One thing about Africa, is that most of its Leaders, just like in Asia, Latin America and now Russia, they sometimes behave like cartoons or to the extreme babies. But Africa is rich in terms of news and lessons than any other continent.
Within two weeks, an Acting President of Mali was beaten up by protesters who stormed the Presidential palace. Its difficult for one to comprehend why he is still in office when people clearly do not want him there. Politics is complicated.
Of course for poor Malians this act alone will see the Acting President increase their motorcades and security detail.
I am glad, my President Joyce Banda announced the reduction of her motorcade. I have noted that her deputy Khumbo Kachali more often travels light and quietly unless there is a vehicle blocking the way. I applaud the two for such a start, I hope it will continue.
Presidents of Botswana and even Zimbabwe travel quite light most of times and their dignity has never been less.
Perhaps it would be important to also consider removing Police officers who line up along the roads and do nothing except tell people that the President will be using this road.
I find the arrangement quite a security hazard, as in diplomatic manuals on security, it is advised to change routes all times to avoid evil minded people. In Malawi, everybody knows with the heavy Police presence that the President will definitely use this route. It time we moved with modern security detail and leave general duties Police officers to chase thieves who are wrecking havoc in our neighbourhoods.
I should report that personally I have been a victim of three vehicle parts robberies this first half of 2012 and Police were no where near. I can count over 40 of my colleagues who have suffered the same.
From security and comedy of Mali President, we have the naked Zuma portrait that has angered South Africans. The reaction from Zuma is what I am interested.
Zuma did not unleash South African Police, as many African Presidents would do on the Goodman Gallery, City Press and all those that have been part of the saga. My opinion on the painting is that it is extreme and provocative and being done by a white man should have a sense of duty in an environment like South Africa, whose past is still not properly healed.
I applaud President Jacob Zuma's reaction to follow the Court process than arbitrary arrests of Journalists and people who are seen to be criticising him.
The final one is the joke from the United Nations Tourism agency, they have appointed Robert Mugabe as Tourism Ambassador, this is what the Mail and Guardians David Smith captured in part on the reaction to this new comedy:
"Seldom, however, has there been such anger, or questioning of the organisation’s credibility, as that greeting the appointment of a new international envoy for tourism: Robert Mugabe.
Improbable as it seems, Zimbabwe’s president, who is widely accused of ethnic cleansing, rigging elections, terrorising opposition, controlling media and presiding over a collapsed economy, has been endorsed as a champion of efforts to boost global holidaymaking.
Despite the fact that the 88-year-old is banned from travelling to many countries, he has been honoured as a “leader for tourism” by the UN’s World Tourism Organisation, along with his political ally, Zambia’s President Michael Sata (75).
The pair signed an agreement with United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) secretary general Taleb Rifai at their shared border at Victoria Falls." www.mg.co.za
