Another bright idea from Gadaffi
The United States of Africa: "One sole African government, one sole African army to defend Africa with a force of two million soldiers. One currency, one passport. Accra must hear this message". I wonder if he has anyone in mind as a potential leader?
Given that the OAU was a disaster and the African Union has not fared much better, I can't see this happening quite yet. Always supposing that the popular will existed, the common ground in terms of the Greco-Roman inheritance, Christianity etc etc for the nations of Europe is a good deal more, erm, common, than that between the African nations
Given that the OAU was a disaster and the African Union has not fared much better, I can't see this happening quite yet. Always supposing that the popular will existed, the common ground in terms of the Greco-Roman inheritance, Christianity etc etc for the nations of Europe is a good deal more, erm, common, than that between the African nations
Labels: Africa
This entry was posted
on Thursday, June 28, 2007 at 11:08 am.
You can skip to the end and leave a response.
Going way back into the mists of time, I seem to recall that the Colonel floated this idea when he first came to power. Three east African countries did actually merge to become one, but that did not last very long; and there was also the "merging" of Libya with Egypt, which likewise fell apart after a fairly short time. Although the political situation was somewhat different back then, nothing came of his idea then and, knowing Africa reasonably well, I cannot see anything coming from it this time. Megalomania, or just plain daft?
Leader? Step forward Winnie Mandela.
its a job for tony
I have never understood Gaddafi's Pan-African pipe dream. He must be one of the very few arabs who does not detest blacks and look down on them. A north african super-state might make sense, and Tripoli would make a suitable political capital _ at least there is reasonable ethnic and religious homogenity (since they have pretty much succeeded in driving out all their formerly large Jewish and Christian minorities). Look at Darfur _ what black african would want to share with/ cede to Muslim Arabs any kind of authority?
It is shades of attempts at 'Arab unity' - a poorly disguised cat's paw for the current strong man to sucker people into thinking that his quest for glory is being made in the pursuit of a greater goal.
As to African unity, Africa is about as united as the equator.
"Ein Volk, Ein Reich, Ein Führer"
(accepts Godwin Award gracefully)
one sole African army to defend Africa with a force of two million soldiers
Defend from who ? Most African deaths are caused by their own soldiers or mismanagement from their own governments.
Surely not America/Israel ?
As it is an oblique reference, should that be a Godwin 2nd class, or Knight's cross with swords, oak leaves and diamonds?
The unofficial motto of the South African army used to '30 days to Cairo',(I might have the wrong number but the broader point stands) and I cannot imagine that there are any militaries in Africa that would pose much by way of a threat to an external foe.
Well, Gdaffi needs a big tent, given his reputation for flatulence. But the idea of a united Africa is too daffy even for Gdaffi.
David Allen, yes, it's against islam to discriminate on grounds of race, but the Arabs do. Maybe Gdaffi needs some new houseboys for cleaning up around the camels and you know how hard it is to get good help these days.
Incidentally, side point, Morocco and Tunisia seem to be miles ahead of Libya as far as integrating civilised ideas into their civil structure.
In Tunisia, wearing the niqab in public is against the law, although headscarfs are illegal. But no woman wearing a headscarf will be admitted into a public (state-owned) building.
I meant to write that wearing the headscarf is legal, although they cannot enter a public building while wearing one. They're required to take it off or not go in.
When I was there, the Cape to Cairo railway had been shut/broken/dismantled in several places alaong the way. But it may have been repaired since then and may now be functioning. If so, "30 days to Cairo" sounds like the perfect slogan for Virgin (Africa) Trains Pty.
By the way, if you have a few days to spare while in RSA, take the Blue Train from Jo'burg to Cape Town. There is still some comfort and luxury to be had in those parts.
» Post a Comment