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Stop using African Union as a club of buddies
AU elite club • The African Union “is like a club of buddies whose only purpose is to protect their interests regardless of how wayward they are”, remarks Lucas Kimanthi. “Gross human rights violations, massacres, and electoral theft are never called out, but congratulatory messages are sent as the despots hold onto power and plunder their countries.” His email address is [email protected].
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Repression • The East African nations’ “founding fathers must be turning in their graves over the desecration of their dreams of a federation by repressive regimes”, says Taabu Tele. “The East African Legislative Assembly must be disbanded to save resources following the ugly events from the sham elections in Tanzania, which have burst the bubble and pretence of safety.” His contact is [email protected].
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Rights abuse • Following Tanzania's chaotic elections, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has blamed foreigners for the mayhem, says David Kigo. “And Kenyans working or doing business in Tanzania are being targeted. The East African leaders’ fear of criticism has made use their security agencies to carry out cross-border abductions of critics in violation of freedoms and rights.” His contact is [email protected].
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Tourism • The Ministry of Tourism, David Githae notes, “receives a large share of the national budget to promote the travel industry”. However, he’s unhappy about the overreliance on national parks and other geographical sites. “A cable car to Hell's Gate or sea transportation from Mombasa to Lamu would attract more tourists. A little value addition is important.” His contact is [email protected].
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Languages • Waxing knowledgeable about linguistics, Mwangi Wanjohi says that all the Bantu verbs end with the vowel, a, unless borrowed from other languages. He adds: “I’ve always been intrigued by the Kikuyu word, thiĩ, which means to go. Could the Kikuyu have borrowed that word from the Luo dhi, which is phonetically similar and has the same meaning?” His contact is [email protected]. Have a fascinating day, won’t you!
