By Michael Scales, UK.
Mr.Editor,
A strange silence has desended upon my beloved Gambia....People are gathering in small groups sitting together, but not speaking,as if in shock and deep despair.I must admit i feel the same emotions, I am almost speechless,which is not a condition an englishman takes well.Perhaps after living and breathing Africans for so many years , I have become an African.I feel despair and hopelessness accompanied by isolation and aloneness.I have often encountered a spirit of forgiveness, within the African ,which is more noble and honerable than any other estate of mankind that ive known.They do not challenge authority much, and gladly follow the crowd of faithful alliegence,to there chosen leaders.Perhaps this is inherant upon the culture of Kings and Princes of centuries past.? I am not African enough to say clearly ,either way.?
The transition from colonialism to Independance and democracy,is ..and has been, a very hard road for Africans.The African is accustomed to enduring hardship.It is a way of life.But this climb of the mountain of enlightenment and freedom,has become a very slippery slope,at times almost beyond the greatest courage of there noblest and mightiest warrior.Since the dawn of Independence,in the early 1960;s we British have taken to keeping our distance from the internal politics of those aspiring nations.When the chips are down, we have often come to your aid.Then to retire to our ivory towers , to drink tea and dream of centuries past, when we ruled the waves.We take your insults and abuse, over matters long gone and in the past,but always try to stand firm and wise, when danger threatens your continent.We have bequethed you much yet we have left very little.The word Diplomacy, is something we own and left you.It is born out of the English heritage to good manners and respect.The word of honerable Gentlemen.The institution of Law is another British tradition, that sits precariously within your temple.It takes many years to become a Lawyer,the path to its higher aspiration of a Judge ,even longer.In Britain over the years there have been several accounts of how Government sought to infringe its impartiality, and rightly failed.The Law is the final barrier against anerchy
and the Jungle.It is not the single domain of any individual or body of politic,it is the impregnable castle of the people.The Law has laid low the mightiest President of the Greatest power on Earth.It has also protected the simplest citizen from abuse.Diplomacy and Law, are great champions of freedom.Both allow the people the chance to negotiate and reaffirm the principal of freedom, protection,Justice,commonsense and wisdom.... are its children.
In Britain, if we have a disaster, or a flood or a train crash,or God forbid another bombing,The British People immediately turn to hear the words of guidence from Government.The enquiry..if necessary, the investigation ..if necessary...The death toll...if necessary....the damage report..if necessary....The intention of Government ...if necessary....the role of the police ...if necessary....what the Prime Minister thinks....if necessary....What the Minister thinks ...if necessay.....The role of the rescue services ...if necessary... the list is endless.
In Africa...if 17 children are shot dead by the army...almost..silence...
In Africa..if 44 Ghanaians ,,are alleged to have been brutaly murdered.....almost silence...
In Africa...if a respected Journalist is shot dead by assasins......almost silence...
In Africa...if an elected President dosnt show up for a meeting with other heads of state....almost silence..
In Africa...if the head of the intelligence service goes missing presumed dead......almost silence..
In Africa...if the Government seeks to sell its primary assets,owned by the people...almost silence...
In Africa...if the assets of its former giant foriegn investor are frozen......almost silence....
This silence is almost deafening !!!.. Is this diplomacy..? or dericliction of duty by Government.?
The law is silent...Is this diplomacy or deriliction of duty by the department of Justice ?
Where is the voice of the oppostion...If the parliament is deviod of Opposition, then who speaks for the people ?Who polices the Government.
Where is the accountability ? who is responsible..?
Where is democracy ?
Silence............?
Yet amongst the international Jungle...there sits a small but knowledgeable group of people who do not take to silence....In that rare,moment when the silent dicharge there venom ..they scream these people are the messengers of Hate..............WRONG !!!!!!..How unjust !, How uncouth ! How very wrong.....these people who will NOT !!! remain silent...are the angels of Freedom.....
They are the voice of Humanity.....
They are the tears of a nation......
They are the humble servants of those who cannot speak...
As the World watches closley.......As the mighty nations offer there concern,....as the diplomats,,,,wield the sword of diplomacy....as the halls of Justice..investigate......Let us not forget the innocent....It can only be in the Words of an African...to express the feelings of an African....In the Poem by Ambassador Sey, he says it so well......Africa ! once again here comes sorrow...................
In memorium and respect....Michael.