My Tanzania, Will You Let Me Down?

I am a citizen of a country, a beautiful country in the East coast of Africa. I don't call it beautiful because I have been grown up to call it that way. No!, I am calling it beautiful because in the 23 years of my life, i have travel, seen, and lived in many parts of it, witnessed first hand the diversity of it, and more than anything fall in love with it.

I have embraced the diversity that cuts across religions, tribes, and a lot of other things that make Tanzania one of the most beautiful country in Africa.The differences I have mentioned earlier have been a cause of conflicts that escalates to total chaos, violence and death of thousands of people in our neighbor states, through out other states across Africa the story has been the same. But it is the existence of these differences, tolerating them, and stay united through one identification among us, is what has made us sustain peace and unity through it all.

The State Of The Union: Will TANZANIA Survive?

Sure, there is a rise of discussions, hot debates on the Tanzania union than ever before. The hot violence that happened in Zanzibar in the past few days I believe are a result of a long internal grieve and luck of enough forum for discussions on union issues. 

As a strong supporter of Pan-Africanism processes I don't believe in disintegration of African states as what happened in Sudan, I support more integration that may ultimately lead to unification of more African states.

What Does Tanzania Need?

Yes, it a new cabinet? How new is it new? 

I think the decision by the president due to the pressure from Member of the Parliament to disolve the past cabinet and build a new one was a good move. It was a good move because more than anything no one was anyway happy with the way the various ministers failed to deliver or when they delivered was so much below the desired expectations.

Je Demokrasia Haikui Bila Damu Kumwagika?

Wabunge Wa CHADEMA Walioshambuliwa!

Hilo ndo swali ambalo limekuwa linakuja kwa akili yangu kwa sasa, kutoka Tunisia, Misri, Syria,  na sehemu zingine, hivi demokrasia haikui bila vurugu na hata umwagaji wa damu? By-election za Arumeru zimepita na chaguzi za udiwani pia, tumeona yaliyotekea. Hii ni pamoja na kushambuliwa kwa wabunge wa chama cha Chadema..

The Senegal Story!

I love change, especially true change that is not under the influence of any outside interference. And this is why I am very interested on what is happening in Senegal right now, it is what Africa needs and I believe it is where all the continent is heading to. It is young people driving the change in all of these positive changes from Tunisia and Egypt to the peaceful through elections change in Zambia and now Senegal. There is no doubt that there is a big possibility of the incumbent president Abdoulaye Wade will lose in this election.

Young People are Now Becoming
The Main Voice for Change in Africa

In a country where 68 percent of the population out of the 12 Million is under the age of 25 [,http://www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/acdi-cida/acdi-cida.nsf/eng/JUD-217123240-NKY] and with a rate of over 100,000 young people entering the job market each year problems faced in Senegal are the same to those faced by other Sub-Saharan states. Where unemployment and under-employment are become more and more vivid on top of other problems such as corruption, high inflation, low wages in general workforce leaving the ruling class living in luxurious lifestyles, all these issues which were highly entertained due to the presence of a large population of uneducated people have no space in the current growing Africa population. 

More and more young people are becoming very concerned on their future, their countries future and more than anything the future of their own families. With this I believe more and more peaceful revolutions of long standing political parties and their ruling class are about to be replaced allover Africa if  immediate changes in their governance are not implemented. If Africa governments will continue to ignore various issues and social dissatisfaction of the young people, continuing to keep young people away from the development agenda then in this generation we will see more and more governments in Africa overthrown being peaceful as in Zambia and what will probably happen in Senegal or even the hard way as in Tunisia and Egypt.

Young People Wake Up lets take our future in our hands and build our Present and Future,
No One Will Give Us,Its Time to Stand Up and Be an Instrument of Change! Go Go Senegal!

AFRICANS MAKING AN IMPACT IN AFRICA!

On 23rd this month I had to travel from Dar es Salaam to the amazing Moshi town under invitation by a local NGO that is working hard to bring a change in the way the society thinks of volunteer-ism. Its a sad fact that near everywhere you come across various community development projects with volunteers it has always been foreigners. People from USA, Canada and other European states paying hundred of dollars to come to volunteer in Africa.

With little knowledge of the culture in the society they come to work in, plus short time of their stay we find most of these projects not bring the aimed results or success.

This is why Africa Volunteer Corps came into being, a Moshi based NGO founded with a mission to unite passionate, qualified African volunteers with African NGOs to deepen their impact and empower Africans to play a vital role in shaping Africa's future.

Before allocating the volunteers to the specific NGOs, AVC conduct a seminar to impart important knowledge and train the volunteers on various skills that will help them in their activities to their respective areas and even far beyond when they finish their time with volunteer work. And this is where I came into being, I went there to train on Social Media use. :-) !

I met great people and it was a real great experience and as a promoter of 'WE CAN' slogan for my fellow Tanzanians what AVC is doing is more than 'awesome'. I believe young people if are empowered as what AVC is doing there is a lot of good and amazing positive change that may take place in our communities. And this is just a beginning AVC has a goal to expand all over Tanzania, Mwanza is next!

With Some of the Volunteers Acting our first Twitter hashtag #nitaruka

For more information about this AFRICA VOLUNTEER CORPS visit http://africavolunteercorps.org/

Economic Dependency and it's Cost to African States!

A Better Africa Without Economic Independence &
Sustainability is Unachievable.

As the issue of gay rights and the state of aids and grants to states receiving such benefits from United Kingdom is now getting much low publicity but still it remains to be one of the best example of how foreign dependency may drive your sovereignty away.

There is much we can do than starting attacking Cameroon for his views because at the end of the day we are the one going to ask for such assistance, if it is problem we have to look for is solving the root cause for all this.

It is only through being able to support ourselves, fulfill our budgets without foreign aid, that we may be able to protect our sovereignty. Out of that we will always be a victim of begging. The only way may achieve total independence and sovereignty in 21st Century is by being economic independent in terms of  overall state budget! Without doing that we will just see more of these incidence and later on actions with serious consequences brought on African states by Western nations.

Africa and The Current State of International Relations!

How Justified is It Role In Libya Operation?

As Africa has witnessed the NATO-Influenced fall of one of the best African governments in terms of bringing social-economic developments to it's people, Libya, the question remains how much this incident has open the eyes of many on how western powers may deceive UN and still be able to get away with it. How these states may violate international laws and still walk away free from them. What we have been able to see is that NATO as organisation of a specific integration block may interfere, take side and encourage a civil war as long as it is in their own foreign policy interests. Who still may stand and say there is fairness in International Law?

Africa Union- Is It's Importance & Voice Respected
in International Arena outside Africa?

Who may convince African states to believe that their sovereignty is protected in International Laws against super military blocks such as NATO? And I believe unless the International Community takes a hard stand and ensure that justice is also served to even to those who are believed are untouchables in international arena then certain members of the international relations such as Africa will always feel undermine when it comes to international justice.

A Victim of His Belief and Firm Stand
Against Imperialism?

Will NATO be held accountable by violating the No-Fly Zone? Will NTC & NATO be held accountable by the killing of Gaddafi instead of taking him to the Hague? What about Guantanamo bay?

Time will tell, but unless African states get united and give a united stand relating to various international relations challenges they are facing such as misrepresentation in the UN Security council in terms of Veto votes then this will not be the end of a long indirect African states sovereignty oppression. I used the word oppression because as long as the disrespecting of African Union by NATO in it's effort to solve the Libyan crisis peaceful that showed the maximum of the West disrespectful of African sovereignty when it comes to matters relating to their economical interests. 

Maybe it is difficult to blame nations that try hard to meet the interests of their foreign policies, but what about African states? What did we do in response of the violations we witnessed in a fellow African state? Or us too we were busy trying to protect the interests of our foreign policies? And with all these happening who may stand and justify the equality of states in-front of international laws?

How Much United Nations is United Nations?

Who may explain why the western media ignores much of violations against international laws conducted by western countries? In various ways it has been seen a normal thing for these nations to violate international laws and get away with it. Example of these includes international laws violated within the Iraq invasion and treatment of detainees, especially during the George Bush era, through which various UN Charter and Geneva Conventions articles were violated. But who cares? It is not Africa, right?

As a student of International Relations I believe there a serious need for a reformation in international relations, by ignoring these differences we might see great consequences in near future. For as long as international laws are now being seen as instruments to justify the invasions of weaker states only and letting the stronger ones getting away with whatever laws they violate then international community is getting into a barbaric nature of relations. Relations surrounded with fear and doubts, relations were by a state has no choice than to give away it's natural resources in fear of invasions under any cause and propaganda as it happened in Iraq or even through foreign influence and support of civil wars as in Libya. A situation were by sovereignty of a state remains to be a term in paper and empty words, but one that may be taken away by the mightier at any minute a state fails to agree to do and act as commanded by them.

Will Sub-Saharan Youths React?

After what happened and even during the revolutions in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya everyone kept and still asks, will it happen in other parts of Africa especially the sub-Saharan. Are we real going to see the same thing? As food and oil prices keep on rising, and the cost of living continue rising to new heights, everyone kept and still asks, will it happen.

From my view, its far from happening, and if it happens it will be triggered by post-elections problems. In most of Sub-Saharan Africa the situation is a bit different. Still there is no a platform that may unite more people for such a cause, plus due to large percent of sub-Saharan being illiterate or even ending up in very low level of education tree we find there is no such an understanding and belief for a change.

Tanzanian's Voting in 2010 Elections

Also in most of these nations with exception of few such as Uganda and Zimbabwe there is a frequent timed change in presidency through voting (though the question of transparency in elections may still be in question). There is low usage of tools such as social media as a platform for discussion on issues relating to core problems and difficulties experienced by the people. But I believe as time goes on with the wide adoption rate of internet enabled devices by youths mainly in high schools and high learning institutions a lot is going to change in terms of platforms.

2011 Zambia Elections Brought About
 A First Major Loss of A Long Time Political Party

I believe change is coming to sub-Saharan Africa, but I believe it will take a while..and if it comes, it will mostly be through elections. But here is where the problem might rise from. As we see in several elections in sub-Saharan Africa, it is the time when a lot of tensions arise, and I believe if the trend of elections ridging continue then through elections is when we might see a rise and overthrow of governments that keep forcing to remain in power through cheating in ballots.

Long time political parties in sub-Saharan Africa such as CCM in Tanzania, continue to see rise in opposition strength and either we like it or not this is seen as largely due to loss of support by majority of educated mass, especially young people. There is only one thing that may still help these parties to win back the confidence of the voters, and that is better policies addressing the problem of employments, food prices and the issues of management of natural resources. Without these issues being addressed no one will be surprised to see the same wave of change through unethical means sweeping sub-Saharan Africa.

Change in any ways, but I hope sub-Sahara region will choose a peaceful way and without any foreign power influence or bloodshed.

What is Post-Gaddafi Era Promising?

He was not a perfect leader, but who is? Democracy is adopted in Africa, and it is adopted from Western countries, I believe democracy is important tool in today's era but I also believe a country that is ready for democracy by the will of its people is much more important than that forced into them. I also believe in sense of either economic growth and good quality of living majority of people in Africa will be ready to trade and give up democracy to achieve the above critical things in life.

Tanzanian Flag at Half Mast at Centre For Foreign Relations
As To All Government Offices

Maybe yes, Gaddafi deserved to removed in power, but it could be more sense if it was the will of the majority of Libyans and by Libyans themselves and any other way around. It would have been much better for a good and open legal procedure to be followed, but is International Law real realistic? How many crimes do Western powers commit and nothing is brought forward? How many civilians have died under Western powers interference in sovereign states? A lot, but that is the side that the International Law ignores. Justice should be to both sides, when it is only operational to one side it is hard for it to gain respect.

As the Minister for Foreign Affairs [Tanzania], stated, AU has not been respected by the NATO when it was about to pass through peaceful means to end the Libyan crisis. The need reforms at the United Nations Security Council are now more than crucial to insure the matter of sovereignty is not only to the Western powers but also to developing African states.

If Africa will continue to let foreign powers mess with it's stability and bring instability for their own capitalistic interests then we should know one thing, that is Africa will always be an underdog. Unless we stand up, with one voice, against foreign powers getting into our lands and bring instability in the name of democracy though its for their own interests, Africa will remain in poverty while they will always prosper!

Anyone who will try to tell me NATO went to Libya for democracy, I will ask you few questions. Why not North Korea? Why not Burma? Why not Somalia? Why not Cuba? and lastly why not CHINA?

A analytically reasoning will open your eyes and let you see that their is nothing than propaganda with what has happened in Libya. Even if Gaddafi deserved to be removed still what he did for Libya in terms of economy and other issues he deserved better. Even after all his body deserved at least a last respect! Africa had several leaders, but few were able to stand firm against being bullied in International Arena. But whats important is that few were able to bring even a half of such a high quality living standards!

As the day ends, I still see no day that a western government leader brought to international courts, and don't tell me they don't commit international crimes. A lot of people die every week in middle east due to unjustified interventions. Remember the issue of D.R.Congo? Who encouraged the civil war there? What about the human rights abusing Guantanamo bay? 

I think of Africa. My mother land! Beautiful and rich in resources! The major obstacles standing in it's way; neo-colonialism and forced policies...more foreign investments, going away with Billions of worth of natural resources while paying less than 10% of their profits...but no one sees that, no ONE..!!!

Its all about greedy and national interests! We students and scholars understands, so its hard to push blames..

I hope one thing, we need a real complex balance of power.....! Africa wake up!!!! As Gaddafi is gone, I hope the goals for an African currency and Africa Monetary Union wont go away with him. These are great and important things, and I believe Gaddafi's commitment to these principles might be one of the reasons for such dedicated operation to remove him.

All in all, there are a lot of undemocratic and 'real' oppression leaderships in the world...so unless we get the real reasons why Libya? Africa will never trust in Western powers, and furthermore never again trust the UN Security council. To be lied and ignored is what several states got from NATO, and that is real abuse of influence!

As Tanzania we look forward for new co-operation with the new Libya, as our Foreign Minister said, we pray for a better and peaceful Libya though we cant hide our concerns over the future of Libya!

"Compare Libya's country profile with any other in sub-Saharan Africa and you'll see that this guy, unlike too many of the crap leaders the continent has endured in the last few decades, didn't just say "f*ck you" to his people.  

Compare Libya's GDP per capita ($12K+) with countries like Nigeria ($1K+) or Botswana, probably the most stable "democracy" in Africa at $6K+ (democracy is not always the solution; sometimes it's nothing more than a money-wasting farce).

Gaddafi was a dictator, he supported many questionable cause and held on to power for too long, and it is best that he goes now, but while we celebrate his removal let's not completely erase our memories of what elsehe did, or forget why many of us were also, from time to time, rather proud of him, frustrating as he may have been."
    ~ThisIsAfrica.com

God Bless Africa,

God Bless Libya!

ZAMBIA- A Good Lesson Across Africa!

"I HAVE CALLED THIS PRESS CONFERENCE TO SAY A FEW WORDS. THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN OF 2011 IS OVER. THE PEOPLE OF ZAMBIA HAVE SPOKEN AND WE MUST ALL LISTEN. SOME WILL BE HAPPY WITH WHAT THEY HAVE HEARD, OTHERS WILL NOT."

".........WE WILL ACCEPT THE RESULTS. WE ARE A DEMOCRATIC PARTY AND WE KNOW NO OTHER WAY."

Those are few lines from former Zambia's president, Rupiah Banda, in his formal speech in accepting the election results few days ago. The few words in here are the hardest words for many African presidents across Africa, especially in countries where one party has been in power for too long.

I believe what has happened in Zambia has shock many other ruling parties in Africa, including Tanzania. That is as long as you continue to ignore young employment, corruption and other grievances people will not afraid to vote in opposition. And not only vote for them, but also stand up to see their votes are not rigged.

Zambians voice is clear, a good example set.... I expect this happening in more African states in these few years.

Young people making the change!!

MAF-Saving Lives Even In The Most Remote Places!

Pierre at the center, my friends and I.

We met him at a local church in Dodoma region, he came friendly greeted us and after few exchanges of words he offered us a visit to a place where he works. We made the appointment, Wednesday 2pm. Three days later, we welcomed other friends to the trip that will take us to Dodoma Airport to meet Pierre Casemajor.


He works as Aircraft Maintenance Engineer with MAF Dodoma. Despite of us arriving several minutes after 2 pm He welcomed us with a smile,he gave us a brief tour meeting up with his fellow MAF Dodoma stuff and information about how MAF operates in Tanzania. Its a team of several people, from various countries teaming up to help thousands of people every year through essential aid.

It is real encouraging seeing organisations like these doing something remarkable in the world filled with so much selfish people {and selfish governments too}. While the world is talking about financial crisis and rising in food prices,and others encouraging wars it is good to see organisations that works hard to help those forgotten by governments in the share of national cake.

MAF Dodoma Hangar!

If you are interested to know more about MAF and provide any assistance in terms of funds or any aid visit http://www.maf-uk.org and Pierre's profile at http://www.maf-uk.org/Pierre_Casemajor/3278.id

Tanzania; Is There A Better Today or Tomorrow?

That question is everywhere in Tanzania.... some are able to speak about their economical pain while others who can't, you can plainly see it from their facial expressions.

Oil prices are never stable, today a hundred higher, tomorrow 50 shilling less, next week it goes over a 50 Shilling higher again. Power supply is never stable, small scale and medium industries, which mainly owned by Tanzanians fail to keep up with the power shortage and the rising cost when using generators, hence a lot of layoffs and fall of these industries.

More people jobless, more young people unemployed...

Just like other East Africa states, mother nature has not been too kind, it has not been the best year in agriculture output. With transportation costs rising at an alarming level, foods reaching the markets become very expensive for many to afford different dishes.

 Majority In Tanzania Are Still Living Under 1 Doller/Per Day

Tanzanians are now more alert with political affairs than ever, they are tired of mere promises, tired of political gestures and politicking! They want a government that listens, acts, plans and implement. 

Tanzanians are angry, but they are holding it inside, hoping everything will pass, a brighter day is on the way... and we all pray for this holding to go on....cause we all know what will happen when it reaches a state of no more.

And as a Tanzanian, I pray for a better future too..a better today is what we all want....but a better 'reachable-tomorrow' is also not a worse deal!!!

Politicians are cautious than ever, yes.. they have realize that the masses are watching.... staying alert than ever...!! Tired of lies, tired of promises of a better tomorrow!!! All Tanzania needs is a better leadership, better policies and better implementation! We got all that it takes to be a middle class economy and beyond!

Libya and Africa: After Gaddafi!

The removal of Gadaffi in Libya has it's advantages to others and also it raises some serious questions about how Libya will move on from here. We are all aware that NATO led/backed invasions and removal of governments in various countries has never been for the interests of the people but of the NATO member states' capitalistic gains. As one friend in twitter recently kept it, "NATO is not a charity organisation!'

No matter what US, UK, France and others say about what real motivated them into another costly war the reality will always remain that it was an important war for oil gains. We have worst democratic problems in countries such as Somalia, Myanmar and North Korea, why haven't they do something about it? The answer is only one and that is they is not much to gain from them. It is the saddest truth. So when they saw Tunisia and Egypt true revolutions of the people by the people to the people, they grabbed the opportunity and fueled the minority Libya revolution.With the help of african-disunity as the time of colonialism, again they won it. Because despite Libya under Muammar Gaddafi doing a lot for Libya and Africa continent development still only one country was able to stand up and speak the truth, and that was South Africa.

So the UN was lied to by NATO, the war was fought by the 'rebels' hand in hand with NATO, and now Gaddafi is out, what's next?

I pray we see a peaceful Libya that will be able to continue flourishing and 'stand out for Africa continent' as before[I doubt that], and also to continue its positive economic growth. I pray what happened in Democratic Republic of Congo, not to happen in Libya. There should be no room for back-door financing of various groups to encourage dis-stability while millions of oil gallons are stolen just like blood diamonds!!

There should not come a day that people of Libya will ask themselves, 'What we have done?'.

God Bless Libya,

God Bless Africa!

MBEKI:AFRICA HAS LOST FAITH IN THE UN!

On March 22nd and April 4th I posted articles speaking against the way the western governments have taken part in Libya crisis. More than anything its the way things are handled by the security council under the influence of what we may call NATO top members.

Africa has always been treated as a continent with no voice in international forums, and where it is given a chance to speak-its views are not given seriousness they deserve. I have always believe one of the things encouraging this situation is the way our leaders and AU keeping quiet even when we can say Africa has been mistreated and sovereignty of its members abused.

As we still count the cost of that habit, I am proud of what South Africa has been doing recently. South Africa has shown a good stand against various issues were Africa has been mistreated. President Jacob Zuma has strongly speak against NATO involvement in Libya and now we have a former president, Thabo Mbeki doing so. And more than anything is that he has been very explicit in his words. Easy to understand and direct to the point.

My best moments from his interview includes the following;

"As Africans, we need to look at ourselves and say what it is we need to do to defend our interests. The question we need to ask ourselves is: why are we so quiet? What happened in Libya might very well be a precursor of what might happen in another country. I think that all of us need to consider this matter, because this is a major disaster.

"We can't say that we can't stop these Western powers from acting in the way that they have been acting because they will do it again tomorrow. I think we can, provided that we act and they can see that if they take this kind of action, they are going to meet the resistance of the entire African continent.

Read more about his analysis of the situation at http://www.businesslive.co.za aricle and Africanoutlookonline.com article

A Successful Start!

I had a good start today for my project promoting internet and social media use and awareness for High School students in Tanzania. I worked hard to create a very easy to understand presentation about internet and social media. I worked on it for more than a total of 10 hours, thanks for the help I got from my brother who is in Dodoma for few days visit.


After all that hard work on presentation, today I woke up in morning ready to go for the first day of my project, visiting Central High School, located within Dodoma Town. With a projector that I got in the last minutes, I was with all that I did need for today´s presentation to go smoothly. Yesterday I visited the school to keep posters for today´s program, with the support of the school government I was sure it will all go perfect! BUT!!!!!!! I feared one thing, POWER! But I got there and everything was well, I had the students and electricity was OK.

After presenting on what Internet and Social Media is, I have come to realise there is more to be done than what our government and society think. In my log book out of all more than 40 students who did write down there contacts only few filled the email address space, and of those non got it right! And these were not O Level students, remember am dealing with A Level students, who have about a year to join university.

As I discuss and answer their questions I just realise how much we have to do to educate more youth on all things relate to internet. From setting up an email address to privacy settings of their social networks profiles.

Wait to read my next report when I will be visiting another local school here in Dodoma.

You can view more photos from my Google Plus public album by clicking here!

Please I welcome your comments and views on how I can improve what I am doing in this project, anyone is welcome to help me with a projector! I will appreciate!

Rising Smoking Habit And African Governments Position!

As we promote a tobacco free world, I would like to point out on the need for our governments in Africa to take a look into the smoking habit in the rise among young people.

For example in Tanzania, while we have written laws prohibiting the sale of cigarettes and alcohol to minors this is not what is happening in real life. Any youth, from any age in Tanzania can go to a shop and purchase a cigarette or alcohol without been asked anything by sellers.
It is time this issue to be tackle with action, there many minors who are falling into the addiction and hence exposure to various cancer related diseases. At the same time Alcohol expose them to various risk behaviors and sex predators. Unless governments in Africa take policies into action by dealing with all vendors who sell these products to minors, the present and future health of millions of youth across Africa is in danger!

This extract from US National Library of Health represents views of two scholars in early 1980s about the rising Smoking culture in Africa and it's impacts..and its plain clear what they had found about 30 years ago is more than true.

"World Smoking Health. 1982 Summer;7(2):25-30.

Smoking in Africa: the coming epidemic.

Taha A, Ball K.

Abstract

This discussion describes the development of tobacco smoking in Africa, the increase in consumption, and how tobacco use is promoted. It also presents evidence to show that smoking-related diseases similar to those seen in Western nations may be emerging. Tobacco was first introduced into Africa in the 16th century by the Turks who brought it into Egypt. The smoking habits of today's Africans are governed by local custom and economic status. Cigarette smoking is replacing the traditional pipe (hookah), although the latter is still used, particularly in rural areas. The prevalence of smoking is higher in urban than rural areas. Traditionally, only men smoked, but the proportion of women smokers is now rising. Smoking is also increasing among African children and adolescents. Cigarette consumption was examined in the 6 African countries from which statistics were available. In all of them, it rose steeply between 1967-76 and actually doubled in Libya and Ethiopia. In Egypt domestic cigarette sales increased by 23% between 1976-78, but sales of imported cigarettes rose by 25% in 1 year alone. Consumption of imported cigarettes is rising in many African countries. Between 1965-76 the volume of tobacco imports almost doubled. Cigarette smuggling is common in some African countries and may account for about 1/3 of total cigarette consumption in the Sudan. Some African countries are expanding tobacco agriculture so that they can supply their own needs. Nigeria has increased tobacco cultivation by about 10% a year to meet local dmeands. Zaire's imports of tobacco increased by about 30% between 1969-73 but now expects to become self sufficient in tobacco production. Tanzania's tobacco output incrased 7-fold between 1962-74 and will continue to grow through the help of the International Development Association. Cigarettes are heavily promoted in Africa. The advertisements present smoking as socially desirable by showing young, happy people and by relating it to manliness and success. Smoking-related diseases have already made their appearance in Africa. The 2 most common types of cancer in the Natal Bantu are lung and esophageal tumors. Lung cancer in Natal men has increased 6-fold and in women about 5-fold over the past 11 years. Other studies from southern Africa show much higher smoking rates in patients with lung cancer than in controls. The incidence of esophageal cancer in blacks in Durban, South Africa, and Zimbabwe is among the highest in the world. Other suggestive associations with cigarette smoking in African subjects are bladder cancer, myocardial infarction, and chronic bronchitis. Many Western governments and health authorities now try to persuade people not to smoke, and in some developed countries consumption has already begun to fall. As a result, tobacco companies have started to diversify and intensify promotion of cigarettes and the growth of tobacco in the 3rd world.

PMID:

12179604

[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12179604

I remember Nigeria government tried to sue several Tobacco companies back in 2007 for 40$ billion in compensatory damages due to the health complications it left to the smokers. This was a good move but I real don't know how it ended. Anyone who knows how it ended? I look forward to see African governments sue everyone that is responsible for young smokers in African countries. Lets care about the health of these children who are not yet to understand the consequence of their actions.

Lets think, hope and act for not only a economically well Africa, but a healthy one too!

Thanks!!

Must Read;Facts and Figures About Africa!

Interesting General facts about Africa social, political and economical issues from Africa Commission. Just a few pages but through them you will get enough basic understanding of challenges Africa faces. Please share it on, raise awareness!

Click here to download!

International Day For Street Children Is Here!!

Still thinking what am going to do for this important international day yet! But I can't stop asking myself what if all that money governments use for arms and war at least 10% of it could be used for a good cause such as helping these children out of streets!!?!! I am compiling some important facts on Street Children problem across Africa and the world, I will update them here soon!!!

Lets see what our 'leaders' will say this time around, I look forward for a lot of speeches then zero actions! Across Africa and the world in general the issue of street children is kept at bay by policy makers, they face various challenges both from their streets and governments crack downs!!

At-last A Real African Voice In Display!

When I posted my earlier view on the Libya situation in relation t international community response I received some comments from friends who said I might be getting out of point. But my message is clear, African problems should be solved by Africans first! What is the need of having a AU if we allow a nation from Europe or America or both to come to our continent in the 'name of solving' our problems?

Lets be unbiased, I don't blame US or any other European state for what they are doing. They say they act so as to protect the Libyans blah blah blah! But in international politics, the real intention behind is protecting their interests. Yeah and who should blame them while Africa is divided, with leaders who can't give their stand against this invention of their fellow African state. Leaders who can't organize themselves, either be under the umbrella of AU or any other means and try to help their fellow African state in the time crisis. This is a capitalistic world with capitalistic politics and diplomacy, and unless Africa stand as one and give stand against foreign interference in their problem hand in hand with solving their own problem Africa will never be 'free'!!!

With this, I congratulate South African president, Jacob Zuma for giving his stand clear.

"President Zuma has called for an immediate ceasefire in Libya and an end to the attacks on civilians. He also stated that only a peaceful solution, based on the will of the people, will guarantee long-term stability in Libya," said the Presidency.

Zuma forms part of the Ad-hoc High-Level Committee on Libya, comprising five Heads of State and Government, who have been tasked with finding a political solution to the Libyan crisis. South Africa remains committed to working within the ambit of the AU to find a lasting political solution to the Libyan crisis.

http://allafrica.com/stories/201104040394.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

This is what we need, and not some foreign invasion without involvement of Africans!

NOTE;

For decades the U.S. has looked upon the suffering of millions of Africans with indifference but now they are trying to convince us that it is a "moral imperative" that we intervene in the civil war in Libya.

It is funny how things can change when oil is at stake. Libya is the biggest producer of oil in Africa and that makes it a very important nation to the global elite.

FROM;

http://endoftheamericandream.com/archives/14-potential-justifications-for-an-invasion-of-libya-by-the-u-s-military-that-are-currently-being-floated-in-the-mainstream-media

US Invasion Of Libya Aims to Replace Chinese Oil Companies With Western Ones?

FROM;

http://deadlinelive.info/2011/03/06/us-invasion-of-libya-aims-to-replace-chinese-oil-companies-with-western-ones/

THINK BEFORE YOU SUPPORT AFRICAN STATE INVASION BY FOREIGNERS!!!