The Myth of Democracy: A Series on the United States Role in Destabilising African Countries

I am not an anarchist, but I have always known that democracy doesn't work. First of all, democracy is not the only form of government. For some reason, the United States, armed with its so-called exceptionalism concept, have paraded the idea of democracy as the only form of government that can modernise and transform "rogue state" into one that is accountable, less corrupt and governed by the rule of law. Since the Second World War, the US has made it a national priority to ensure that corrupt leaders, especially those in Africa, are either "spanked" for misbehaving and/or "removed from power" if they did not follow the "good governance" and "rule of law" of democratic leadership par American standard. Well, until Donald J. Trump came along, the US was perceived as the epitome of democracy. I doubt whether the perception is the same after "corrupt Trump" entered the White House.

In this series, I discuss the US's participation in the destruction of a number of States across Africa in efforts to transform their leadership from a bad one to a good democratic nation. Over the next months, I will consider the removal of leaders in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Libya, Somalia, Liberia and more. The series will close with highlights of the Trump government's efforts to derail US democracy. What are we waiting for? Let's take off with the assassination of one of Africa's promising leaders, Patrice Lumumba.

The Assassination of Patrice Lumumba
On 17 January 1961, the American and Belgian governments used Congolese accomplices and a Belgian execution squad to assassinate Patrice Lumumba. The first elected Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Lumumba led the DRC to independence on 30 June 1961. Although, it exploited the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for its natural resources, precisely its use of Uranium for atomic weapons to bomb Japan, the US and Belgian could not stomach the fact that Russian, a communist government, was at the brink of helping Lumumba protect DRC's sovereignty. According to Emmanuel Gerard and Bruce Kuklick, In Death in the Congo: Murdering Patrice Lumumba, "[a] coup in September, secretly aided by the UN, toppled Lumumba’s government. In January 1961, armed men drove Lumumba to a secluded corner of the Katanga bush, stood him up beside a hastily dug grave, and shot him. His rule as Africa’s first democratically elected leader had lasted ten weeks." The body of the young, vibrant, and promising leader of Africa was later dissolved in sulphuric acid (see page 208 of In the Death of Congo for details on the gruesome murder).

Sadly, since the US, Belgian, and the United Nations removed Lumumba almost seven decades ago, the DRC has never been the same again. Beginning with Mobutu Sese Seko, the DRC has struggled for peace and stability free from natural resource exploitation and plundering of the country's wealth. Between 1998 and 2008, an estimated 5.4 million people have died as a direct result of the violence in the DRC.  In 2018 alone, In 2018, the United Nations documented 1,049 cases of conflict related sexual violence against 605 women, 436 girls, 4 men and 4 boys. As at July 2019, 20,044 UN peacekeepers have been deployed in the DRC. In recent times, rebel groups in the Kivu provinces have killed at least 1,900 civilians and abducted more than 3,300 others. Those responsible are yet to be brought to justice.

Yet Another Trek

I know, I know, I know...it's been almost a year. I have been neglectful in keeping up with my monthly postings. It's been an interesting journey in the last nine months: from successfully completing the final milestone of my PhD in August 2015, to returning to Liberia to present findings of the dissertation before completing it (almost there) and delving into new research and teaching opportunities. In early June, I presented at the Law and Society Annual Meeting 2016 in New Orleans. Now, that was a real experience, not just of NOLA's wonderful food and friendly culture but certainly getting a glimpse of the reality of former slaves who returned to Liberia in the early 1800s. These days, I have been inhaling "hateful" toxins exuding out of America's election. You bet I certainly have my perspectives...you will soon find out.

I can't thank you enough for your continuous visits to my blog!

Liberia, Ghana, and Australia - 11 Months of PhD Research Journey

Where do I begin? It's been over a year since I wrote the last blog. It must take undying commitment and interest to religiously return in hopes that you might just catch a fresh read. I deeply apologise. Life's journeys has taken intricate turns - filled with excitements, uncertainties, new beginnings and achievements. Here I am, 4am in the middle of India's most literate State, thinking about my unacceptable negligence. It's time to step up to the plate as 2015 closes in on us. Without further a due...

Updates: I am 21 months into my PhD program. It's been intensive with self-imposed deadlines. Life is worth more than studying and racking up degrees. Don't get me wrong, my life-spine is completely intertwined with education, as many as I can possibly obtain without the limits of an average lifespan. Yet, at the same time, I feel this strong urge to move on to greater things. Complete the PhD, get a job  with decent pay and be creative about how to contribute toward making a social justice difference. 

So, after 9 months, I was done with the first year milestones (proposal and ethics approval) in anticipation to embark on an 11 month data collection. Saving the minute details for the actual PhD dissertation, I begun data collection in Australia. Sitting at the feet of experienced Aboriginal women advocates was the beginning of incomparable learning peaks. By December, I was packed and ready for Liberia via Accra, Ghana. I left Liberia 1992, just after the "first war" subsided. I returned 18 years after for the first time in 2010. Since then I've stayed for a maximum of 6 weeks. This time, I'm going for 7.5 months. Am I ready for this considering how "colonised and imperialised" my thoughts, appearance, countenance, speech etc., have become. Please note, as a matter of survivor, I'm morally obliged to "decolonise" my mind on a regular basis as an active form of resistance to Western hegemony and resilience for sustaining critical thinking skills.

How many times did I cry? How many times did I ask myself, "what am I doing here?". How many times did I question my resolve to focus my PhD research on "violence against Indigenous women and girls?" Many times too often. You see, my passion for social justice, gender equality and ending violence against women and children is so strong that I will stop at nothing to fight the cause. But having such deep-seated passion doesn't mean that I am not vulnerable. My spirit is broken too often than I can bare to contain. The overt sight of violence against women and children in Australia and Liberia keeps me awake at night. Experiencing my own retraumatisation especially when still vulnerable to abuse after years of acquiring confidence through education; makes for a long breathless thought of hopelessness. In essence, it has been a intense 11 months of trying and testing.

Without dismay, be ye optimistic! Because in spite of, I am. In barely 20 months, I have officially completed my second year which ended with a successful mid-term review showcasing the wealth of data collected during my fieldwork. Semi-structure interviews, surveys, secondary statistics, court cases, informal conversations, specific targeted reports, unique case studies and more. Over 1400  literature have been reviewed and are currently being assessed. With this much heap of data, its perfect time to migrate and cocoon into the next stage...transcribing, analysis and writing. Care to know? Well, this next phase happens in a new space...watch this space.

(REPRINTED): A CALL TO NATIONAL CONSCIOUSNESS - AS WE COMMEMORATE OUR 166TH INDEPENDENCE

This Message is reprinted with permission from the author: Moses P. Saygbe Jr.

In celebration of our 166th independence as the first free Republic on the continent of Africa, I am provoked by a national concern that impacts all Liberians both at home and in the diaspora. For 50 years the Executive Mansion has stood as a symbol of the Presidency, the Liberian government and the Liberian people. As we observe our Country’s independence, we will likewise be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the construction and seven years since the unfortunate occurrence of a fire that damaged one of our nation’s most symbolic landmarks. When it was constructed, the Executive Mansion was the most contemporary structure on the continent and boosted pride for the people of Liberia. Upon the completion of the structure, President William V. S. Tubman visited the United States in September of 1963 to extend a special invitation to President John F. Kennedy. The invitation included the inauguration of another term of office for President Tubman and the ribbon cutting and dedication of the newly completed Executive Mansion scheduled for January of 1964. Regrettably, President Kennedy was assassinated in November of 1963, shortly after the visit of President Tubman. It was also in 1963 when President Kennedy launched his first Peace Corps volunteer program in Liberia; signifying the United States commitment to funding programs and support for Liberia.    

The Executive Mansion of the Republic of Liberia, like the White House in the United States of America and presidential palaces in many African Nations,  isn’t simply a home to presidents or meeting space for running the affairs of the country, it’s also known as ‘The People’s House,’ a place that should be open to everyone. It is where foreign heads of State and other guests are received, and where many official ceremonies are conducted. The Mansion serves as one of the most important architectural symbols including the Seal, Flag, and National Anthem of our republic. Like the Executive Mansion, the White House in the United States has a unique and fascinating story; it was also destroyed by fire on three occasions, causing President Harry S. Truman to seek temporary residence elsewhere in the Capital. Nevertheless, the people recognize the important significance this place held; thus it was reconstructed to national prominence, preserving the historical detail of its architecture. Hence, this situation is not unique to Liberia, similarly to US, we too as Liberians can work to rebuild our beloved Executive Mansion.

 I can vividly remember as a child living in the following areas in Monrovia (Buzzy Quarter, Capital Bypass, Behind City Hall, and Bishop Brooks/Perry Street) which were all less than a mile from the Executive Mansion. Some of those personal experiences included; attending the annual Garden Party hosted by President & Mrs. William R. Tolbert, watching fireworks, seeing cars stopped and people saluting while the flag was being raised, and watching guards (soldiers and Secret Service Officers) in boots protecting the President and the people’s house. One evening after school at about 5:30 PM while walking home (from Demonstration Elementary School to City Hall), a soldier instructed me to walk across the street. I suddenly heard a voice say “NO! Come here young man”. It was the voice of President Tolbert. While walking towards this most famous person in my life at the time (with excitement and amazement) he engaged me in a conversation. He asked me, “what is your name and who is your father?”  What school are you attending? I responded with childlike confidence. After our brief talk, he shoke my hand and left me with these parting and inspiring words, “school is very important so do your best.” Say hello to your father and your principal Ms. Wilson”. He also mentioned knowing that my father worked at the Temple of Justice. I was very excited about that moment and shared it with my entire neighborhood and most importantly, I refused to wash my hand.

This narrative is not intended to reflect negatively on any government (past or present) but rather to build a sense of national concern and a call for national pride during our 166th independence celebration. Knowing the tragedy of events at the mansion over the last three decades, I am convinced that the renovation/re-construction of this symbolic landmark of our sovereignty would represent a new day, new pride, and optimistically an accomplished sense of nationalism. I also believe it will take extraordinary Liberians to accomplish this noble initiative.

It is my hope that this piece has raised a sense of national consciousness regarding the monumental undertaking of rebuilding/reconstructing the Executive Mansion. My question to you my fellow Liberians reading this is, what do you see our role as Liberians to be in this process and what would you recommend as the best approach to completing this reconstruction/renovation, aside from the government contribution?

M. P. Saygbe Jr.

"Things do not happen. Things are made to happen".   J. F Kennedy

(REPRINTED) LIBERIA: AN ASYLUM FROM OPPRESSION -- HAPPY 166TH

This Message is reprinted with permission from the author: A. Teage Jalloh, Esq.

"We've been suffering in this nation for so long, cause we couldn't find a better leader. We want someone who can lead this nation, so that all Liberians can be happy....Give us hope, Ma Ellen, hope for a better Liberia." ~~Sundaygar Dearboy

It’s been 166 years since Liberia declared its independence. And while progress has been made in some areas, we have somehow failed to acknowledge that our nation, at all levels of government, has work to do with respect to education, performance, fairness, accountability, and development. 

So yes indeed, President Sirleaf, with her awesome powers, is expected to give us hope. But let's expand the expectation and ask the Legislature, with its awesome powers, to give us hope as well. Let's expand the expectation and ask the Supreme Court, with its awesome powers, to give us hope as well. Let's expand the expectation and ask the autonomous public commissions, with their unique roles, to give us hope as well. And let us, as Liberians in the Diaspora and at Home, increase our efforts to make Liberia a more accountable, progressive nation.  

At the dawn of generations to come, may we be remembered as nation-builders who upheld the founding vision of Liberia by rejecting any attempts to use geographical location or other means to pit one group of Liberians against another. May we realize that there is strength and perseverance in constructive, collective efforts. And, may we continue to work to have Africa’s oldest republic as an “asylum from the most grinding oppression,” where no one wins a total victory or loses a total defeat.

Happy 166th.

Respectfully,

Teage

TRIBUTE TO MY CHILDHOOD HERO: JESSE OWENS

"...Jesse Owens the grandson of a slave will go down in history not only for his athletic achievement but for his repudiation of Hitler's racial ideas..."

 

The first meaningful email I got this morning was from the University of Alumni Association congratulating 4 Notts students for carrying the olympic torch in London. I later glided to UBC homepage to download something completely different. BOOM again, the first flash news was about UBC olympic representatives. Then, it sunk in that there is only 28 more days to the 2012 London Olympics. Well, my memory of olympics dates back some 3 decades ago when I was still a thinny whinny bit. I have indelible photographic childhood memories from our cute black and white Sanyo TV. No doubt that these memories are endless but here are selected few divided into groups: 1)  Cartoons (e.g., yabadabadoo - the Flintstons, Stingray, the Muppet Show, Tom & Jerry, the Incredible Hulk, etc); 2) TV Shows & Sit-Com (e.g., Hawai'i Five O), Miami Vice, Star Trek, the Jackson 5, Different Strokes, the Cosby Show, Good Times, the Jeffersons, Sanford & Son etc) and 3) Documentaries and World Politics (e.g., the Ethiopian Civil War, Apartheid in South Africa, Jesse Owens biography, etc).

"...Ohio State was not desegregated at the time so Jesse Owens attended school there which meant that he  had to live off-campus, he was not able to eat his meals with his white colleagues and there was no scholarships for him so he had to work on multiple jobs in order to pay his tuition..."

Well, this reflection is about Jesse Owens - even as I write, I can still hear the loud chants from the TV screen "Jesse Owens" as he returned from the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. As a child, I understood nothing more about the complex world or racism, discrimination, slavery and violence. But those photographic images have stuck with me and have gradually transformed my thinking into curiosity and now incessant drive to contribute towards building a knowledge society to enhance social justice, equality and respect for diversity. Jesse Owens was, is and forever will be my hero.

"When Jesse Owens came back from the Berlin games, he was greeted with a hero's welcome. They had a ticket-tape parade for him in New York city that was a celebratory reception for him at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel and the irony is he had to take the freight elevator up the reception because he was black"

Because of his inspiration, talent and humility today many of African descend have gone on to set world records and more...to yours and your unborn generations to come - HAIL TO JESSE OWENS!

CHARLES TAYLOR VERDICT: "SENSATIONS MELANGEES"

The eve before his (I mean Charles Taylor, the first African president to be tried by ICC) verdict I was antsy. Not so much of fear but of the implications that would come off the verdict. One, for Liberia/Liberians; two, for Sierra Leoneans; and three,  the international community. While, en route on board Air Alaska I heard the "guilty" verdict handed down. I kept thinking "not guilty" based on pile of circumstantial evidences. For the fact that he was tried for crimes in Sierra Leone and not Liberia is, in itself, conjectural. Wait a minute, some clarification is in order at this juncture.

I am a strong advocate of human rights especially the rights of children in war. I do not, will not and probably will never condone any such crimes against humanity. But before I allow my emotions to get the better part of me, let me use some objective critique to drive home my perception. So, if you sense any ounce of judgement toward/against Charles Taylor here, it is only because I'm trying to use my legal instincts to parse the due process of international law as a tool for producing justice for all and not some.

To be continue (being in transit doesn't allow for full access to the computer). California weather is just too gorgeous...I apologize for the "break in transmission". There is a level of uncertainty that comes with being a globetrotter. You must learn to go with the flow especially when destiny finds you in places where you can flick the switch of lights without stopping to think of its source. Anyhoo...let's finish this!

One of the main objectives of the penal system is to deter people from committing crimes. Another, unwritten yet acceptable norm when abiding by law and order in society, is the fact that "ignorance of the law does not excuse one from bearing the full force of it". In light of these principles, indisputably, it can be implied that if several individuals were allegedly involved in a criminal activity, despite their role in aiding and abetting; the level of complicity or ignorance; - justice and fairness MUST prevail for/to all.

In connecting the dots between Charles Taylor's conviction and the fundamental principles of the rule of law, equity, justice and fairness (even though I personally believe that the charges laid against Mr. Taylor were mostly circumstantial and unsupported) - it appears to me that the International Court of Justice has not only miscarried justice but have also rendered partial judgement by failing to investigate all involve. I guess, I should not be too fast to conclude knowing that individuals who were not part of the Third Reich yet collaborated with Nazi Germany to commit crimes against humanity sluggishly threaded the path of justice even 50 years after the event.

With such hope, I look forward to the removal of inherent immunity to those Liberians who have been implicated in world crimes in Liberia and Sierra Leone. If one is convicted then all should be convicted and/or subject to fair trial procedure. By ALL, I mean those listed in the Liberia Truth and Reconciliation Report. Thus, I aspire to the breaking of the dawn when Liberia War Crime Tribunal commences! Then, we shall have begun to halt the demon of perpetual violence on the continent thereby eradicating mockery of good governance.

I NEED YOUR VOTE: RISING STARS IN GLOBAL HEALTH

Dear Fans:
I am the last person to ask for this much attention but I earnestly do need you vote! Here is what you need to do:
1. Kindly visit: http://bit.ly/ITGrkn
2. Vote/Like (I'm not on Facebook)
3. Spread the Word; and 
4. FinishThank you very much!

GOING BACK TO MY ROOTS

Ask me what it feels like going back home where there is no electricity or tap born water after living in the West for over 10 years? I'd say it is very difficult. But ask me, how do I feel about going back to my roots, I'd say GREAT! You want to know why? Because Liberia/Ghana/Africa is my home. No amount of challenge, frustration and struggle can ever deter me from fulfilling my moral obligation. That is, contributing my quota to engineer social change on the continent. Thus, the story is about picking to my heels to Liberia and Ghana for 4 consecutive weeks to teach, research and do business

My joy knew no bounds as I stood before fellow Liberians at Cuttington University's Graduate School of Public Health and Buduburam Refugee Camp's Christian Center for Leadership Development and Counseling to impart knowledge and skills for sustainable development. Who knew that after all these years, I will be returning to the refugee camp I once received ration at - but now in the capacity of the Director of Flowers School of Public Health Sciences and Science to deliver the keynote address to 141 graduants of CCLDC? Well, I'm still trying to be the change I want to see in the world. See Ghana Daily Graphics of November 17, 2011.

Daily Graphic Newspaper, November 17, 2011

PROUDLY LIBERIAN

When you are very sensitive (I guess because you are born in September - so my Mama says) you hurt a lot! Because, when your history and identity is tied to slavery where the oppressed becomes the oppressors - the shame it generates catapults you to a position of simultaneous regrets and acceptance. You mutter on a daily basis, you criticize and you end up shunning your own (most times) because the worse happens - a bloody civil war that lasted for 14 years claiming 250,000 lives and forcing many into the state of protracted displacement, refugeehood, undocumented status. You are beaten, raped, and abused in all shape, form, size and colour. Yet, you get so mad (I mean really ANGRY) when outsiders only see the negative side of your culture, your people, your society, ecetera ecetera - you know like VBS TV Guide said "Liberians eat human flesh"?

Then, on October 7, 2011 you wake up to the most beautiful news ever ELLEN JOHNSON SIRLEAF AND LEYMAH GBOWEE two distinct Liberian women takes away the most prestigious honour in the world. Then you begin to wonder - so good things do come out of Liberia/Africa. And as a matter of fact, some African countries, (Liberia, South Africa and Botswana - to name but a very few) have made historical strides which makes topics such as "feminism in the Western world" a mockery sometimes. Because on the one hand, these societies claim to be more progressive, civil and respectful of women's rights yet, are so far removed from the realities of most African women.

Well, there's not much to say but for the first time in my life, I feel PROUDLY LIBERIA - so emotional! CONGRAT MA ELLEN, SIS LEYMAH and my friend TAWAKKUL KARMAM!!!!

60 MILLION GIRLS - I WAS PART OF THAT NUMBER

Yes, it's only 18 years ago that I was being counted as one of several million refugee girls around the world who had no access to education. Then one day my luck shine only because my Mama - as poor as she was -  forbid me to follow boys (OH YES SHE DID) and put my "head in my books". See Mama is the toughest disciplinarian I have ever known in my life. My siblings and I often reflect on her "no-nonsense" disciplinarian style - most times we crack up with endless laughter. BUT back then it was no joke - I'm not kidding you. Many days, like any normal teenager, I bickered with her wondering why she was so tough on me. One day, I had the audacity to say to Mama that she's not my real mother because if she were, she won't treat me with such ironed fisk. Mama just laughed and said - "go find your real mother." Of course, she is my biological mother - it's taken me some three decades plus to really appreciate her fully! I bless every day in my life to have her - all that I am and have become, I owe it 100 per cent to Mama.

I am very much aware that I'm veering off but you see, you must realize that my story is never mine but rather seamlessly interwoven with that of my Mama's. So, if you are in Montreal, Quebec area come listen to my mother's story lived through me. Visit 60 Million Girls for more details.

EDUCATING LIBERIAN CHILDREN ABOUT THEIR RIGHTS

If you are an extremely hard working person you will feel my excitement! You know the feeling you get when you have spent sleepless nights completing your "side jobs" because daylight wouldn't permit you? YES! The picture on the right hand side of this post explains it all.

It started two years ago when the Good Citizen Project (GCP) was started with my fellow Liberians McAnthony Keah and Dan Brown. I was asked how and what can I contribute? I instantly thought about writing children's books to educate them about human rights. GCP loved the idea and we instantly dubbed the Volume - Human Rights Series. Soon after, I happened to make my first trip to Liberia - 18 years after I left. And though I have no experience with writing children's books, there was no shortage of stories in Liberia. From the Ministry of Education to small villages across the counties, I watched, observed, and wept - not just for my poverty stricken past but that even after some three decades plus children are still in such impoverished situation in Liberia. I keep asking why and what can be done to ameliorate this concern?

I returned to Canada and instantly put pen to paper. Miatta & Kiazulu Wants to Have a School in their Village was the result. Yesterday, I held for the first time, the 21 page colourful glossy print. Published by First Choice Books, it begins with Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights "Everyone has the right to education" and Article 28 of the Convention of the Rights of the Child "...governments should make primary education compulsory and available free to all". This story highlights Miatta and Kiazulu's conversation as they journey to school miles away from their village. 

As this is the first of GCP's Human Rights Series, we look forward to ensuring that every child in Liberia has a copy to the book. It is our long-term goal that through GCP, children in Liberia/Africa will become good citizens, leaders and human rights advocates. Watch this space for more information on how to obtain a copy of Miatta and Kiazulu Wants to Have a School in their Village.

This post will be incomplete without saying thanks to the person behind the beautiful coloring - Frederic Jacques Carrasca, the Illustrator. Merci beaucoup mon ami - nous l'ai fait!
Paix!!!