The Torch: Women’s Day
Overweight and obesity, which are abnormal or excessive fat accumulation in the body, are not only dangerous to the health; they have other social consequences. Due to the recent increased intake of energy-dense foods, high in fat, globally, we expose ourselves to obesity. Worse still, with the latest technological advancement, human beings have become increasingly inactive. The changing modes of transportation and increasing urbanization do not help minimize obesity, as many rarely move physically. It complicates matters that many…
As Sierra Leone prepares for the forthcoming general elections, scheduled in March, female genital mutilation (FGM) has become, ironically, an enticing piece of meat to grab votes from the poor electorate. While many countries in the world and aid agencies are busy discouraging girls from undergoing female genital mutilation, which has been proved medically to have many dangerous health repercussions, some politicians in Sierra Leone – especially candidates in the upcoming elections – are in fact, buying voters’ votes…
Africa is a continent of irony; religious practices are, indeed not far from this social reality. They are often simply entangled in the web of deceit and sarcasm. While the Western world brought Christianity to Africa, Africans are far more fanatical, zealous – and ironically, rigid – about religion than their Western counterparts. In most cases, African religious leaders interpret religious texts in such a shallow way that they do not give one a room for an alternative interpretation….
When Karl Marx, the German philosopher, and respected economist described religion as “the opium of the masses” in his book A Contribution to the Critique of Hegel’s Philosophy of Right, published in 1843, he meant that religion had certain practical functions in society similar to the function of opium administered to a sick or injured person. The opium helps to minimize the immediate pain and suffering of the patient and provides them with pleasant illusions. At the same time,…
The political metamorphosis in Zimbabwe took place unexpectedly. No single bullet was fired. No loss of life. Zimbabweans who had got used to, and for that matter, lived to accept the 37 years of the former President Robert Mugabe’s near-absolute rule, woke up to a new political reality. Robert Mugabe had been shown the political backdoor. On the other hand, his former Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was forced into an exile in South Africa emerged as the new President…
If the recent political moves by Angola’s new President, João Lourenço are anything to go by, they clearly show that the new President is, in fact, not a puppet as many had believed. Single-handedly hand-picked by the former President Eduardo dos Santos, after 38 years in near absolute power, however, just five months after taking over the mantle of leadership from former President dos Santos, the actions of President João Lourenço have caused fear amongst the once untouchable Angolans,…
Still on migration problems. While we all must commend African leaders for taking the initiative – after much pressure from the Western countries, although – to bring back home, stranded African migrants from the slave camps in Libya, the worrisome question still remains. Is that initiative the best decision? Perhaps, it might be the best decision for now; but is it really the solution to the current migration crises, which has clearly led to a modern-day slavery? Many people…
As an African, look around you. Reflect on your past. Ask yourself two simple but straightforward questions. Are you satisfied with your life? Did your government fulfill even just two of your ten expectations in the year 2017? Regardless of what your answers to those questions are, all Africans must aspire towards one thing: good governance. Good governance does not come on a platter of gold. You must fight for it. Africans must demand nothing less than good governance…
The year 2017 is coming to an end. It is not a year without surprises. From the shocking loss and shattering of Hilary Clinton’s political ambition to the unexpected ascension of President Donald Trump to the White House. Back to Africa, the unthinkable happened in Angola and Zimbabwe. Yes, they happened unexpectedly and fast. Without a single bullet fired or life lost. Former President José Eduardo dos Santos finally listened to his health warnings and handed over to his…
