A Long Hiatus

GOSH in deed, new year came and 8 months have passed by. It is truly something to strive for completing a full PhD with enormous amount of empirical data in 2.5 years. Uh Huh! I know I am crazy. But there is nothing for nothing. You have to give something to have something. Please accept my sincere apologies for the long silence. Thanks for continuous reading and viewing...almost 16,000 hits now. I'm humbled.

No doubt that "the writing hiatus" is filled with bouts of highs and lows. Albeit, the most important thing is to keep the pace, reduce distractions and aim for the end-point. Speaking of "lows", two days ago I was embroiled with the former Deputy of the Executive Protection Service, Mr Darlington George brutal violence against a young woman in Liberia. Whilst I wholeheartedly welcome President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's immediate response; four issues/questions are disturbingly concerning:

1. Why do men (generally) in Liberia (specifically) have a sense of entitlement to control women's bodies? Where do they get the audacity and authority to physically inflict harm, pain, and suffering on women and girls? I think I know the foundation of patriarchy and male dominance but why must it be so? Aren't we human beings?

2. Is the President of Liberia (the Executive) interfering with the due process of law (Judiciary) when she says Mr George should report to the Ministry of Justice for further investigation? What other investigation would there be apart from a police one?

3. Why did Front Page Africa go out of their way to reveal the true identity of the survivor? Isn't there survivor protection law in Liberia (save Liberia's ratification of the ICCPR) that prevent media houses from revealing survivor's identity in certain sensitive circumstances?

4. Considering the supposedly high-profile nature of this case (i.e., the case involves a presidential guard), will the police and courts deliver fairly and justly in adjudicating for the survivor? In the candid words of Mamensie Kabba, a Female Activist: 

If it was an ordinary person who did what Darlington George did, that person would have been arrested by government, since it is someone who is around the President that's why he still passing around here and the girl is in pain.

It saddens me each day to see unfairness and injustice against women and children, yet the "Rule of Law Illusion" prevails.

Yesterday morning I woke up to Ahmed Mohamed's news. The first thought that ran through my mind was how simplistic, dismissive and condescending some ignorant people can be when they make comments like, "Black people are lazy" or "Africans are not intelligent". Without realizing the full impact of their actions, some are very good at Drawing the Global Colour Line to segregate and disenfranchise Black people. And if your name is Ahmed Mohamed and you live in America, then the stakes are even higher. You might think I am making a mole hill out of an ant hill. But I always think complex picture. Think about a bunch of 10-14 year olds watching Ahmed arrested, handcuffs, and interrogated by police without his parents or lawyers (partly why the United States of America would not sign on to the CRC) because his ENGINEERING TEACHER thinks he's created a bomb rather than a clock. How distasteful and offensive! The very teacher(s) who is supposed to inspire, support and be a mentor, is the very one who behaves as if s/he never went to school. Though troubling, I am so glad it all turned out well. Not only is Ahmed a positive force to be reckoned with, he gets to hangout with the President of the United States and the Founder of Facebook, Google and the list goes on. I do look forward to seeing Ahmed at MIT in readiness for his great inventions to revolutionise the world! Kudos my young friend.

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.

PROFILE BY THE AU? YES...YOU READ IT RIGHT!

It is a bit challenging to keep up my monthly blog writing these days. My PhD, more than anything else in the world, takes precedence. Whilst I feel negligent and irresponsible sometimes for not blogging in a timely fashion, you've been loyal (THANK-YOU!). Visits has stumped to 9,556 from 5,000 in the last 4 months or so. I'm impressed and pleased with your hits, whether it is revisits or new visits.

So, two nights ago, I was asked to be profiled by the Communication Strategist of the OAU-AU 50th Anniversary Situation Room, African Union PSD Peace and Security Department for the upcoming High Level Peace Retreat in Cote D'Ivoire. I didn't think much of it, as I said, I'm in the depths of my studies right now. It was approximately 2am in the morning, I had just woken up to complete preparation for teaching later in that day.

I incoherently, gathered the information that was requested and shot it off reluctantly. It was only this very moment I received the click to the link that I realised that WHOAH! It is something! I am truly humbled and honoured to be a part of the younger generation of Africans using their experiences as war survivors to contribute to peace-building, conflict resolution and long-term development. Cote d'Ivoire...voila je viens!

My heartfelt gratitude goes out to Pedro, Hermon, and everyone at the AU PSD Peace and Security Department! On the occasion of its 50th Anniversary...

WATCH THE CLIP

(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

(REBLOGGED) Omar Khadr – the Child Soldier Turned Adult Prisoner: Abuse and Neglect by the US and Canada

On 27 July 2002, 15-year old Khadr became the youngest prisoner since the Second World War to be prosecuted for war crimes by a military tribunal. Detained and tortured at Guantanamo Bay,  Fynn argues Khadr was abandoned by Canada, contrary to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Supreme and Federal Courts Rulings, and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Khadr was returned to Canada on 29 September 2012 to serve the reminder of his sentence after pleading guilty. Fynn examines the Khadr case as an illustration of the uneven and ad hoc nature of law in the so-called “War on Terror,” where one child (Khadr, born into what has been frequently characterised as a “Muslim terrorist family”) is underserving of state protection while another (e.g. former Sierra Leonean child soldier Ishmael Beah) warrants sympathy and compassion. In such cases, Fynn asks, is the phrase “all are equal under the law” a myth or fact? CONTINUE READING

DEAR GOD: AFRICAN UNION IS 50 YEARS OLD

Dear God:

Since I realised that as a born and bred Liberian I am NOT a citizen of America, I started to question my mentally enslaved twisted thinking. I earnestly do not know where my maternal ancestral line come from. I stress the matrilineal link because I was simply born of a woman [PERIOD]. OK, now that I had the epiphany, by the way that was during my refugeehood in Ghana; I begun a journey of what it means to be black African. Bob Marley added political songs to my soul - like War, Africa Unite, Redemption Song, Buffalo Soldiers, Get Up Stand Up, Them Belly Full, If the Cap Fits, Natty Dreads and more. I love Nesta, no kidding...I could go on listing his songs. 

But the Natty Dreads part became stronger when I discovered Brother Malcolm. I have never met a brave heart in spirit. Oh by the way God, I don't know whether you did that on purpose, but he and Obama look so alike...I'm drifting now, back on track. Malcolm's autobiography changed my life, especially the part where he was constantly called "red" because of his mixed race and hair colour. How he realised while in prison that perming his hair didn't make him White. That was gospel to me - before my graduation ceremony at the University of British Columbia in 2004, I asked my brother-in-law to "cleaned my skull" from every fibril strands that was permed. I love my dreads now, it's growing beautifully. 

But why am I saying all this God? Well, I have to give you some background about the emergence of why I strongly feel Africans should return to their original goal set by the founders of the Organisation of African Union (OAU, now AU) God, as if you don't already know since you're the pre-destinator of every human life. Anyways, I would like for you to know that the African Union is 50 years old. That means 64 years ago Ghana (under Prime Minister Kwame Nkrumah) set the stage for postcolonial Africa. But there are these great grandfathers (like uncle Bob) who like to take things to the extreme all the time. The sad part is, though, they are in the minority. Regardless, can you please help us, Africans realise that the West (whatever that means, speaking of Bob Marley - if the cap fits then wear it) will NEVER save Africa until we UNITE as ONE PEOPLE? This is my prayer in your son JESUS' NAME! AMEN. 

PS: Oh I forgot, God...and all them folks in the Caribbean and the US, I apologise on behalf those fools who used the boats (I mean the ones that packed women, children and men with chains and dump them overboard to claim insurance liability whenever there was trouble at sea - see The Voyage of the Zong). Trust me, you're (Carribbeans, African-American, etc.) Africans too - yes all them taken from the motherland are Africans. I believe once we can at least come to this agreement, we could prosecute the fools (dead or alive) for crimes against humanity in a historical class action lawsuit - a due process of law way overdue. OK God, you said in Mark 11:24 that "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours". AMEN