Jobseeker’s diary

Happy New Year dear readers! I know it’s still the Festive Season but please allow me to vent my anger so early in the year. A few years ago, a friend of mine travelled to Norway to pursue a Masters degree. I remember him gushing about the level of development, the very organized transport system, the technology and seemingly perfect world. I wasn’t there to see it all for myself but I took his word. I remember us joking that even in a million years; Africa will not have attained that level of development and organization. Before you write us off as pessimists, take a good look at Africa. It’s poverty, disease, unemployment and war in every corner of this continent, year after year and I don’t see that changing any time soon. I no longer frown when I meet people who think they can only make it if they leave Africa. There are exceptions of course. Ghana, Libya, Egypt and Morocco are not doing so badly and give us a sense of hope that maybe someday; things will get better for the rest of us. We all have a role to play in developing our continent and everyone should strive to do their part. That said, I think our leaders are largely to blame for running down the systems across this continent. Leadership is a very important aspect in spurring development and change. If you’ve been paying any attention, you’ve probably noticed that many of these leaders start off well, promising to make things work, change this and that. We celebrate, believing that finally, there’s someone looking out for us. And some go on to make a few changes. But it doesn’t last and sooner rather than later, the monsters resurface. Eventually, they start working harder to stay in power than dealing with pressing issues. Some allow elections to be conducted while others don’t. A few bow out gracefully when beaten but others cling on, using all resources at their disposal to suppress any opposition. Côte dIvoire needs our prayers. The one thing I’m glad to hear is the international condemnation this time. I always wondered how the world could just sit back and watch certain characters get away with such acts. The case that incenses me the most is Robert Mugabe. Seriously, how can there not be one person to tell this 86-year-old that it’s way past time for him to retire? Latest we’ve heard is that he’s calling for early elections next year, elections we all know he’s going to rig. Why waste tax payers’ money and time? I read somewhere that better a rigged election than no election at all. I however stand by my view. If all you’re going to do is beat up or arrest your opponents and their supporters, then you’re better off staying in power until such a time you feel ready to retire or as happens in some cases, God retires you. The other news I find disturbing is that Nigeria’s former ruler Ibrahim Babangida wants another shot at the presidency. I mean, seriously? And Malawi’s Bingu wa Mutharika is allegedly grooming his younger brother to take over after him in 2014. Come on Africa! But the hot topic right now is Côte dIvoire. I’m just glad that Alassane Quattara, the legitimate winner is getting a lot of support from the international community. This business of coalition governments where the winners actually end up playing second-best as it turned out for Raila Odinga and Morgan Tsvangirai is just not fair. Something a BBC correspondent said has however clouded my faith in the African Union and Ecowas to resolve the Ivory Coast crisis. He said something to the effect that these regional bodies that had at first mounted pressure on Gbagbo to step down had blinked and that this is only playing in Gbagbo’s favour. The three-president delegation sent to talk to him is scheduled to return next week to continue with the talks. Now here’s what I think. Please don’t waste more taxpayers’ money. The cost of flying, accommodating, feeding and keeping three heads of state entertained is enormous and better spent putting drugs in hospitals or feeding school children. Diplomacy will not get Gbagbo out because people like him just don’t understand that language. Just swoop in there Superman style and get the “cheat” out. 2011 is going to be one busy election year with Sudan, Uganda, Nigeria, Liberia and Zimbabwe among the countries headed for elections. As we wait to see how these play out, I have one humble request for our dear African leaders. Can we please have more Mandelas? Serve a term or two and give way to others. You will not lose an arm or leg. Just ask Nelson Mandela. To be continued… nsophie77@yahoo.com