Africa for Africa: Darfur - A Nigerian/African Proactive Initiative
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By Adamu Ayuba <adamu@abujanig.org>
The finger's cry is the whole body's. The increase awareness of
the need for African Solutions to African Problems/the reawaken-
ing of African oriented answers is a positive development that
must be encouraged, if the true emancipation and hegemonic
stance of Africa in the comity of continents is our hope. It is
unfortunate but true, that even the developing nations of other
continents see Africa as an ill exploitable terrain, this has to
stop some day soon. Increased focus on Darfur Sudan, calls for a
more resolute solution to the crisis in the region.
Without the intent of delving into the nitty gritty of the age
long crisis, I am a believer of the serious need for Africans
(Nigerians) to join hands as people and contribute in whatever
way possible to reduce the hardship suffered by the innocent ma-
jority (less opportune) in that region.
I am very positive, that when we as individuals (regional and
continental neighbours) stand up to assist, then it will be eas-
ier for people from other parts of the world to do the same. I
am also sure that increased attention by peoples (of multi di-
verse cultures, nations and callings) and not just Governments
alone, will hasten the needed solution in that region.
The process of resolving, reconciling, restituting and reset-
tling of conflicts is not a days job and diplomatic/military/
political resolves might take years to reach and almost impossi-
ble to actualise. But suffrage of the most affected majority and
led, is a constant of a worst consequence, than usual reasons
for the conflict in the first place. Forgive me, but am almost
carried away to start gliding into the issues in Darfur, that is
not my intent.
If we sit down and refuse to rise to the challenging needs of
the moment in Darfur, the repercussions will be much, directly
or indirectly. You may not believe it, but the influx of con-
flict challenged persons is a silent major contributor to the
movement and trade of Arms; the increased number, lethal & or-
ganised nature of crimes/Robberies; increased number of vil-
lage/tribal vigilantes turning into arm militias and the once
harmless campus cults, now becoming violent armed groups.
Our country is not fully recovered from the North Eastern Armed
Terrors (bandits) from neighbouring countries like Chad. And now
the reports on Cable and Satellite news are of migrations from
the Darfur regions of Sudan, towards Chad. The destination is
definitely not Chad. Especially now that our President, H.E. O.
Obasanjo is also the father, I mean President of Africa, I am
sorry, the Chairman of African Union.
Mine is a humble suggestion, that Nigerian African Civil Socie-
ties, Humanitarian Organisations (Non-Governmental and Govern-
mental) the likes of NEPAD, Nigerian Emergency Management
Agency, African Leadership Forum, NACA, NLC, philanthropic, re-
ligious bodies and whosoever will, should put up as soon as pos-
sible programmes to solicit for support from Governments, indi-
viduals and organizations, while enlisting volunteer teachers,
vocational trainers, Doctors, nutritionists and what have you.
Their sole task should be to assist reduce the burden of crisis
on these people by meeting them at some point of their needs.
That will minimize health challenges, keep them doing something
that is worth while and thereby reducing the temptation of mi-
gration.
The future generations of Sudan/Darfur will bless God for our
not leaving the Governments alone.
I will conclude with paraphrased excerpt of a song that is al-
ways a favourite of mine.
What so ever you do to the least of my people
That you do to me.
I was hungry, you gave me to eat.
I was thirsty, you gave me to drink.
I was naked, you gave to clothes to wear.
I was sick and in hospital, you visited me.
I was in prison, you visited me.
We were having Crisis in Darfur,
You gave us all that we needed to reduce the hardship,
while your leaders were helping in the reconciliation.
God will not forget your work of Love,
because blessed are the peace makers.
May that be said of us.
Thanks
Adamu Ayuba
Moderator
AbujaNig e Forum
Cp 34 Noaukchott Street
Box 8551 Zone 1, Wuse Abuja, Nigeria
Tel: +234-9-5236-877, +234-9-670-6514 +234-9-670-6517
cell:+234-802-311-4004
mailto:pjadamz@yahoo.co.uk