Monday, September 04, 2006

My African History

IN A SPEECH delivered to the United Nations in 1968, H.M. Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia stated '[t]hat until the philosophy which holds one race superior and another inferior is finally and permanently discredited and abandoned: That until there are no longer first-class and second class citizens of any nation; That until the color of a man's skin is of no more significance than the color of his eyes; That until the basic human rights are equally guaranteed to all without regard to race; That until that day, the dream of lasting peace and world citizenship and the rule of international morality will remain but a fleeting illusion, to be pursued but never attained.'These very words were later popularised in the song 'war' by Bob Marley, one of my greatest heros.

IN A CRUEL WORLD, the powerful dominate the weak. Africa has been abused, ignored, but too strong to be eliminated. Now, Look at the rising star, with a strong and growing population, with abundant natural resources, and passionate citizens and inspiring intellectuals, hard working and devoted women and men as well as with a blossoming youth eager to acquire knowledge .

PRESIDENT Kwame Nkurumah said it,Bob Marley sang it, 'Africa [Must] Unite'. And henceforth, I vow to be one of those that ensure to the African dream is realised. I am immensely inspired by the words of Patrice Emery Lumumba who was assassinated at the age of 36, that the day approaches, when Africa will write its own history.

I HAVE just submitted about 40,000 words of my thesis to my supervisor. Studying African regional security has become a daily part of my life. No wonder I am well past half way through my thesis despite the fact that this is only the end of my first year.Today, I miss those that I represent, those that watched me grow up brought me to brighten the lives of our future generations. It is odd that I study about my continent in a far away land. But I am proud to be an African researching on Africa.At times we have to be pragmatic and I am looking forward to conducting my field studies during the next academic year. I consider this venture as part of my pilgrimage, a spiritual journey into what makes me part of the African heritage as well as to know my role in its future.

FOR NOW, I observe,learn and ready to jump into the deep end and to swim with the sharks.