Mike Pouraryan
Ghana vs. Somalia: A Tale of Two Countries
The President of the United States chose Ghana to visit to showcase the achievements of the country as a beacon of democracy and hope. Despite Ghana's history of having been ruled by Jerry Rawlings, he did manage to relinquish power and establish a tradition of democracy that has so far survived. That's why the President went there to underscore this.
Now, moving down south, there is Somalia. It has not had a functioning Government. The tribes are competing for authority with a so-called transitional government that is only basically confined to a few streets and alleys in the capital, Moghadishu. Pirates continue to roam the seas. The people continue to suffer in the meantime. Now, I wonder why the African Union cannot have the courage somehow to deal with Somalia. It is trying. But it is not trying hard enough. The record is not that great. Between Darfur, Congo and the rest of the beacons of Democracy, no one should be surprised. That is why rare success stories like Ghana should be celebrated.
When one talks about Africa, one cannot help but talk about South Africa. The "rainbow nation" that Nelson Mandela helped to give birth to after apartheid should be a cause for celebration and be a beacon for hope for all of Africa. Jacob Zuma led the celebrations for Mr. Mandela's 91st Birthday:
