By Paul Ndiho
APIRL 27, 2010
After being declared the winner in April's presidential elections that international observers, particularly the Carter Center and the European Union said were deeply flawed, earlier this week, President Omar Hassan al-Bashir joined party supporters and officials to celebrate and show the world that he has been elected president by majority of Sudanese in the first open elections in more than 20 years.
The celebrations were loud and boisterous. Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir -- the only sitting head of state wanted by the International Criminal Court -- won Sudan's first multiparty elections in 24 years. The elections received a mixed assessment from political observers with the African Union declaring them "free and fair." While the United States and others say the elections fell short of international standards. David Smock is vice president and director, Center for mediation and conflict resolution, Religion and Peacemaking program at the U.S Institute Of Peace in Washington
"There was minimal violence but it didn't have a great deal of meaning because the international observers, particularly the Carter Center and the European Union said the elections were deeply flawed, most of the opposition candidates in the north running against Bashir had withdrawn and boycotted the election."
A breakdown of the presidential vote shows great support for President Bashir in the north. While Salva Kiir, President of the semi-autonomous southern region, easily won re-election with 92.percent of the vote.
"I shall be the president of all southern Sudanese, without any distinction based on party allegiance, regional provenance, ethnic origin or religious faith, so please mark those words and let us move together.
With the elctions now behind them, Sudan begins to focus on next year's referendum on independence for the south, a vote President Bashir has pledged to respect. But David Smock says the government in Khartoum faces many challenges including Darfur, an issue complicated by Mr. Bashir's international indictment for alleged war crimes in Darfur.
There have been on again off again negotiations in Doha, particularly between the Bashir government and the Gem, one of the major rebel groups and some discussions with some of the other rebel groups, but while there has been an agreement on a ceasefire, with the Gem, the details of what a peace agreement would look like have not really been worked out in any significant way, so they definitely need progress on that front for Sudan to be able to go forward.” He said.
And forward means continuing the implementation of the 2005 peace deal that ended the Sudanese civil war.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
Promoting Education in Africa
By Paul Ndiho
April 23, 2010
Studies show that a child born to an educated mother is twice as likely to survive to the age of five as a child born to an uneducated mother. But many children in the Sub-Saharan Africa are denied even the chance to attend primary school.
Experts say that educating children helps reduce poverty, promotes gender equality and more. New U.S. legislation, led by New York Congresswoman Nita Lowey, calls on the United States to support an international Global Fund for Education for developing countries. The fund aims to achieve basic education for every child in the world by 2015.
"Access to quality education brings promise of a better life. No country has sustainable economic growth without achieving mere universal primary education and investing in girls education increases women's income, delays the start of sexual activity, reduces infant mortality rates and increases women's political participation."
Educated girls are likely to marry later and have fewer children, who in turn will be more likely to be better nourished and educated. In sub-Saharan Africa, school and school related-fees are keeping children out of classrooms, as the fees can consume nearly a quarter of a poor family's income. Actress Jessica Alba has just returned from Africa, where she observed how U.S. funding for global education is changing lives.
"Last month I visited Ghana, Senegal and South Africa and I saw myself the potential and impact of education. The parents I met were full of hope for their children's future and wanted more than nothing for their children to go to school."
Quality education can be a way out of poverty, but Jessica Alba says millions of Africa's children receive little or no education.
"72 million children worldwide don't have access to education. 60% of these kids live in Africa and most of them are girls."
Research shows that HIV/AIDS infection rates are halved among young people who finish primary school. And estimates are that If every girl and boy received a complete primary education, at least 700,000 new cases of HIV could be prevented in a decade - another compelling reason to get Africa's children into classrooms.
April 23, 2010
Studies show that a child born to an educated mother is twice as likely to survive to the age of five as a child born to an uneducated mother. But many children in the Sub-Saharan Africa are denied even the chance to attend primary school.
Experts say that educating children helps reduce poverty, promotes gender equality and more. New U.S. legislation, led by New York Congresswoman Nita Lowey, calls on the United States to support an international Global Fund for Education for developing countries. The fund aims to achieve basic education for every child in the world by 2015.
"Access to quality education brings promise of a better life. No country has sustainable economic growth without achieving mere universal primary education and investing in girls education increases women's income, delays the start of sexual activity, reduces infant mortality rates and increases women's political participation."
Educated girls are likely to marry later and have fewer children, who in turn will be more likely to be better nourished and educated. In sub-Saharan Africa, school and school related-fees are keeping children out of classrooms, as the fees can consume nearly a quarter of a poor family's income. Actress Jessica Alba has just returned from Africa, where she observed how U.S. funding for global education is changing lives.
"Last month I visited Ghana, Senegal and South Africa and I saw myself the potential and impact of education. The parents I met were full of hope for their children's future and wanted more than nothing for their children to go to school."
Quality education can be a way out of poverty, but Jessica Alba says millions of Africa's children receive little or no education.
"72 million children worldwide don't have access to education. 60% of these kids live in Africa and most of them are girls."
Research shows that HIV/AIDS infection rates are halved among young people who finish primary school. And estimates are that If every girl and boy received a complete primary education, at least 700,000 new cases of HIV could be prevented in a decade - another compelling reason to get Africa's children into classrooms.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
RELIGION AND POLITICS IN AFRICA
By Paul Ndiho
April 20, 2010
Across the continent, African religions play significant roles in communities where government services may be sparse or absent. VOA'S Paul Ndiho looks at how religion and politics are intertwined in Africa.
Africa's religious communities broadly reflect moderation, though pockets of religion-based extremism are evident across the region.
Peter Lewis, Director, African Studies, School of Advanced International Studies or SAIS says that religion and politics are intertwined in Africa and there is a need to understand how they interact.
"Religion plays multiple roles, completed roles, and often multi-faceted roles in some situations where some religious communities and religious figures can be sources of extremism and confrontation. Others maybe sources of moderation and mediation and others still maybe largely separated from politics."
In many parts of Africa, religious institutions deliver social services, build hospitals, schools, and provide employment and in places where government has failed. In Somalia, Islam may be a vehicle to mobilize people against the government or to protest against foreign invasion. In 2006, Islamic courts governed in much of Somalia until they were driven out by Ethiopia's military. Timothy Longman, Boston University says that religion cuts across African political identities.
"Religious groups are very much caught up in conflict in a variety of ways. What I want to focus on are the two very contradictory tendencies that you find within Christian churches in the region and that is churches are getting embroiled in conflict, being involved in supporting conflict, and on the other hand, churches playing a peaceful role for a conflict resolution role."
In Nigeria, analysts say religion can fuel Christian-Muslim violence. In the recent past, clashes have taken place between Christians and Muslims in Kano, northern Nigeria, a region which is governed by sharia law. In Jos, hundreds of people lost their lives because of an election that Peter Lewis says took on unusual religious divisions.
"In most of Nigeria, Christians and Muslims have managed to co-exist. We hope that with the improvement in governance, economic opportunities and reduced inequalities that different communities in Nigeria would be better able to get a long."
A recent study by the Washington, D.C.-based Pew Forum on Religion and public life reveals that most people in sub-Saharan Africa are deeply committed to Christianity or Islam; they continue to practice elements of more traditional African religion. The study says that while many Muslims and Christians describe members of the other faith as tolerant, there are signs of tensions between the faiths.
April 20, 2010
Across the continent, African religions play significant roles in communities where government services may be sparse or absent. VOA'S Paul Ndiho looks at how religion and politics are intertwined in Africa.
Africa's religious communities broadly reflect moderation, though pockets of religion-based extremism are evident across the region.
Peter Lewis, Director, African Studies, School of Advanced International Studies or SAIS says that religion and politics are intertwined in Africa and there is a need to understand how they interact.
"Religion plays multiple roles, completed roles, and often multi-faceted roles in some situations where some religious communities and religious figures can be sources of extremism and confrontation. Others maybe sources of moderation and mediation and others still maybe largely separated from politics."
In many parts of Africa, religious institutions deliver social services, build hospitals, schools, and provide employment and in places where government has failed. In Somalia, Islam may be a vehicle to mobilize people against the government or to protest against foreign invasion. In 2006, Islamic courts governed in much of Somalia until they were driven out by Ethiopia's military. Timothy Longman, Boston University says that religion cuts across African political identities.
"Religious groups are very much caught up in conflict in a variety of ways. What I want to focus on are the two very contradictory tendencies that you find within Christian churches in the region and that is churches are getting embroiled in conflict, being involved in supporting conflict, and on the other hand, churches playing a peaceful role for a conflict resolution role."
In Nigeria, analysts say religion can fuel Christian-Muslim violence. In the recent past, clashes have taken place between Christians and Muslims in Kano, northern Nigeria, a region which is governed by sharia law. In Jos, hundreds of people lost their lives because of an election that Peter Lewis says took on unusual religious divisions.
"In most of Nigeria, Christians and Muslims have managed to co-exist. We hope that with the improvement in governance, economic opportunities and reduced inequalities that different communities in Nigeria would be better able to get a long."
A recent study by the Washington, D.C.-based Pew Forum on Religion and public life reveals that most people in sub-Saharan Africa are deeply committed to Christianity or Islam; they continue to practice elements of more traditional African religion. The study says that while many Muslims and Christians describe members of the other faith as tolerant, there are signs of tensions between the faiths.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
SUDAN FOREIGN BUSINESS
BY PAUL NDIHO
APRIL 15, 2010
After Sudan's comprehensive peace deal was signed in 2005, neighboring business people rushed to Southern Sudan, hoping to cash in on opportunities there following two decades of war. But now, some of those same people are fleeing the country, fearing violence following disputed elections, similar to what happened in Kenya in 2008.
Foreign entrepreneurs in Southern Sudan have started closing up their shops in anticipation of post-election violence. Many business people are heading home to home countries such as Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia. John Muturi has been selling second-hand clothes in Juba with his wife since arriving from Kenya.
"We are afraid because we've seen elections are never predictable. That's why we're selling the stock we already have and finishing it and we can keep our money. But we are not bringing in any more things from outside. We have to sell what we have because we don't know what is going to happen."
Sudanese people started voting earlier this week in the first multi-party elections in more than 24 years that will test the fragile unity of Africa's biggest country. Jonathan Temin at the United States Institute of Peace says that there might be violence in some areas of the country.
"It is possible. And they are being cautious and conservative in their outlook and what might happen. But it also depends on what part of the country we are talking about. We have to remember that Sudan is the largest country in Africa and what might happen in Khartoum is different from what might happen in Juba or Darfur and other places in between."
Juba became a budding area of commerce following the 2005 peace deal. Ezekiel Gathuoth, head of Mission, Government of Southern Sudan, says that there is no cause for alarm and reassures business people that they can in Juba.
"Business should continue as usual because this is something that you can do and go back to your business. The elections should not affect any function of business. We are appealing to all the people not to worry and for the last three days everything has been peaceful."
But clothing trader John Muturi says that many businessmen have already left Southern Sudan and only those with the biggest shops remain. But some foreigners are not looking to leave. Eritrean Hatawi Abraham works in a Juba hotel and says, like many Sudanese, he hopes the elections will have a positive impact rather than lead it back to conflict.
"Actually I have been here for one year and until now, thank God, nothing has happened, security is quite okay especially with elections. Everyone was speculating that something could happen, like violence and something but thank God nothing has happened."
The election looks likely to extend the 21-year rule of President Omar Hassan al-Bashir, the head of state wanted by the International Criminal Court to face charges of war crimes in Darfur.
APRIL 15, 2010
After Sudan's comprehensive peace deal was signed in 2005, neighboring business people rushed to Southern Sudan, hoping to cash in on opportunities there following two decades of war. But now, some of those same people are fleeing the country, fearing violence following disputed elections, similar to what happened in Kenya in 2008.
Foreign entrepreneurs in Southern Sudan have started closing up their shops in anticipation of post-election violence. Many business people are heading home to home countries such as Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia. John Muturi has been selling second-hand clothes in Juba with his wife since arriving from Kenya.
"We are afraid because we've seen elections are never predictable. That's why we're selling the stock we already have and finishing it and we can keep our money. But we are not bringing in any more things from outside. We have to sell what we have because we don't know what is going to happen."
Sudanese people started voting earlier this week in the first multi-party elections in more than 24 years that will test the fragile unity of Africa's biggest country. Jonathan Temin at the United States Institute of Peace says that there might be violence in some areas of the country.
"It is possible. And they are being cautious and conservative in their outlook and what might happen. But it also depends on what part of the country we are talking about. We have to remember that Sudan is the largest country in Africa and what might happen in Khartoum is different from what might happen in Juba or Darfur and other places in between."
Juba became a budding area of commerce following the 2005 peace deal. Ezekiel Gathuoth, head of Mission, Government of Southern Sudan, says that there is no cause for alarm and reassures business people that they can in Juba.
"Business should continue as usual because this is something that you can do and go back to your business. The elections should not affect any function of business. We are appealing to all the people not to worry and for the last three days everything has been peaceful."
But clothing trader John Muturi says that many businessmen have already left Southern Sudan and only those with the biggest shops remain. But some foreigners are not looking to leave. Eritrean Hatawi Abraham works in a Juba hotel and says, like many Sudanese, he hopes the elections will have a positive impact rather than lead it back to conflict.
"Actually I have been here for one year and until now, thank God, nothing has happened, security is quite okay especially with elections. Everyone was speculating that something could happen, like violence and something but thank God nothing has happened."
The election looks likely to extend the 21-year rule of President Omar Hassan al-Bashir, the head of state wanted by the International Criminal Court to face charges of war crimes in Darfur.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
SUDAN’S LANDMARK ELECTIONS
BY PAUL NDIHO
APRIL 11, 2010
Although Washington DC has a significant number Sudanese people very few
were registered to vote in this landmark election, a handful voted at the Sudanese Consulate in Washington dc. A small number of Voters from the Washington area came early to cast their ballots in this historic election. The three-day election is a key indicator of whether Sudan can fend off renewed conflict and humanitarian crisis as it heads toward a 2011 referendum that could split apart this oil-producing nation and bring independence for south Sudan. The Sudanese Ambassador to the United States said this was a significant milestone in the history of Sudan.
“This election is confirming one of the mandates of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement or the (CPA) that is to hold elections as a fulfillment of the CPA and to prepare for the referendum.”
Mayom Ball Achuku said that this election is a new hope for Sudan.
“This election means chances of freedom are coming to Sudan. I was the first person to vote and I think that I’m doing it not only for
generations that were not able to vote and for myself. It also means that the suffering of the people in Southern Sudan will come to an end. That’s the main reason I voted.”
In Sudan, thousands of police were deployed to make sure things go
smoothly for the first multi-party poll in 24 years.
Greeted by supporters shouting "Allah hu-Akbar" President Omar al-Bashir arrived at a polling station in Khartoum to cast his ballot.
Analysts say he is expected to win but this comes as leading opposition figures accuse him of manipulating the vote. However former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, leading a team of observers, says his foundation hasn't spotted any major irregularities.
"We have 30 teams out from the Carter Center in all the states and so far they have determined that everything is find and orderly - no problems with violence or intimidation and almost all of our teams have reported that all materials have been on site at the polling stations which they visited in preliminary state."
Voters in the south were also excited to be voting for the first time since the deadly north - south civil war. Meanwhile in the south of the country, Southern Sudan president Salva Kiir said he was hopeful for the future.
"Well I have never voted in my life, this is my first time to vote and it is a good beginning that Sudan's going back to democracy and I hope it will be the foundation for future democracy in our country so that power is transferred from person to person by peaceful means instead of military coup.
Elsewhere, Opposition groups and activists complained of vote-rigging, fuelling doubts about the credibility of the election.
There were reports of delays, ballot paper mix-ups and names missing from voters' lists in some areas of the country.
APRIL 11, 2010
Although Washington DC has a significant number Sudanese people very few
were registered to vote in this landmark election, a handful voted at the Sudanese Consulate in Washington dc. A small number of Voters from the Washington area came early to cast their ballots in this historic election. The three-day election is a key indicator of whether Sudan can fend off renewed conflict and humanitarian crisis as it heads toward a 2011 referendum that could split apart this oil-producing nation and bring independence for south Sudan. The Sudanese Ambassador to the United States said this was a significant milestone in the history of Sudan.
“This election is confirming one of the mandates of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement or the (CPA) that is to hold elections as a fulfillment of the CPA and to prepare for the referendum.”
Mayom Ball Achuku said that this election is a new hope for Sudan.
“This election means chances of freedom are coming to Sudan. I was the first person to vote and I think that I’m doing it not only for
generations that were not able to vote and for myself. It also means that the suffering of the people in Southern Sudan will come to an end. That’s the main reason I voted.”
In Sudan, thousands of police were deployed to make sure things go
smoothly for the first multi-party poll in 24 years.
Greeted by supporters shouting "Allah hu-Akbar" President Omar al-Bashir arrived at a polling station in Khartoum to cast his ballot.
Analysts say he is expected to win but this comes as leading opposition figures accuse him of manipulating the vote. However former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, leading a team of observers, says his foundation hasn't spotted any major irregularities.
"We have 30 teams out from the Carter Center in all the states and so far they have determined that everything is find and orderly - no problems with violence or intimidation and almost all of our teams have reported that all materials have been on site at the polling stations which they visited in preliminary state."
Voters in the south were also excited to be voting for the first time since the deadly north - south civil war. Meanwhile in the south of the country, Southern Sudan president Salva Kiir said he was hopeful for the future.
"Well I have never voted in my life, this is my first time to vote and it is a good beginning that Sudan's going back to democracy and I hope it will be the foundation for future democracy in our country so that power is transferred from person to person by peaceful means instead of military coup.
Elsewhere, Opposition groups and activists complained of vote-rigging, fuelling doubts about the credibility of the election.
There were reports of delays, ballot paper mix-ups and names missing from voters' lists in some areas of the country.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
SUDAN ELECTION BOYCOTT SENDS OUT MIXED MASSAGES
BY PAUL NDIHO
APRIL 6, 2010
Less than a week before Sudan's first multi-party elections, opposition parties are threatening to boycott the poll, which they say is rigged in favor of the incumbent president, Omar Hassan Al-Bashir
Sudan's first general elections in more than 24 years are drawing mixed reactions from the Sudanese people and international observers. Some are saying it is essential for the poll to succeed, while others agree with the decision of opposition parties not to participate.
"The elections should be delayed, many voters don't know the programs for the candidates, many parties didn't give their opinions because there is no freedom in the country, no freedom and not enough time, and the government puts many obstacles in front of the parties"
But many on the streets in Sudan's capital, Khartoum, say that the elections should take place on time, and all concerned Sudanese should go and cast their votes.
"The peace in Sudan is related to these elections, and these elections give the Sudanese citizen his freedom to say his opinion, we are against the boycott and it should be on time."
Howard University professor, Suleiman Nyang, says that the political situation in Sudan is complicated. "Sudan situation is problematic. Bashir and Northern Sudan would like to maintain Sudan as one unity. However, opposition to the Northern hegemony is still very strong in the South."
Apart from the Umma party leader, the main opposition presidential withdrew last week, saying the vote was "rigged" for the incumbent, President Omar Hassan al-Bashir. But Sudan's women are well represented in the coming election, as some 500 female candidates will be on the ballot for various seats. An elections commission spokesman says women are slowly entering politics in Sudan:
"In Sudan, we need to go gradually, because we have to make sure women participate. Maybe if the women proved that they can actually take part in the political life in Sudan so actively and so well - in the next elections maybe it will be normal that they can share in the different constituencies just like men."
Over the weekend, Sudan's elections commission announced that the first multi-party polls would go ahead on time, despite opposition demands for a four week delay. The U.S Special envoy Scott Gration says Sudan's polls will be open and fair.
"It gives me confidence that the elections will start on time, and that they will be as free and as fair as possible, these people have gone to great links to ensure that the people of Sudan will have access to polling places and the procedures and process will ensure transparency and people vote will get registered and counted in best way possible."
Gration says that while the vote in Sudan will proceed, a comprehensive and lasting peace there requires the participation of all of the country's political factions.
APRIL 6, 2010
Less than a week before Sudan's first multi-party elections, opposition parties are threatening to boycott the poll, which they say is rigged in favor of the incumbent president, Omar Hassan Al-Bashir
Sudan's first general elections in more than 24 years are drawing mixed reactions from the Sudanese people and international observers. Some are saying it is essential for the poll to succeed, while others agree with the decision of opposition parties not to participate.
"The elections should be delayed, many voters don't know the programs for the candidates, many parties didn't give their opinions because there is no freedom in the country, no freedom and not enough time, and the government puts many obstacles in front of the parties"
But many on the streets in Sudan's capital, Khartoum, say that the elections should take place on time, and all concerned Sudanese should go and cast their votes.
"The peace in Sudan is related to these elections, and these elections give the Sudanese citizen his freedom to say his opinion, we are against the boycott and it should be on time."
Howard University professor, Suleiman Nyang, says that the political situation in Sudan is complicated. "Sudan situation is problematic. Bashir and Northern Sudan would like to maintain Sudan as one unity. However, opposition to the Northern hegemony is still very strong in the South."
Apart from the Umma party leader, the main opposition presidential withdrew last week, saying the vote was "rigged" for the incumbent, President Omar Hassan al-Bashir. But Sudan's women are well represented in the coming election, as some 500 female candidates will be on the ballot for various seats. An elections commission spokesman says women are slowly entering politics in Sudan:
"In Sudan, we need to go gradually, because we have to make sure women participate. Maybe if the women proved that they can actually take part in the political life in Sudan so actively and so well - in the next elections maybe it will be normal that they can share in the different constituencies just like men."
Over the weekend, Sudan's elections commission announced that the first multi-party polls would go ahead on time, despite opposition demands for a four week delay. The U.S Special envoy Scott Gration says Sudan's polls will be open and fair.
"It gives me confidence that the elections will start on time, and that they will be as free and as fair as possible, these people have gone to great links to ensure that the people of Sudan will have access to polling places and the procedures and process will ensure transparency and people vote will get registered and counted in best way possible."
Gration says that while the vote in Sudan will proceed, a comprehensive and lasting peace there requires the participation of all of the country's political factions.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
INTERVIEW WITH AMBASSADOR GEORGE HALEY
By Paul Ndiho
April 1, 2010
George Haley is the brother of Alex Haley, the famous author of the much acclaimed novel, Roots. George Haley has made his own connection to West Africa as the U.S. ambassador to the Gambia, appointed by President Clinton to the post in 1998. George Haley overcame racism in post-segregation period in America to accomplish much as a young lawyer and public servant. VOA'S Paul Ndiho sat down recently for a one-on-one interview with Ambassador Haley, who says he still has an appreciation of the power of the individual.
"I can. I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do." Now, like I said, it is subtle, but very profound because none of us is like any other individual. Every individual is unique, and he or she has some responsibilities if he or she takes them along."
Ambassador George Haley was born in 1925. The second of three boys, he lost his mother when he was six years old. Though times were hard, his father kept the family together in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where he was teaching at the institution that eventually became the University of Arkansas. In 1998, President Clinton nominated him as the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Gambia. Haley had visited the West African country numerous times, and Gambia was the setting for his brother's novel, Roots.
"Perhaps the most important experience was my arriving as the Ambassador from the United States. When my wife and I arrived, there was just a great celebration of our coming. People were saying that "you've come home," you know, I mean, they were, out with vibrations, not only from Jufree, but other parts of the Gambia when the plane set down, and we could hardly move. I mean, they were lifting us up, and there was just warmth."
Gambia called to him across the span of two centuries, keeping alive the name of his ancestor Kunta Kinte, the great-great-great-great-grandfather who had been snatched from Africa and forced into the slavery from which he never escaped.
"It was a very emotional to think that Kunta Kinte really grew up and didn't really have time to grow up there, he was a teenager when he was captured pretty much. But this was his village, and to think in terms of the village that my seventh generation ago relative was born in and, how he had come about, it was and continues to be a really emotional kind of thing."
In 1976, George Haley's brother Alex published his novel called Roots. It is the saga of an American family, starting with Kunta Kinte, kidnapped in 1767 and taken to Maryland to be sold as a slave. In 1992, Haley's beloved brother and famed author Alex Haley died suddenly of a heart attack. George Haley says it a genealogical search by Alex led to the writing of Roots.
"He said, that he went into the archives, sometime after completing Malcolm X, and he saw these people pouring over the books that their ancestors had, and he said, "I think I'll do that," after having learned through grandma and others a little bit. He got down to grandma's parents and others and he looked and he saw all of the people: his aunts, and uncles, but grandma's name was not on there, and he couldn't figure it out."
Despite his family's bleak story of slavery, 84-year-old George Haley says it feels good to have played a role in certain parts of history. He notes the struggles of other African America leaders and pays special tribute Benjamin Elijah Mays, President of Morehouse College in Atlanta, and his former schoolmate and civil right icon Martin Luther King.
"My mission is to try to make the world a better place than which I found it, to make some improvements in it. To have you and others say, well look, here's an old guy who tried to help. Church Hill once said, "What is the use of living, unless it is to make the world better for those who come after you?" I like that, and I would like to feel that the world is a little better for my having lived.
April 1, 2010
George Haley is the brother of Alex Haley, the famous author of the much acclaimed novel, Roots. George Haley has made his own connection to West Africa as the U.S. ambassador to the Gambia, appointed by President Clinton to the post in 1998. George Haley overcame racism in post-segregation period in America to accomplish much as a young lawyer and public servant. VOA'S Paul Ndiho sat down recently for a one-on-one interview with Ambassador Haley, who says he still has an appreciation of the power of the individual.
"I can. I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do." Now, like I said, it is subtle, but very profound because none of us is like any other individual. Every individual is unique, and he or she has some responsibilities if he or she takes them along."
Ambassador George Haley was born in 1925. The second of three boys, he lost his mother when he was six years old. Though times were hard, his father kept the family together in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where he was teaching at the institution that eventually became the University of Arkansas. In 1998, President Clinton nominated him as the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Gambia. Haley had visited the West African country numerous times, and Gambia was the setting for his brother's novel, Roots.
"Perhaps the most important experience was my arriving as the Ambassador from the United States. When my wife and I arrived, there was just a great celebration of our coming. People were saying that "you've come home," you know, I mean, they were, out with vibrations, not only from Jufree, but other parts of the Gambia when the plane set down, and we could hardly move. I mean, they were lifting us up, and there was just warmth."
Gambia called to him across the span of two centuries, keeping alive the name of his ancestor Kunta Kinte, the great-great-great-great-grandfather who had been snatched from Africa and forced into the slavery from which he never escaped.
"It was a very emotional to think that Kunta Kinte really grew up and didn't really have time to grow up there, he was a teenager when he was captured pretty much. But this was his village, and to think in terms of the village that my seventh generation ago relative was born in and, how he had come about, it was and continues to be a really emotional kind of thing."
In 1976, George Haley's brother Alex published his novel called Roots. It is the saga of an American family, starting with Kunta Kinte, kidnapped in 1767 and taken to Maryland to be sold as a slave. In 1992, Haley's beloved brother and famed author Alex Haley died suddenly of a heart attack. George Haley says it a genealogical search by Alex led to the writing of Roots.
"He said, that he went into the archives, sometime after completing Malcolm X, and he saw these people pouring over the books that their ancestors had, and he said, "I think I'll do that," after having learned through grandma and others a little bit. He got down to grandma's parents and others and he looked and he saw all of the people: his aunts, and uncles, but grandma's name was not on there, and he couldn't figure it out."
Despite his family's bleak story of slavery, 84-year-old George Haley says it feels good to have played a role in certain parts of history. He notes the struggles of other African America leaders and pays special tribute Benjamin Elijah Mays, President of Morehouse College in Atlanta, and his former schoolmate and civil right icon Martin Luther King.
"My mission is to try to make the world a better place than which I found it, to make some improvements in it. To have you and others say, well look, here's an old guy who tried to help. Church Hill once said, "What is the use of living, unless it is to make the world better for those who come after you?" I like that, and I would like to feel that the world is a little better for my having lived.
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