The rioting of young people in the streets of Tunisia and Algeria marks the way these two countries entered the new year. However, the way these young people who are seeking better standards of living are being treated is appalling. Ben Ali, Tunisia's dictator, is using classic dictatorial language and force to suppress the aspirations of these young people. He describes them as "gangs" and "terrorists" in order to smear them with bad name and make his brutal killing of his own people look reasonable. Instead of appealing for calm and outlining what is being done to create jobs for these young people, Ben Ali is rather crushing their aspirations. Having been in power for 23 years, he now feels, like all other dictators of Africa, that he now owns the country. Ben Ali is the kind of African leader who does not dream of a better future for his people. But the era of the Ben Alis of Africa is giving way. A better day is dawning.
Update: Ben Ali to retire. After massive demonstrations, Ben Ali finally agrees to retire, but not until after three years. This does not appear to be good enough. He needs to go now for the country to see a new day!
Update: Ben Ali is gone!
2 comments:
It's exciting to hear that "Ben Ali" leaders are starting to diminish... Who are some of the leaders of the different African states that you think are rising up to care for their people?
Libya's Muammar Gaddafi, Senegal's Abdoulaye Wade, Rwanda's Paul Kagame, Ian Khama of Botswana, John Atta Mills of Ghana, Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, Nigeria's leadership is getting better, etc.
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