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Recurring separatist agitations: should conflict-torn African countries renegotiate their nationhood?

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3 years ago

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Agitations for self-determination have become commonplace in Africa, with recurring devastating effects largely responsible for its current social and economic retardation. They have fragmented many nations and divided others along religious and ethnic lines. Indigenous and foreign political scientists and observers have attempted to pinpoint the roots cause of these crises. The underlying causes are believed to include poor political structures, social and political inequalities, and colonial powers’ forceful amalgamation of regions with different ideologies and belief systems.

The imposed merger denied the indigenous peoples the opportunity to choose if they were ready to coexist. Therefore, since the start of their nationhood, many African countries have existed amidst mutual distrust and rancour.This has led to devastating unrest and bloody division in countries like Ethiopia and Sudan, from which Eretria and South Sudan emerged. There are several yet undivided ones that have also had their share of civil wars between some regions and their central governments.

Nigeria, for instance, has grappled with ethnoreligious unrest since its amalgamation in 1914. The mutual resentment would later degenerate into a full-blown civil war six years after independence between the separatist Biafra Army led by Col. Odumegwu Ojukwu and the federal military government from 1960 to 1967. Around 500,000 to 2 million Igbo civilians died from starvation. Though the country has managed to stay as one since the war, the perceived ethic marginalization and other widespread factors responsible for the conflict remain unaddressed. Over five decades after the war, the country still experiences separatist agitations from the same Biafra people and many other indigenous people, especially from the south.

In Cameroon, the Ambazonia people of the anglophone southern region have been at the loggerhead with the central government controlled by the Francophone region for the past four years. Began like a low-scale insurgency, the warspread into most parts of the southern regions within a year and resulted in thousands of deaths. Before gaining independence from Ethiopia in 1993, the Eretria region fought the central government for years, resulting in thousands of deaths. Even after their separation, the two countries renewed their enmity, which degenerated during the border control conflict between 1998 and 2000, leaving gravy impacts on both sides. Similarly, the southern Sudanese engaged the then Sudanese government in an almost two-decade civil war. Before gaining independence, around 2 million people were killed, and at least one out of every five southern Sudanese were believed to make up the causalities.

The conflict between the Tigray rebels and the Ethiopian Army has been ranging for over a year, with 10,000 deaths and more than 230 massacres. In what started as a power tussle between a regional government and central authority, the crisis has plunged the country into its worst famine in decades and is gradually tilting towards another self-determination fight in a country that just lost one of its former regions less than two decades ago.

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These cases and many similar others show that separatist agitations are more of an ideological struggle and cannot be effectively settled with military guns and barrels. Unfortunately, most African leaders have shown to only understand a forceful approach and are less concerned about resultant recurring bloodletting and economic losses from the wars. For the past six years of its administration, President Buhari of Nigeria has been fighting renewed and emerging separatist movements emanating from the Biafra people of the southeast, Odua nationalists of the southwest, and other regions in the country. Despite the government’s use of forceful arrests, imprisonments, and intimidations, the movements persist and have led to an overstretched military force. Similarly, the Paul Biya-led government of Cameroon has failed to end the Ambazonia War despite years of military repel.

Given the recurring nature of these crises, many analysts have suggested peaceful resolutions such as referendum and restructuring, which will give the agitating regions the first-ever chance to decide their nationhood. But checks by Immigration Advice Service show that some African countries do not make provision for such in their constitutions. The Nigerian constitution, for example, has undergone series of amendments since 1999, but in each of these amendments, there has always been a “dubious omission” of a referendum. This begs the question: who is afraid of the peaceful dissolution of these conflict-torn African countries? The answer may not be farfetched given the political structures in most African countries.

There are individuals and groups who benefitted from the long-existing rot in the system and would rather have the status quo remain. Major actors are politicians who have weaponised poverty, illiteracy, and religious indoctrination to keep the masses under their feet. There are poor African countries with some of the most expensive costs of governance in the world. Despite their outrageous salaries and allowances, these politicians still exploit the weak system to loot the treasury with reckless abandon, leaving their citizens even more devastated with hyperinflation, high unemployment rate, and other economic crises.

Similarly, some regions benefit at the expense of others and, as such, would always resist a breakup or restructuring of their countries. In Cameroon, the francophone region has ruled the country since its unification with the anglophone region in the 1960s. The incumbent, Paul Biya, has been ruling for the past 38 years after a peaceful transfer of power by his predecessor, Ahmadou Ahidjo. Apart from his sit-tightism, most of Biya’s policies have been found to be unfavourable to the British anglophone part of the country, leading to the current unrest. In the same vein, the underlying cause of the ongoing Tigray crisis is rooted in regional governance crises. In Nigeria, the revenue-buoyant southern region was believed to have been merged with the revenue-challenged north, so the former could subsidize the latter. And to date, northern Nigeria still benefits immensely from the oil revenue and VAT collection from the south due to the existing sharing formula that is more favourable to the former.

It is, therefore, not surprising to see those forces fighting to keep the countries together with coercion despite cyclical armed conflicts. At the same time, the agitators have proven to be resilient in achieving their mandate even in the face of fierce intimidation. It can then be deduced that leaders of such countries are only postponing the doomsday as their adamant non-negotiability stance puts their nations on a keg of gun powder waiting to explode.

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Considering the conflict trend on African soil in the past few years, it is a no-brainer that the continent has had enough bloodshed and socioeconomic retardation for its leaders to re-strategize their approach to governance. It is high time they demonstrated selfless leadership and perhaps flexibility in their views. The law books should be reviewed and amended to reflect equitable resource control and political representation, and most importantly, rights to self-determination. With these in place, countries can coexist or separate peacefully if and when needed withoutbloodletting, displacement, starvation, and untold humanitarian crises.

Olusegun Akinfenwa writes for London Immigration Lawyer – a UK based law firm that offers immigration services globally, including the Republic of Ireland citizenship and immigration process.

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People & Lifestyle

Social Trends: Elite Prom Night: Ugandan High Schoolers Arrive in Choppers & Supercars

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4 hours ago

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May 6, 2024

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elite high school prom

Entebbe, Uganda – Elite High School’s prom night showcased opulence as students arrived in helicopters, Tesla cars, Mercedes-Benz, and Lamborghini, sparking social media buzz and discussions on the source of such wealth in a developing country.

Elite High School typically attracts attention from a wide range of people due to their extravagant Prom parties. The 2024 Prom party followed suit and garnered attention from government officials. On May 4th, a Saturday, students were eager to attend their Prom, which occurs before candidates start their final exams.

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Most students arrived dressed in their best attire, while some even hired luxurious cars. One student arrived in a helicopter with his date. After getting out of the helicopter, they were escorted into a luxurious car that transported them to the Prom venue.

According to an interview with our presenters, Pam Malaika, and MC Ollo, sources revealed that the helicopter was hired from Bar Aviation at $1200 (approximately Ugandan Shillings 4.5 million), while the car, a V8 2022 Model, was hired for 6 hours at 3 million Ugandan Shillings.

Minister John Muyingo, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the Prom trends, stating, “Are these things happening in Uganda? Where are we going? Money is a scarce resource; it shouldn’t be given out and spent like that.

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People & Lifestyle

Social Trends: Ghana’s ‘Beans’ Dilemma: Prices Surge to 50 Cedis

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4 hours ago

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May 6, 2024

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gari and beans

Ghanaians have taken to social media to express their disbelief and frustration over the recent surge in bean prices, with some reporting costs as high as 50 Ghanaian cedis for a single serving.

The conversation, filled with humor and sarcasm, has highlighted the broader issue of the rising cost of living in Ghana, including the increased prices of other staples such as gari and plantain.

Read Also: Several uprooted trees cause damage to properties in parts of Accra after downpour

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Despite the serious underlying issue, the posts have provided a light-hearted take on a challenging situation.

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People & Lifestyle

Telecel Cash Now Available as a Payment Option on Google Play in Ghana

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4 hours ago

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May 6, 2024

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Telecel Cash Logo

Telecel Mobile Financial Services Ltd, operators of Telecel Cash, in partnership with Cellulant, a leading technology company, has announced the availability of Telecel Cash as a convenient payment method for Google Play users in Ghana. This integration enables Telecel Cash customers to seamlessly purchase apps and services directly from Google Play, enhancing their digital experience.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to expand payment options and improve transaction ease for Google Play users, especially in regions where the use of traditional credit cards is uncommon. By incorporating Telecel Cash, Telecel Ghana and Cellulant are providing a seamless, secure, and convenient payment method tailored to the needs of the Ghanaian market.

Richard Gesimba, Vice President, Cellulant Checkout Business Unit, highlighted the significance of the collaboration. “Our partnership with Telecel Ghana aims to innovate and deliver payment solutions that address the evolving needs of African consumers. This integration makes it easier for them to access a world of apps and content on Google Play without traditional banking facilities.” He noted.

Philip Amoateng, Director for Telecel Cash, emphasized the benefits for customers.  “The inclusion of Telecel Cash as a payment option on Google Play significantly enhances our service offerings. It offers our customers a straightforward and secure way to enjoy all the features and capabilities that Google Play has to offer. We are committed to enhancing our customers’ digital experiences and ensuring they can access global digital content with ease.”, he added.

Google Play, a digital distribution service operated and developed by Google, is the official app store for the Android operating system. It allows users to browse and download applications developed with the Android software development kit and published through Google.

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The availability of Telecel Cash as a payment method on Google Play is expected to boost the platform’s usage in Ghana, where mobile money has become a dominant force in financial transactions.

This also demonstrates Telecel Ghana’s commitment to enhancing customer experience and expanding digital accessibility.

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Tips for a Successful Physician Assistant Job Search

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5 hours ago

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May 6, 2024

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How to Become a Nurse

Thanks to staffing shortages across the healthcare industry, many healthcare organizations today rely heavily on PAs. In fact, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the demand for PAs will increase 28 percent by 2031. However, men and women who choose to pursue a career as a PA may struggle to secure open positions that meet their needs. They must differentiate themselves from other applicants to land their dream jobs. How can they do so?

Highlight Work Experience

Employers want to know each physician assistant’s work experience when evaluating candidates. Clinical rotations allow PAs to practice their skills, but a physician assistant also must work well within a team and contribute meaningfully to that team. The PA will work closely with others in the industry, including doctors and nurses. They must collaborate effectively to provide the highest level of care. Share this teamwork on the CV or resume to attract more attention. This single step will be of help finding PA work that meets the individual’s needs.

Consider a Speciality

Many PAs enter the industry expecting to work in general practice. However, once they hone their skills, they find they are drawn to a particular specialty. To generate more job offers within this specialized field, the PA should focus on starting immediately upon graduation or gaining experience in another healthcare area before moving to their desired specialty. Never accept a job in a specialty that is not interesting, as doing so could diminish the joy this job should bring.

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Additional Training and Certifications

PAs should take advantage of continuing education seminars, classes, and more. Doing so will allow them to advance in their careers and open up more job opportunities. Every PA must complete an accredited physician assistant program and be certified by the NCCPA before practicing. However, having these qualifications won’t be enough to allow a candidate to stand out when applying for open positions. Complete a postgraduate residency, earn a certificate, or collect CE credits and share this information on the resume. Employers appreciate having workers who take the initiative to advance their skills because they know the company benefits from this added expertise.

Loan Repayment Options

Look into employers who offer to satisfy all or part of a student loan when applying for PA jobs. While a PA makes a nice salary, paying back student loans can put a big dent in their monthly budget. Hospitals often offer loan repayment options for individuals who take positions as PAs within the organization. However, don’t overlook Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and NHSC-funded loan repayment opportunities.

Why Medicine?

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Every PA should share the story of what led them into medicine. Employers like to see that the candidate views the opportunity as more than a job. If one is secured, be prepared to share this same story during the interview. It’s important to provide an authentic story, as employers can pick up on material written by the PA just to include information. They easily distinguish between this and a compelling authentic story.

Thanks to the number of job openings in this field, finding the right PA job shouldn’t be challenging. However, finding the right candidate for an open position or the right position for a candidate takes time. Consider working with a staffing agency to make the process easier. This agency will help clients narrow the available options to find the right fit for each open position. When this connection is made, all parties win.

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Valerie Owusu and Emmanuel Addae get 25 years to life in prison for beating their child to death

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5 hours ago

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May 6, 2024

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Valerie Owusu and Emmanuel Addae get 25 years to life in prison for beating their child to death

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Valerie Owusu, 28, and Emmanuel Addae, 28, of Corona, Queens, were found guilty of Murder in the Second Degree after a jury trial, for the 2021 beating death of Owusu’s 5-year-old son, King Owusu.

“This little boy was beaten and suffered for days at the hands of these defendants, one of whom was his own mother, until he unfortunately succumbed to his severe and extensive injuries,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Thanks to the thorough investigation by the Suffolk County Police Department, the relentless pursuit of justice by the prosecutors assigned to this case, and the jury’s careful consideration of the evidence presented, the defendants have been held accountable for this horrific crime.”

The evidence at trial established that between March 30 and April 1, 2021, Owusu and Addae brutally beat King with at least four different instruments inside of their apartment in Lefrak City, Queens. The couple watched King’s physical condition deteriorate for approximately three days until King lost unconsciousness. During that time, both Owusu and Addae did not call 911, take King to the doctor, or provide any medical care to the child.

On April 1, 2021, Owusu and Addae brought King to a family member’s home in Brentwood and left him there to die. The Suffolk County Police Department was called after the family member returned home the same day and discovered that the boy was deceased. The child was taken to Southside Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

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The medical examiner who conducted the child’s autopsy testified that King was beaten from head to toe, and that his injuries, which were too numerous to count, caused his death.

On March 22, 2024, Owusu and Addae were each convicted of Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A felony, after a two-and-a-half-week-long jury trial heard before Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski. Each defendant faces up to 25 years to life in prison.

Owusu and Addae are due back in court for sentencing on May 1, 2024. Owusu is being represented by Rene Myatt, Esq. Addae is being represented by Raymond Baierlein, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Elena Tomaro of the Homicide Bureau, Assistant District Attorney Scott Romano of the Major Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Patrick Portella and Detective James Hughes of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad.

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Nana Kwame Bediako and The New Force Launches Its Virtual CrowdFunding Platform – Save Ghana Fund.

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6 hours ago

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May 6, 2024

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Nana Kwame Bediako and The New Force Launches Its Virtual CrowdFunding Platform - Save Ghana Fund.

“My responsibility is to serve you; your responsibility is to give me  the chance and the opportunity to serve you “– Nana Kwame Bediako,Founder and Leader of The New Force Movement

Accessed by the short code *887*2024#, The New Force has launched its virtual crowdfunding platform which is called Save Ghana Fund. Published as part of the launch on the 6th of May, the rather simple and candid video message by the leader of The New Force urges the people of Ghana to support the movement and the cause. Poignantly, Nana Kwame Bediako’s message encourages the nation to part ways with the culture of vote-buying by political candidates as the practice affects the legitimate and free choice of voters and in addition mismanages the true aspirations and investments of the people.

 

A call to you and to everyone who cares about the future of Ghana, The New Force movement seeks to ensure our commitment to the nation and to each other in the pursuit of equality, empowerment, and equity for all in our society. The Campaign is built on three key values, VISIBILITY, ACCESSIBILITY and TRANSPARENCY. 

 

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In his very short and candid video message accompanying the launch, the leader of The New Force movement emphasized that vote-buying tarnishes our democracy by perpetuating mismanagement of the resources of the nation and as well the culture of corruption, it in addition mismanages the aspirations of the people of Ghana and goes against the grain in the effort to improve the integrity and quality of our political structure, our quality of governance and our quality of life as a people. In the ingenious proposal, Nana Kwame Bediako, the leader of The New Force movement urges the citizens of Ghana to turn the tables on the system; to see our redemption in the call and initiative to identity a true leader and then to invest in this leader of our choice, in the candidate who has the right vision for the nation; and with that mindset to collectively support the bid of The New Force by donating to the movement and to its cause.

 

‘The responsibility of the leader is to serve you’, Nana Kwame Bediako candidly tells his audience in the launch of the virtual crowd-funding platform, ‘and the responsibility of the citizens is to give the leader the chance and the opportunity to serve the nation. … Remember the government does not make the people, the people make the government, the leader urges. … Let’s build a new nation.

Standing as an independent candidate in the 2024 Republic of Ghana presidential elections, the leader of The New Force movement, Nana Kwame Bediako, the long-awaited inter-generational leader, is an unparalleled source of pride and hope for Ghana, the answer to the call of the youth.

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For updates on key aspects of the campaign SAVE GHANA FUND, please visit  www.nkb.com.gh/donate                    

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