping? Most of the time we hear of them kidnapping or killing one expatriate or the other. I do not see how this helps the widow dying of hunger or the little boy who has never opened a book in his life. When MEND kidnaps expatriates they usually get fat ransoms which does not trickle down to the poor people in the Niger Delta.

In my opinion it seems as though things have gotten worse with more violence and environmental violations as they frequently burst oil pipes. The only way I believe MEND is actually helping is drawing attention to the situation in the region. They have been able to draw both national and international attention. Nevertheless I think they are a group of illegitimate rebel groups taking advantage of the situation as they fating their pockets in the process. I hope to be proven wrong.

The Niger Delta region seems to be gradual withering away as we all sit back and do nothing. Over the years the Nigerian Government has been able to conveniently dismiss its people. The Niger Delta cries was publicized by Ken Saro Wiwa who started the Ogoni 8 movement. Saro-Wiwa criticized the government for the underdevelopment and exploitation of the oil rich region. He also protested against the environment pollution by the oil companies in the region. The government led by General Sani Abacha executed him for speaking for his people.

  Now the cries of the Nigeria Delta region are voiced by a violent militant group known as MEND (Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta Region). Mend continues to attack oil companies and draw attention to the region. However, the government seems to have turned a blind eye. Former president Olusegun Obasanjo claimed he will address the issue but never did. Now current President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua is not effectively handing the crisis as the region daily deteriorates and violence escalates.

What must happen for the government to place the Niger delta as a top priority? Most the whole region go up in flames before they action. The government and oil companies need to address the issue in the Niger Delta before it become another Biafra.

I recently read an article on CNN on why Few African leaders criticize Mugabe.
It is a shame to call some of these African leaders…  Leaders.  Be it Charles Taylor, Abacha, Mobutu, Sese Seko, Yahya Jammeh, Idi Amin and Eyedema. They constantly exploit their people.  Most of the African leaders cannot accuse Mugabe because they themselves are guilty of the same crime. Gabon’s leader has been in power since 1967 and no one talks about Bongo of Angola, who has not held elections since 1992. We still have Jammeh of Gambia who claims to be a democratic leader and is known for saying he will be in power forever and has the cure for AIDS. 

Jammeh claims that Africa should hail Mugabe

“We Africans should learn a lesson from this,” …”They (the West) think they can dictate to us and this is not acceptable. Africans should stand for Zimbabwe. After all, what did the West do for Africa?

 Most of these African leaders hide behind the lie that they are fighting against colonialism and western domination. I am all about AFRICAN POWER!!  However some of these African leaders have began a new form of colonialism as they constantly oppress their own people.

What do we do? Is there hope for effective democracy in Africa?

Mugabe! Mugabe! What to do with him.

It was announced that Zimbabwe’s inflation has risen to 2.2 million. It appears as though things are getting worse everyday. The U.S is still pushing to place sanctions on Zimbabwe despite blocks from Russia and China at the UN. I believe the sanctions will hurt the Zimbabwean people more than it will hurt Mugabe. He will still enjoy his luxuries.

It appears as though Mugabe is immune to the world’s criticism. They criticize him and he responds by calling them names and tell them “to go hang” what can we do with him? The only hope is he is growing old and his time will soon run out.  The most annoying issue in the whole Zimbabwe debacle is South African president Thabo Mbaeki. I do not see him doing much. He is always seen patting or hugging Mugabe. Isn’t South Africa meant to be a regional leader and do something? I believe South Africa gains from the demise of Zimbabwe. The more Zimbabwe crashes, the more the South African economy booms.

Hmm where to begin….
The Sudan genocide sometimes seems like a forgotten issue. Nevertheless genocide still goes on every second. The ICC (International Criminal Court) is trying to issue an arrest warrant for Sudanese leader Omar Al Bashir on charges of running a campaign for genocide which has killed over 300,000 people and has driven 2.5 million away. My problem with this arrest is who will actually arrest Bashir. How does the ICC plan to carry this out? I am a bit skeptical of the effectiveness of international law because I doubt it really works.  I believe International law is based on “good faith” and nations complying with certain rules.  However I don’t think Bashir cares. He knows the arrest will never happen.

it was reported that even in Sudan’s capital no one seemed bothered about the likely arrest as people went about their business. This might be because they believe the ICC is just bluffing and will not arrest Bashir. Nevertheless, the ICC can be credited with the arrest of Liberia’s Charles Taylor.  However what has that led to? There has not been any news about the case. All we know is he pleaded not guilty and what now????????. I hope justice is done and Bashir gets punished for his crime.  But I doubt that will happen anytime soon to stop the genocide in Sudan. Is there hope?

The Global Health council held a panel discussion at the US Capitol yesterday on how Public-Private partnerships help build effective models to combat HIV/AIDS in Africa.  The dignitaries present were Jane Kambalane (First Secretary at the embassy of the republic of Malawi), Lisa Bohmer (Director of Global Partnership at the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation, Maurice Middleberg (VP Public Policy at Global Health council), and Jeff Richardson (Vice President of the Abbott Fund).

  Mr. Middleberg began the talk by discussing the importance of effective Public-Private Partnerships. He states that there must be clear consensus on goals, articulated strategies, defined roles and responsibilities, and transparency for any partnership to work.  Ms. Kambalame of Malawi discussed how Public –Private Partnerships helps in the fight against in Malawi. In Malawi, the shortage of facilities and doctors delay the treatment and care of HIV/AIDS. However, Ms. Kambalame believes the Public- Private Partnerships in Malawi have helped fill the resource gap and have led to visible improvements. She stressed the importance of the reauthorization of the PEPFAR bill and the expansion of PEPFAR to new countries is essential to combat HIV/AIDS in Africa.

Ms Bohmer of the Glaser Foundation highlighted partnerships they have been able to increase access to PMCTC and pilot innovative techniques which have reached children in Malawi and Tanzania. Ms. Bohmer states than an essential component of effective Public-Private partnerships is strong leadership and governance on the national level. The foundation endeavors to work closely with national health goals.  Also the foundation is in the process of partnering with MTN a leading South Africa cell phone provider across Africa.  With the help of MTN, it hopes to develop a communication campaign to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS Treatment and care.

Mr. Richardson of the Abbott fund concluded the panel discussion by saying “no one can do it alone” Hence there is a need for effective partnerships. The Abbott fund has been able to partner with Tanzania to build school and roads, improve water systems and rebuild a state of the art pathology lab. The Abbott fund has educated the Tanzanian people on how to use and maintain the facilities. For Mr. Richardson, an essential component in combating HIV/AIDS is giving the people the tools to get the work done themselves. He concluded by listing the 3 C’s essential to fighting the HIV epidemic. “If we can collaborate, coordinate and cooperate with good partners then we will be able to turn the epidemic around”

Welcome to Across the Heartland  where i discuss and comments on what is going on across Africa. Do join me in this marvelous journey.