How easy it is to defeat people who do not kindle fire for themselves. (English)

Takipar bich che meloljinge ma. (Tugen, Kenya)
How easy it is to defeat people who do not kindle fire for themselves. (English)

This proverb of the Tugen Ethnic Group of Kenya emphasises the importance of unity, joint consultation, and cooperation. It can effectively be used in dispute mediation, conflict resolution and other kinds of peace, which help build an egalitarian society. 

Think of statements like "unity is strength,"  "Two are better than one", or "A threefold cord is not quickly broken."  "Kindling the fire" does not only mean lightening of fire, but figuratively, it also means people coming together and discussing issues. This unity is what makes us a part of a larger cause, and it's crucial for our success. No ununited society succeeds. People who have no unity do not love or value one another. Nor can they work together as a team to achieve success. They do not "kindle the fire." Such people can easily be overcome in times of adversary or crisis. What does that say about Africa? A lot.

How much does the above proverb explain the mountainous challenges facing Africa today? There is a universal saying that the only real problems are the ones we don't want to discuss. Despite the massive potential of Africa, a continent blessed with an abundance of natural resources hardly found anywhere else, the countries are still struggling, swimming in the waters of poverty, inequality, joblessness, conflicts, and insecurity. With a majority of the 54 countries in Africa battling with ethnic conflict, civil war, internal unrest, and other political cum economic strangulation, we must learn how to solve problems and challenges through dialogues rather than brute force. Let's remember that dialogue is a powerful tool for change, and it's in our hands to use it effectively. Historically, no single country on the verge of conflict has a stable growing economy; peace and stability are the mother of economic growth.

Only when a house is not in order can an outsider or stranger capitalise on it and destabilise the house. Yes, colonialism came with divisiveness, ethnic consciousness and other social ills; we Africans are quick to blame the West for all our woes, but hardly do we acknowledge our contribution to such an ugly endemic situation. In a situation where leaders put their aggrandisement above the welfare of the country and its citizens, they create a fertile ground to welcome shrewd, selfish enemies and a recipe for neo-colonialism, which effectively benefits the colonisers over the colonised.

Unless Africans – yes, both leaders and masses - kindle the fire, they will sadly remain the cold ashes of tomorrow, which is marched and trodden upon, leaving its masses in a future of hopelessness and uncertainty.

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