The Crisis in Kenya, and most of Africa for that matter, has been overlooked by most of the world. Its as if the international community is purposely ignoring Africa's many, complex issues for the sake of keeping their "hands" clean. Apathy. Is. Murder. The nation of Kenya is teetering on the brink of a civil war, and the world refuses to take action.
The current president, President Kibaki, allegedly rigged Kenya's 2007 election in favor of his party, and opposition leader, Raila Odinga, claims the victory for himself. Kibaki and Odinga represent the dominant Kikuyu ethnic group and the Luo ethnic group (respectively), so the election issue is much more than a political debate, it is an ethnic conflict as well.
Violence on behalf of the fudged election erupted December 30, 2007 and 1000 people have already been killed. Violent mobs, opposition militia and other forces are wreaking destruction and death that may only contribute to the onset of an official war.
So why hasn't the American public heard about this? Yes, I'll admit it has come up randomly in the news, but I had to do some intense research to back up my own spotty knowledge of the situation.
To open up my eyes and the eyes of others to the troubles going on overlooked in Africa, I decided to learn some words in the Kenyan language of Swahili:
To open our eyes:
Peace= salaam, amani, suluhu, salama
War= kita
Love=penzi
I love you= nimekunoki
Hatred= chuki
Faith= tumaini
Loyalty= bidii
Friendship=urafiki
Diplomacy=hekima
Health=afya
~Chloe
No comments:
Post a Comment