[kictanet] [Fwd: Pambazuka News 435: Celebrating Tajudeen: Tributes to a fallen giant]
alice
alice at apc.org
Fri May 29 20:18:54 EAT 2009
For those of you who knew Tajudeen,
Best
alice
PAMBAZUKA NEWS 435: CELEBRATING TAJUDEEN: TRIBUTES TO A FALLEN GIANT
/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\
Highlights from this issue
FEATURES
- Firoze Manji summaries some of the tributes paid to the life and
work of Tajudeen Adbdul-Raheem
- Pambazuka News draws inspiration from 15 favourite Pan-African
Postcards
- Images from Tajudeen's funeral
PAN-AFRICAN POSTCARD
- An audio clip of Tajudeen speaking at the 2007 AU Summit
BOOKS AND ARTS
- Mahmood Mamdani talks about his new book on Darfur
- Tendai Marima on Brian Chikwava and Petina Gappah
AFRICAN WRITERS CORNER
- Mildred Barya interviews Caine Prize winners Helon Habila and Leila
Aboulela
/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\
1 Features
TRIBUTES TO A FALLEN GIANT
Firoze Manji
A giant of Pan-Africanism has fallen.
That is the overwhelming view of the hundreds who have written
tributes to Tajudeen Abdul-Raheem ( http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/56535
) since the tragedy happened.
Tajudeen was killed in a car accident in Nairobi on African Liberation
Day, 25 May 2009, while driving to the airport to catch a flight to
Rwanda to meet with the county’s president on the current maternal
mortality rate campaign. He leaves behind his family, Munira and the
girls, Aida and Aisha. Their burden, and perhaps also their solace, is
that they must share that loss with thousands of us who saw Taju as a
member of our family too.
As Emmanuel Akwetey wrote in his tribute: 'Taju's footprints are
gigantic and he chose to leave them not only on us but the whole of
Africa.'
'Africa has lost one of its greatest giants in the struggle for human
rights, justice and democracy in the continent. You fought a good
fight – you left an important footprint,' says Omano Edigheji, Human
Sciences Research Council. 'He was a giant by any measure. He was
genuinely committed to the liberation of our continent. Maybe after
all, it was no coincidence he passed away on Africa's liberation
day!', says Demba Mousaa Dembele.
Tajudeen kept the universal torch of Pan-Africanism alive, writes Issa
G. Shivji. 'I say universal because for Tajudeen Pan-Africanism was
NOT sub-Saharan only, or black only, or Muslim or Christian or Yoruba
or Ogoni only. It was truly Pan-Africanist. He wouldn't give in to
culturalism or into what Nyerere once called, these territorial
divisions caused by "imperialist vultures".'
For all of us, the news has been difficult to take in – we wander
around in a mist of disbelief.
'I have been struggling to find the words to express the distress and
the sense of loss that I have been experiencing since my dearest
friend Tajudeen departed from this world.' Patricia Daley
'I just cannot believe this … just cannot. I will not accept his
parting us – so much work yet to be done, so much where his particular
insight and wisdom from the one and only direction and perspective to
reclaim Africa's dignity comes. That voice must not leave Africa –
there is no substitute. Hard to find a Tajudeen amongst us. My
brother, my brother, my brother – unbearable tragic news and loss not
just to family, to all of us, to all of Africa!' Mammo Muchie
'Too painful to describe will be your absence… too many are the things
we shall miss. Your magic way with words with moments like these with
battling for an immortal idea.' Pauline Wynter and Jacques Depelchin
'I still can't believe that somebody so vital and alive is gone.'
Onyekachi Wambu
'From Cape to Cairo, Mombasa to Dakar, Port of Spain to London and
beyond, our grief speaks to the magnitude of his contribution.' David
Johnson
But through the haze created by our tears, we begin to get a sense of
the size of the man we have lost. One of my favourite anecdotes about
Tajudeen concerns his application for doctoral study at Oxford
University under the Rhodes Scholarship scheme. In uncompromising
defiance of university protocol, Tajudeen insisted on dressing in
traditional style for his interview and exam, and challenged those on
the selection committee as to why he should want to be associated with
such a notorious imperialist as Cecil Rhodes!
'The fall of a colossus like him is like the loss of a thousand
generals.' Baba Aye, Socialist Workers' Movement
'I am shocked and saddened by the sudden loss of a friend and a man of
the integrity and commitment that Taju has demonstrated in his
political practice.' Gavin Williams
'A defender of Africa whose passion was tinged with humane attributes;
of a leader whose nationality never mattered except the pan-African
nationality.' Godwin Murunga
'He is a long distance runner for African Liberation.' Walter Turner,
Host, Africa Today KPFA Radio
'He was the consummate communicator, the captivating storyteller,
where the need arose, the rabble-rouser, the sympathiser and
ultimately the African that had the solution to whatever manner of
problem. He exhorted us not to agonise, but rather organise … and as
we all know, he lived his life to the last, organising.' Ezra Mbogori,
Akiba Uhaki Foundation
'He was nothing if not ubiquitous in pursuit of African liberation. We
shall sorely miss his unbounded energy, his unfailing grace, his
infectious optimism. Many have theorised about pan-Africanism, and
theory is a good thing, but theory without practice is of little
effect. In Tajudeen the theory and practice of pan-Africanism found a
perfect synthesis.' Michael O. West
'Tajudeen was a complex figure – a comrade, a loving father, a unifier
and a brilliant intellectual – and above all, a solid Pan-Africanist.
He brought vigour and urgency in whatever progressive cause he
espoused… A charismatic and larger-than-life figure, he had a strong
and overwhelming presence, deploying his decisive mind and powerful
voice to articulate the rights of the dispossessed and have-nots in
Africa and the diaspora… Tajudeen was a born optimist and harbinger of
hope. He never lost faith in the ability of the African people to
transform their lives and control their destiny. He remained at the
frontline of Africa’s quest for political, social and economic change
and fearlessly fought for a free and united Africa.' Yusuf Hassan
'His vivaciousness, joy, his clarity of thought in the most dire
circumstances, his spirit of fairness and his will to take on what is
not just.' Fatma Alloo
Tajudeen was a relentless and bold critic of hypocrisy, something that
so many people spoke about:
'He managed to shake us complacent diplomats and politicians to get
out of the mentality of conference room when discussing African
issues.' Ambassador Ahmed Haggag, Secretary General of the African
Society
'The man was blessed with prodigious gifts: formidable intellect,
eloquence, far-sightedness, energetic audacity, confidence, a sense of
humour and pretty good acting skills. Not to mention his great writing
ability and more.' Nii Akuetteh
'He filled the room with energy, razor sharp intellect and that most
deadly weapon of struggle: humour.' David Johnson
'… reliable, responsible, bold, fearless, champion of the downtrodden
and oppressed, friendly, human, highly intelligent, warm and honest
with his opinion.' Segun Adeyi
'… larger than life, laughing, and talking boisterously everywhere.'
Wangui wa Goro
'He lamented about "remunerated solidarity" from the North and the
"protest by per diem" culture taking root in Africa and elsewhere in
the South.' Kumi Naidoo
'... crusading advocacy work of Pan-Africanism and the unity of the
African people.' Dani Wadada Nabudere
'His warmth, eloquence, oratory skills, intelligence, spirit and good
sense of humour.' Ebrima Ceesay
'We invited Taju to the Centre for Basic Research to give a talk,'
writes Mahmood Mamdani, Herbert Lehman Professor of Government at
Columbia University, New York. 'His opening salvo was a bitter
indictment of Africa’s post-independence leadership: "If an American
ship docked at Lagos port today, with a huge banner reading ‘Slave
ship to America', there would a queue of millions of Nigerians wanting
to get on that ship." This was classic Taju: there is no time for
formalities or pleasantries; the time at hand is short… The most
abiding memory I retain of Taju is that of eternal optimism, the
determination that it is possible to proceed whatever the odds, and
that the proof of genius lies in the ability to build with materials
on the ground, to take a leap from text to life. He broke decisively
with the "theory first" orientation of his older comrades. Taju
honoured no rules, no commandments, no limits except those he
encountered on the ground. He could work with anyone, whether
government, UN, donor or NGO. The worth of a relationship for him did
not lie in the identity of the other side, but in who set its agenda.
It is worth recalling the signature with which he ended every note:
"Don’t agonise, organise!"'
And many of the tributes attest to the extraordinary combination of
the personal and the political:
'Taju was always so helpful, cheerful, reliable and just good – all
the time. We shall always remember him as the bold, happy person who
always made us think, laugh and do.' Roselynn Musa
'We are proudly perched on a rare African baobab. Charisma, vivacity
and integrity spout from him like water from the Mosi-oa-Tunya. His
unforgettable presence, wisdom and brilliance constantly guide us
through life.' Sylvie Aboa-Bradwell, Centre for Democracy and
Development
'I came to have the utmost respect for his intellectual integrity, his
brilliant analysis of the African predicament, and his untiring
commitment to the pan-African cause. His exemplary life and work
should remain a beacon for present and future generations of all
Africans who are committed to putting the natural wealth of our
continent to the service of the deepest aspirations of our people.'
Georges Nzongola-Ntalaja
'His incisive analysis and sharp wit will be sorely missed by
Pambazuka readers. Taju was one of those people that sparked any event
he attended.' Deborah Bryceson
'A number of people have quoted his well-worn calling card: ‘Don’t
Agonise!!! Organise!!!’ (The punctuation was deliberate). But that
wide-eyed passion and righteousness, and a refusal to accept Africa’s,
or his own, predicament as final is summed up for me in another of his
phrases: 'Nothing For Me Without Me'.
Alastair Roderick
Several commented on Tajudeen's commitment to the struggle for women's
rights:
'His unwavering fight and contribution for justice in Africa and its
women in the global effort to fight poverty and injustice is
commendable. Dr Tajudeen Abdul-Raheem will be especially remembered
for his outspokenness and strong leadership in campaigning for global
justice, good governance and what we stand for as Akina Mama wa
Afrika. The women of Africa will always remember him for his for
holding their hands in the fight for their rights and travelling this
journey of stamping out inequality and the tenets of patriarchy in its
various forms.' Solome Nakaweesi Kimbugwe, for and on behalf of Akina
Mama Wa Afrika
'Taju understood that an African liberation can never be, without the
liberation of African women. He departs the stage at a time when we
need many more like him … and they are hard to come by.' Stella
Mukasa, Uganda
'Thank you Taju for speaking up for the women of Africa. "Yes Jjaja",
he said, "Women should not lose their lives while giving life." Not in
my wildest dreams could I have imagined that our final conversation
would be on life and rights. Oh Taju, that you should lose your own
life fighting for women’s health rights, breathe your last on African
Liberation Day.' Fatoumata Toure
'He has been an inspiration in the struggle for African liberation and
African unity and in my professional life.' Doreen Lwanga
'He always sought alternatives where the mainstream had boxed us into
a corner. Never one to retreat from an impasse, he’d always quote
Amílcar Cabral: "Claim no easy victories, tell no lies."' Fatoumata
Toure
Even those who were not fortunate to have met Tajudeen spoke highly of
this giant:
'Although I never had the privilege to meet him in person, he was a
firm and fixed star in my personal universe.' Henning Melber
'A great man has been lost but he leaves us with thousands of words
for us to ponder on Mother Africa but more importantly to ACT, to DO,
to SPEAK – thats what Tajudeen did and we should follow his way now
more than ever.' Sokari Ekine
'I do not know Tajudeen personally but have been a silent admirer of
the sort of charisma with which he maintained his fingers on the
keyboard to inform, educate and entertain Ugandan readers in
particular and Africa and the world at large.' Tumusiime Kabwende Deo
And due recognition has been given to Tajudeen by the Pan African
Parliament:
'A group of us were gathered to meet with the Pan African Parliament
(PAP), a body that Tajudeen had so much wanted to have legislative
powers so that it could speed up the integration of Africa; a
continent that was so close to Taju's heart. ... Twice, the Parliament
gave a minute's silence in remembrance of an African icon; a man who
knew every single leader on the continent; a man who never minced his
words, even in the face of the most ruthless dictators, like his
former President Sani Abacha who had wanted to kill him.' Dimas Nkunda
( http://www.observer.ug/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=34:news&layout=blog&Itemid=59
)
'In his work within the Pan African movement, Tajudeen was a
consummate diplomat. Behind his disarming wit lay a critical
understanding of the need to reach the people. Tajudeen knew the
social movements across Africa. Within the Pan African movement he had
to interface with many of the leaders who had come to power through
the movement for change. From Kampala, Tajudeen worked tirelessly with
the movement for peace in the Sudan. Opposition to wars and genocide
was not an intellectual matter for Tajudeen, it was a matter of
urgency that required skilful negotiation of African politics.
Tajudeen was as opposed to the senseless war in Northern Uganda as he
was opposed to the militarism and genocidal violence in the Sudan. He
wanted to ensure that he was able to be effective as an opponent to
these violations and betrayals. At times the betrayal was most painful
as in the moment of the tragic death of John Garang of the Sudanese
Peoples Liberation Movement. The record of the meetings for peace
convened in Kampala remains a record to be built upon by those
committed to the Pan African principles of peace.' Horace G Campbell
THE WAY FORWARD
'What can we do to memorialise this great patriot of our Africa? We
won't stop mourning anytime soon, but after our tears have dried up,
can we start planning something in his name?', asks Akwasi Aidoo from
TrustAfrica.
'... may I humbly propose to create a "Tajudeen Annual African Prize"
to be given to a personality whom a panel decide has done a great
service for the cause of Pan- Africanism.' Ambassador Ahmed Haggag,
Secretary General of the African Society
'… immortalising him to guide a rising generation of socialist, pan-
Africanist activists, by compiling his profound writings and making
this widely available.
Sun re o, egbon Taju…sun re.' Baba Aye, Socialist Workers' Movement
'Let each NGO recruit brand-new activists (as few as one and as many
as capacity allows). Call them "Tajudeen Fellows". And train and
mentor them to become brilliant activists. In this training, it is
crucial that each learns to uncover a problem challenging global
Africa. However, having exposed problems and challenges, they must not
agonise, but must organise.' Nii Akuetteh
'… start thinking of working out a strategy for an AU and ECOWAS
summit to declare Taju an African hero of our time.' Nana Busia
'The best we can do to honour his tireless efforts in promoting social
and political justice in Africa is to continue exposing the injustice
that exists and call for a renewed sense of quality African citizenry.
' Ronald Elly Wanda
'The Prof has done his deed, living his life to the fullest and
inspiring a multitude of Africans. The ball is now in our court.'
Salma Maoulidi, Sahiba Sisters Foundation, Tanzania
'He would not want us to mourn him long. Instead, he would want us to
remember his words on every African Liberation Day – "Don't agonise,
organise!" – until the continent is free.' Patricia Daley
'You will be missed dear friend but we know well, like Biko, Nkrumah,
Lumumba, Cabral, Rodney, and countless others, your spirit lives!'
Emira Woods, Institute for Policy Studies
'Tajudeen led, now we must follow.'
Michael O. West
'I am only certain about one thing. If one had asked Taju which day he
would love to go in the far future, I am sure Taju would have said
Africa Day. And as long as Africa Day is celebrated, Tajudeen will be
remembered. For years Tajudeen has embraced this liberation day, and
today it has liberated him from all earthly responsibilities and
embraced him tightly, never to release him. It is one sad and symbolic
gesture of the day claiming its own postcard, its one giant who has
identified with the day all these years. It gives me a tiny thread of
consolation that Tajudeen’s memory has been preserved, immortalised in
a significant day that will always be alive. Because of this I pray,
"Go down gracefully, Taju, and shine on." Amen.' Mildred Kiconco Barya
'In the words of Thomas Sankara, Tajudeen "dared to invent the
future". He had a vision of Africa as she is meant to be and offered
us his love to join him in making it a reality. May we all continue
his legacy. Forward ever!' Hakima Abbas
***
Pambazuka News is proud to have been given the responsibility of
hosting a page where tributes to this great comrade, friend, fighter
and leader can be shared. Please continue to send in your tributes: we
know that there are many who will write once they have managed to
control the grief that we all feel deeply.
I am consumed by grief, but also by anger: Tajudeen was famous for
railing against the failures of the neocolonial elite. Perhaps amongst
one of their greatest failures has been to have done almost nothing to
prevent the escalating epidemic of road traffic injuries in Africa
that claim the lives of millions every year. I cannot prevent the
sense of outrage that their neglect has contributed to the death of
this hero of Africa.
In celebration of his writing over the years, Pambazuka is re-
publishing a selection of Tajudeen's weekly Pan-African Postcards and
is also planning to publish a printed collection in collaboration with
Justice Africa and others. We hope that all institutions will consider
the suggestions made above to establish initiatives that enable the
fight that Tajudeen so profoundly believed in to continue. I hesitate
to use the phrase that many have, 'A luta continua'. Whenever Taju and
I met, we would bemoan the fact that our elites merely translated that
slogan to mean 'The looting continues!'
We all share the sense of disbelief – and even betrayal – at your
departure, Taju. But as they said about Hotel California, 'You can
check out any time, but you can never leave'.
* Firoze Manji is editor in chief of Pambazuka News.
* Please send comments to editor at pambazuka.org or comment online at http://www.pambazuka.org/
.
******
LESSONS IN LIBERATION: REMEMBERING TAJUDEEN
The Pambazuka News team highlights 15 of our favourite Pan-African
Postcards
Pambazuka News
Pambazuka News has published Tajudeen’s weekly Pan-African Postcard
regularly since 2004. While we joke that Tajudeen’s writing was ‘an
editor’s nightmare’, it was first and foremost a source of
penetrating, incisive insight into pan-African affairs, expressed with
humour and an underlying sense of optimism and belief that, however
great the challenges the continent faces, by uniting and organising,
we can build Africa into a great place for all its citizens.
In celebration of Tajudeen’s commitment and contribution to Pan-
Africanism – and to the Pambazuka community – we have picked a few of
our favourite postcards to share with you. These postcards, listed in
chronological order, demonstrate Tajudeen’s uncanny ability to see to
the heart of the matter, to understand the workings of the human
heart, to clarify complex and controversial issues and to inspire
people to work for change.
2004
1) Remembering Africa Day ( http://pambazuka.org/en/category/panafrican/22475
)
Our first postcard is about the importance of remembering Africa Day –
or rather Africa Liberation Day, as Tajudeen referred to it – a day on
which we will also now always remember him.
‘The whole of Africa may now be under African rule but the agenda of
liberating our peoples from poverty, ignorance and underdevelopment is
as real today as it was in the 1960s and even more urgent.’
2005
2) Wanted: Followers of Prophet Blair for missionary work in Africa ( http://pambazuka.org/en/category/panafrican/27319
)
Tajudeen expresses scepticism about Tony Blair’s Commission for Africa
and its plans to save the continent in 2005, a ‘make or break year’.
‘It is still seeking to adjust Africa to global forces despite timid
recognition in sections of the report that trade liberalisation,
privatisation and the donor-driven market mantra have hugely
contributed to the collapse of infrastructure, social lives and caused
great deprivation in Africa.’
2006
3) Bye-Bye to Blair, Brown, Bob and Bono – the B stars in poverty
pornography ( http://pambazuka.org/en/category/panafrican/31077 )
Tajudeen is relieved to see the end of attempts by ‘busy-body new
missionaries in the West’ to ‘dance poverty out of town’ and ‘talkit
out of existence’.
‘I hope that in the new year these NGOs will start looking more to
Africa and Africans rather than false prophets, saviours and messiahs
from outside.’
4) Everyday should be a Woman's Day ( http://pambazuka.org/en/category/panafrican/32589
)
Tajudeen celebrates the ‘giant strides’ made by African women but says
the fact that we ‘point to women in top places’ means that their
achievements are still unusual.
‘…we should spend the rest of the 364 days of every year taking action
locally while thinking globally on how to right these wrongs. It is
impossible to create a better world without bettering the lot of women.’
5) Football, Davids and Goliaths ( http://pambazuka.org/en/category/panafrican/35507
)
Why is it that there are Africans in every winning football team, asks
Tajudeen, but no winning African football teams?
‘No matter how talented a player is, in football, you are part of a
team. We are big on big players and short on team spirit.’
6) From now on I say: not in my name ( http://pambazuka.org/en/category/panafrican/36703
)
Tajudeen’s friends at the AU summit try to work out why he looks
different – it's because he’s stopped smoking, following a plea from
his daughter. Listen to the podcast ( http://www.pambazuka.org/media/PZ0004.mp3
) [mp3].
‘I was… sad that my lifestyle was making her feel that her father
might not be there. The buzz, the urge and everything that goes with
that puff drained out of me that morning and ever since I have not
filled up the pipe again.’
7) Islamic faith replaced Communism in the pantheons of Western
phobias ( http://pambazuka.org/en/category/panafrican/37268 )
Tajudeen remarks on the ripple effects on religious tolerance of Pope
Benedict XVI’s ill-judged comments on Islam.
‘All citizens, whether Christian or Muslim or the majority who are
neither, deserve and should enjoy the full rights to the protection of
their lives, place of worship, and freedom of their consciences along
with other rights.’
8) Honour To Whom It is Due: Celebrating Issa Shivji ( http://pambazuka.org/en/category/panafrican/38956
)
Professor Issa Shivji is a legend in his own lifetime, for whom ALUTA
CONTINUA is not just a slogan, but a working motto, writes Tajudeen.
‘It is not often that Africans, especially those of us on the Left,
say thank you to one of us. Often we reserve our best homage till they
are no longer with us.’
2007
9) Slavery is not dead ( http://pambazuka.org/en/category/panafrican/40537
)
Maybe Africans are not interested in talking about slavery because it
reminds us that many of our people today, whether in Africa or in the
diaspora, still live like slaves.
‘Like chiefs and emperors, kings and other slave dealers of old our
presidents and prime ministers preside over a system of power that
continues to make our peoples "hewers of wood and drawers of water",
while the riches of this continent continue to be siphoned off by
others.’
10) The embarrassing grotesqueness of presidents ( http://pambazuka.org/en/category/panafrican/40903
)
Why do leaders who promise national rebirth and inspire their
compatriots to believe in them end up disappointing them? It is
because they stay too long in power, says Tajudeen.
‘Afrika will survive these leaders but more than that we shall
overcome these obstacles. We just have to keep hope alive and continue
with the struggles.’
11) A Robin Hood president of Nigeria? ( http://pambazuka.org/en/category/panafrican/41748
)
Amid fears that Nigeria’s elections were rigged, President Umaru
Yar’Adua must show his independence from Olusegun Obasanjo if he is to
gain credibility, writes Tajudeen.
‘We cannot be blaming any problems on Obasanjo anymore. As the
Americans say: The buck stops at Yar’Adua’s desk now.’
12) Death by committee ( http://pambazuka.org/en/category/panafrican/42392
)
How many more bureaucratic committees do we need to decide whether or
not to form an African Union government, asks Tajudeen. It is time to
get the people on board.
‘…the debate in the next six months in all our countries should shift
to the streets, seminar halls, parliaments, county halls and at all
levels to challenge our leaders and democratise the discussion'.
13) The demand for common citizenship ( http://pambazuka.org/en/category/comment/42078
)
Any serious talk of building a United States of Africa must begin with
the need to guarantee full citizenship rights to all Africans, and the
freedoms to move, settle, work and participate in the political
processes anywhere they may be, argues Tajudeen.
‘The granting of African citizenship will not automatically solve all
the problems of ethnicity, racism, exclusionism and intolerance. What
it will set is a new and more inclusive legal and political framework
for us to deal with these problems as equal members of a shared
political community without anyone of us feeling superior or inferior,
or at the mercy of other citizens.’
14) Welcome to democratic Kenya where you can buy your own party ( http://pambazuka.org/en/category/panafrican/43405
)
Politics is about money not people, writes Tajudeen, with Kenya as the
ultimate example of the privatisation of politics through the veneer
of multiparty democracy.
‘…the science of Monetics may be more appropriate than political
science theories in understanding how the country is governed and mis-
governed.’
2008
15) Greed, pauperisation, and the free market ( http://pambazuka.org/en/category/panafrican/51209
)
The global economic downturn demonstrates why Africa should not accept
neoliberalism and external wisdom as the answer to all its woes.
‘For decades we are told that the state is "useless", "inefficient",
"parasitic", and "anti-enterprise", yet when the wheelers and dealers
are in trouble they fall back on the same state to bail them out with
freebies!’
You can view more of Tajudeen’s Pan-African Postcards on the Pambazuka
website ( http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/panafrican ) .
* Tell us which are your favourite postcards and why by writing to editor at pambazuka.org
or commenting online at http://www.pambazuka.org/.
******
IMAGES FROM TAJUDEEN'S FUNERAL
The following are a set of images of Tajudeen's final journey from
Abuja back to his birthplace of Funtua in Nigeria.
http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/features/56583
******
/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\
2 Pan-African Postcard
TAJUDEEN AT THE 2007 AFRICAN UNION SUMMIT
Tajudeen Abdul-Raheem
Capturing the spirit of his inimitable public-speaking style, this
audio clip ( http://www.pambazuka.org/images/articles/435/mp3/taju_2007_afr_union.mp3
) [mp3] of Tajudeen's comments at a debate on the union government
at the 2007 African Union summit in Accra is a fitting testament to
his ability to combine quick-thinking and humour when delivering a
critical message.
******
/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\
3 Books & arts
THE WEST'S CHILD SOLDIERS
Mahmood Mamdani with Ruben Eberlein
In an interview with Mahmood Mamdani, Ruben Eberlein ( http://rubeneberlein.wordpress.com/
) questions the author about his views on the Darfur conflict and
his latest book Saviors and Survivors: Darfur, Politics, and the War
on Terror. Contending that children and teenagers in the US mobilised
under the Save Darfur campaign should be considered as 'child
soldiers' supporting a military effort, Mamdani argues that what
essentially represents a form of political mobilisation for war has
been effectively promoted as a moral crusade. Mamdani will be speaking
at an event organised by Pambazuka News in Oxford, UK, on Tuesday 2
June ( http://fahamubooks.org/events/?fa=event&event_id=3 ) .
http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/books/56582
******
SILENCING SILENCE AND RESISTING REPRESSION
A commentary on Brian Chikwava’s Harare North and Petina Gappah's An
Elegy for Easterly
Tendai Marima
Brian Chikwava's comedic new novel Harare North ( http://tinyurl.com/qyfyun
) and An Elegy for Easterly ( http://www.petinagappah.com/
elegy.html ) , Petina Gappah's courageous collection of short stories,
confirm that Zimbabwe is still a literary powerhouse, writes Tendai
Marima.
http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/books/56610
******
/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\
4 African Writers’ Corner
'WRITING IS THE ONLY THING I ENJOY'
An interview with Helon Habila
Mildred Kiconco Barya
With this year's Caine Prize for African Writing Shortlist ( http://www.caineprize.com/
) now announced, Mildred Kiconco Barya interviews Helon Habila, the
2001 winner of the prize.
http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/African_Writers/56578
******
A CERTAIN BEAUTY AND A CERTAIN HAPPINESS
An interview with Leila Aboulela
Mildred Kiconco Barya
With this year's Caine Prize for African Writing Shortlist ( http://www.caineprize.com/
) now announced, Mildred Kiconco Barya interviews Leila Aboulela,
the 2000 winner of the prize.
http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/African_Writers/56579
******
HISTORY
Karest Lewela
I feel the intensity of the pressure crushing me
In this ocean of a world, I remain confused
Am I the gushing waves or the solid rocks?
However the perspective, I am crushed
Left wishing I were the sand, inconsequential
Indifferent observer in the war of futility
As the tide subsides
I wait impatiently for the wind of fortune
To carry the grains of my persona
With the unfulfilled aspirations of my father’s mother
I pray for the salty waters of perspiration
To soak in my negative-ism and negative-ity
I see a thousand different ways I could have chosen to go down
Ignorance, Poverty, Vainglory
I choose the bullet of idealism
That should the world not hear my scream, they’d feel the thud
Of aspirations ignored, of dreams deferred, of dead passion
Ideological death that will resurrect into curiosity for those to come
Let the scarlet pigmentation soak into the soils
Let it be impossible to wash it away in wishful thought
Let it seep into the essence that was humanity
Let it be the cause of delirium
Let it ring
Hollow
In the morning
Let them whisper in murmuring tremors
Of the lies written in historical epithets
Let them confess for deprivation of an identity
Of a rich heritage that would shame their lack of culture
Let them name me after my forefathers and not theirs
For I am of them that history corrupted their story
http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/African_Writers/56577
******
/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\
5 Blogging Africa
REVIEW OF THE AFRICAN BLOGOSPHERE – MAY 28, 2009
Dibussi Tande
Dibussi reviews the following blogs:
New in Nairobi ( http://newinnairobi.blogspot.com/2009/05/men-and-women-in-kenya.html/
)
Edirisa ( http://www.edirisa.org/studio/?p=675/ )
Rafiki Kenya ( http://rafiki-kenya.blogspot.com/2009/05/eco-cabs-driving-green-in-style-first.html/
)
OoTheNigerian ( http://oonwoye.com/blog/2009/05/10/cleaning-nigerias-image-n-the-internet-the-way-forward/
)
Agendia Aloysius ( http://agendiaaloysius.blogspot.com/2009/05/away-with-foreign-military-bases-and.html/
)
Scribbles from the Den ( http://www.dibussi.com/2009/05/memory-lane-may-26-1990-the-launching-of-the-sdf.html/
)
http://www.pambazuka.org/en/category/blog/56581
******
/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\/\/\//\
Fahamu - Networks For Social Justice
http://www.fahamu.org
Pambazuka News is published by Fahamu Ltd.
© Unless otherwise indicated, all materials published are licensed
under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works
3.0 Unported License. For further details see: http://www.pambazuka.org/en/about.php
Pambazuka news can be viewed online: English language edition ( http://www.pambazuka.org/en
)
Edição em língua Portuguesa ( http://www.pambazuka.org/pt )
Edition française ( http://www.pambazuka.org/fr )
RSS Feeds available at http://www.pambazuka.org/en/newsfeed.php
Pambazuka News is published with the support of a number of funders,
details of which can be obtained at http://www.pambazuka.org/en/about.php
To SUBSCRIBE or UNSUBSCRIBE go to:
http://pambazuka.gn.apc.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/pambazuka-news
or send a message to editor at pambazuka.org with the word SUBSCRIBE or
UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line as appropriate.
The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not
necessarily represent those of Pambazuka News or Fahamu.
With over 1000 contributors and an estimated 500,000 readers Pambazuka
News is the authoritative pan African electronic weekly newsletter and
platform for social justice in Africa providing cutting edge
commentary and in-depth analysis on politics and current affairs,
development, human rights, refugees, gender issues and culture in
Africa.
In addition to its online store, Fahamu Books ( http://fahamubooks.org/?utm_source=pz435&utm_medium=email
) is pleased to announce that Yash Tandon’s Ending Aid Dependence is
now available for purchase in bookstores in Tanzania, Ghana, Zambia,
Malaysia, and Mauritius. For more information on the location of these
stores, please visit Where to buy our books ( http://fahamubooks.org/bookstores/?utm_source=pz435&utm_medium=email
) on the Fahamu Books website, or purchase online ( http://fahamubooks.org/book/?GCOI=90638100770030&utm_source=pz435&utm_medium=email
) .
*Pambazuka News has now joined Twitter. By following 'pambazuka' on
Twitter you can receive headlines from our 'Features' and 'Comment &
Analysis' sections as they are published, and can even receive our
headlines via SMS. Visit our Twitter page for more information: http://twitter.com/pambazuka
*Pambazuka News now has a Del.icio.us page, where you can view the
various websites that we visit to keep our fingers on the pulse of
Africa! Visit http://delicious.com/pambazuka_news
ISSN 1753-6839
More information about the KICTANet
mailing list