My trip to DRC was an emotional one. The picture of DRC is that of so much conflict, so much pain in the most humble village yet i found the people of DRC from the places I went to, to be truly friendly and social, we were made to feel welcome wherever we were, there is so much African hospitality, and music that you end up absorbing it. I have read a lot about DRC, I had read that Kinshasa is the third largest city in Africa after Lagos and Cairo, I had read about the conflicts, the huge natural resources, the exploitation, the rape, the poverty… it was not my first trip to DRC- I have been there several times as a voracious reader. Completely understanding something that i read, or heard makes traveling so worthwhile. Whenever i am in a new territory, i probe- new ideas, curiosities – what the native customs are, what is unique about the people, country, if any. When I travel what often strikes me is that I find out that we are all one people, Of all of the benefits of traveling, I think that this is the most far reaching and the most significant. I am always happy as a traveling peace maker because i know that people are our most treasured gifts on earth. Traveling and communication with other people can help us in actively promoting harmony and ending prejudice, only if we see each person for who they really are. We are often unseeing because of stereotype, prejudice, and prejudgment.  A visit to the Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary in DRC, got me thinking – is there anything we could learn from the peaceful apes? Bonobos are found only in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) between the Congo River, and the Lomami River in Lac Ndombe region. The bonobo often called man’s cousin is one of the closest relatives of humans with 98% of similarity in its genetic material.  The bonobos are called the “make love, not war” apes since they seem to resolve the majority of conflicts through sexual activity.  Can we actually learn a thing or two from them? These apes we are told don’t victimize each other in many ways— no rape, murder, infanticide, warfare between groups—No aggression among bonobos, known to use sex to avoid violence- more sex equals less conflict.  Hmmm.                                                                                    What are our close primate cousins teaching us?  I’ve learned lessons i don’t think would have taken hold in me if I hadn’t experienced them  by diving out of my comfort zone and traveling and interacting with  new people, in a  new environment .    It gave me a better understanding and turned my curiosities into discoveries. What I think we could learn from the bonobos is that the female bonobos have a very strong bond, their sense of solidarity and sisterhood is powerful, it explains why they dominate their males by sticking together. If a male gets out of line or get in the way of a female; all the other females will team up against him. This sisterly solidarity tends to keep the males in good conduct. Within the bonobo paradise, it’s the females who are in charge and this ensures better quality of life for the group. When females are in charge, all bonobos live better. Feminism can be really  powerful!   I watched the bonobo apes on the top of a hill in Congo living like a family. I could see that every baby bonobo demands love and was loved and admired. I realized more than ever before the need to love, the need to overlook faults so that everyone can pull together.  Again, i learnt that love and understanding is the key to our survival as a human species.

A lot of people live their lives by keeping their heads down, any conflict they have, they are soaked in it, and some seem to do everything they can to avoid the person they are conflicted with. They are afraid to talk. They are afraid to ‘offend’ etc.  The results are often unresolved issues, unconstructiveness, misperceptions about another person’s intentions, escalated negativity, and internal stress etc. Personally, I am not afraid to talk when I am engaged in a conflict because I know that real communication is the key to conflict resolution. Not talking holds us back. I believe in –person conversations  based of course on good intentions because the only way to resolve an issue permanently is through a real, open conversation, a face to face conversation  in which you can listen not only for voice tone, you listen to the heart and  watch for body language.  Negotiation and Mediation is certainly the key and the most peaceable means of settling differences. So please Think, Talk, and Mediate!

– Ayo Ayoola-Amale

This is all about Freedom. It is about independence. Are we truly free? A nation held captive since independence by heartless leaders, wild   plunderers, election riggers, war offenders, unpatriotic fortune hunters, self-serving rulers who have run the nation through an excessive corruption  and  total damage.  A nation held captive by an unproductive unitary system, full of injustices, parasitic states, a parasitic ruling ethnic group and the encouragement of the ‘almajiri’ system reliant on only crude oil at the expense of other wealth creating initiatives.  The truth is, Nigeria is consequently a failed state, plagued by social injustice, devastating poverty, inequities, disharmony and terrorism.                                                                                                                     The problem with Nigeria is not just a failure of leadership. It’s not only about rigged elections; it’s about the lack of care for the truth, conscience, the values of liberty, equal dignity, it’s about not building a society where people from different ethnic groups, different religions can live in equal dignity.

Clearly, the basic question is whether we are ready to build a united Nigeria, a one Nigeria , a Nation that we all believe in and truly love, a Nigeria that will provide every Nigerian with meaning and belonging, equal dignity, social justice or we should forget about  a country called Nigeria and  see a Nigeria plunged into war as it pulls away – clearly, these are the two choices we have.

Are we ready to confront the preying pilfers, and few powerful groups who obviously advanced only their narrow regional and ethic interests at the expense of democracy, the rule of law,  good governance,  patriotism, and.nation building.

I insist we make these national tragedies personal, I insist we make Nigeria a meaningful place for all Nigerians and understand that all of our differences bring forth a unique combination that gives unity if we respect ourselves as well as each other.                                                                                                                                                                     As a Nigerian you must ask yourself this very important question, ‘In every aspect of my life, how am I of value to Nigeria? We must always ask ourselves this question.

Let’s repair our future. Our future is broken! Our flight is off its flight path, we will never get to our destination.  Happy Independence Day!   – Ayo Ayoola-Amale                                   

                          © ayo ayoola-amale2017

“No real human being dehumanizes another human being.” – Ayo Ayoola-Amale

“Racism, sexism, bigotry, intolerance, and prejudice are an intrinsic part of our social environments that must be destroyed because our diversity is our strength and beauty.” – Ayo Ayoola-Amale

“Peace comes from becoming dead to our lives, giving beyond what we are given, giving our finest toward creating a world of great beauty that cares for everyone. Then safeguarding the space for others to give beyond what they are given.” – Ayo Ayoola-Amale

 

“Human beings are found from different stations in life, race, gender, religion and religious orientation, socioeconomic class, nationality, sexual preference and sexual identity, ethnic and educational background, physical, social and intellectual ability, age,  and political standpoint. Discriminating against people base on any of these factors creates oppression and is not unlikely to lead to acts of injustice, intolerance, abuse, and eventually to violence.  If our lives, societies, countries and our world are to be peaceful, just and safe it must be nonviolent, transparent, inclusive, unbiased and participatory. It is of great necessity that we all build peace not just because it is the correct thing to do but because it is the concrete thing to do. We must all work to build social cohesion, sense of belonging, and establish diverse, multicultural and tolerant societies.”   – Ayo Ayoola-Amale

What is our attitude to peace?  What is our attitude to the possibilities of peace?              I like to believe that peace is possible for the simple reason that our problems are largely man-made. For that reason, they can be resolved by man. Clearly there is a global hunger for peace and love. One of the greatest challenges of humanity in this century is peace among peoples. The root of the global crisis we all face is mainly the injury that we inflict on one another and on nature.We are all witnesses to the agony, misery and suffering endured by billions of people in the world.

We must free ourselves from our prison. We must free ourselves from our prison of hate, ignorance, selfishness, and greed. We can contribute to change through our very being; by being aware of our power within our community and the world. We must believe in our own power. The way we relate with the people in our life, the people we meet in life, the way we talk and behave, what we stand for, the compassion we show a stranger can be a part of bringing love and peace to the world by being love and peace ourselves.                                                                                                                                 Building peace is everyone’s work.  Peace building is not only the work of peace activists and peace building community.

Are we not all affected?  Are we not very concerned for all we are living in?                      We live in a world devoid of human rights, gender and racial equality. A world that lacks respect for the sanctity of human life and dignity, a world without appreciation for cultural diversity, the interdependence of human needs and the integrity of the earth, a world full of war, terrorism, hatred, injustice, oppression and evil.                        We cannot afford to remain unconcerned. In the world today many voices can be heard and many inspiring actions seen that together reflect a universal hunger for peace, we all need to play our part. We need to feel alive. We need to be real. We need to have empathy and concern for others.                                                                                           Peace is a matter of daily life for a lot of people around the world; everyone needs to work for peace. We all need to help make a difference by working on peace in our own unique ways.                                                                                                                                            Everyone can work for peace. Everyone needs to work for peace – we all have responsibility! All of us are human beings. All of us make the world beautiful because of our diversity; we must respect this fact by valuing the dignity of every human being. Our world becomes paradise when we open our souls and hearts to peace, love, compassion and justice.                                                                                                                            The future of peace building belongs to all of us especially the youths.  The latter has a critical role to play in their societies as agents of positive social change. These young peace builders must be adequately prepared to lead the future. The landmark UN Resolution is a significant recognition given to young peace builders. This resolution, UN Security Council Resolution 2250 empowers youth to promote peace.                             Important also is the fact that the political economy of peace and not the political economy of war is what can bring about the much needed change. The world needs to invest in peace and non-violence.  The extreme disparity between global budgets for war and budgets for peace is glaring- Notwithstanding the enormous costs of war to societies, humanity and the environment and the fact that investing in peace is lucrative, and worthwhile.  Surely change is needed urgently!                                                We must think of peace. We must work for peace. We must act for peace.  We must speak for peace. We must live the way of peace. We must be peace. We must know that peace is possible.

We must find out what part we can play to improve the world. Take on the big inequities. Speak the truth and search for the truth. The world needs our voice.  Together we will create a better world. The time is now!

-Ayo Ayoola-Amale

Political tensions are intensifying in the penurious African nations, in a continent ruled by dictatorship, violence, and greed . African dictators President Joseph Kabila’s DRC, and the Gambia’s   Jammeh, have created political turbulence, anarchy and unrest. Presidents Joseph Kabila and Jammeh’s  bid to extend their stay in power beyond the constitutionally mandated limit of two terms has left the nation’s future hanging on the balance.                 In the course of more than half a century of post-colonial rule, millions of Africans have been killed, displaced and impoverished while fighting for freedom, justice and their dignity by poor leadership, plundering of their country, ravenousness, lack of rights and the rule of law. These scandal-ridden African heads of state don’t rely on legitimate voters to be elected into office. Their misrule has led to civil war, a state of lawlessness, an environment of hatred, mistrust, acrimony, horror, huge underdevelopment, and failed states. These dizzy, outrageous heads of states came to believe they were the state; they cling tightly to power, irrespective of the cost and consequences.                                                                                         They believe that their countries belonged to them and their families. Millions of hard currency  state funds has been spent in financing   unrestrained, lavish, lifestyles of presidents, and their family members who inevitably metamorphose into the wealthiest in their country and prospective heirs and princess that are given powerful positions to loot the entire treasury.  Children of active presidents are handpicked finance ministers. Equatorial Guinea Teodorin Obiang ,who is in line to succeed his father Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo is known for his lavish, outrageous lifestyle,  Africa’s longest serving ruler and Angola José Eduardo dos Santos, Africa’s second longest serving president’s daughter Isabel Dos Santos is arguably the wealthiest woman in Angola to mention but a few.                                                                                                                                                         Credibility, reputation and the common good does not matter here. What matters is personal ambitions, inspite of the fact that they know that the fate and fortune of others depend on their choices, decisions and what they do etc.                                                                  Some of these presidents were the so called liberators from colonialism who turned out to be autocrats, tyrants, oppressors and looters.                                                                                    A lot of them took on flamboyant titles, medals and splashed their image and names on currency, streets and buildings during their murderous, monstrous regimes.

A servant leader culture is the norm in every sane society. A leader that is accountable to their citizens, a leader that respect human rights and civil liberties. A selfless leader.   The late President Nelson Mandela strove to build a free and democratic society, even at great personal cost and humility. He was a great leader and an inspiration. Madiba served his people. Authentic leaders develop character and vision, serve their people selflessly because what matters is that s/he connects with the people by adding value and meaning to their lives. The ultimate legacy a leader can leave is to grow leaders as extensively and as deeply as s/he can. African leaders will have to develop a greater sense of universal responsibility. They must learn to work essentially for the benefit of their citizens and all of mankind. They must understand the fact that universal responsibility is the real key to human survival. It is the greatest foundation for world peace. They must make the best use of their time on earth to help create a better world.                                                            Unfortunately, what we find as the standard in national governance is what we might regard as drama, the scripts have already been written -tragic, and brutal…                                        Clearly, there is a dearth of great leaders in Africa. We are saddled with leaders who rule by violence, despotism, and greed. These despots have failed not only their citizens, country, Africa  but the entire humanity. They have indeed committed great crimes against humanity.                                                                                                                                                           The late  Idi Amin Dada of Uganda, DRC’s Mobutu Sese Seko (Zaire as it then was), Francisco Nguema of Equatorial Guinea and Jean-Bedel Bokassa of Central African Republic, Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, Guinea’s Ahmed Sékou Touré, Liberia’s Charles Taylor, Omar al-Bashir of Sudan,   to name quite a few. These insecure leaders are surrounded by avaricious, acquisitive family members, loyal sycophants’, boot lickers, and yes men usually from their state of origin, religion or tribes who are nothing but clowns and parasites.They have failed to invest in their people, they have failed woefully- they have failed to serve their people, they have failed to put their people into a position to do great things. They have failed to change the hearts of the people. They have failed to touch the lives of the people they lead or led.

As I always say life is lived with people. The most important thing in this world is people not wealth, power, fame or material acquisitions. The Ubuntu spirit is the true African spirit. How can one be happy when the others are sad?                                                                     Africa’s deliverance from more than half a century of post-colonial and racist rule cost the continent huge losses, Africa needs to free itself from the oppression, brutality and maladministration of its post-independent masters.                                                                        The glory of democracy is the peaceful transfer of power.  Thumbs up for Ghanaians!  They know the power of their votes, and importantly the power of the people in a democratic system. I witnessed tremendous turnout and the peaceful manner votes were cast, counted and declared. Ghanaians guard the ballot boxes with their lives, not for the sake of victory but as part of their commitment to peace and democracy.

Why do people choose to rise to the top through violent or illegal means?

How do we create great African leaders?

Is authentic liberal democracy uncharacteristic in this part of the world?
                                         

RUST TO HUMANITY

The societies beside the sunken sun                                                                                                 have their breaths dropped in horrific ecstasy

high above, thousands of their rats somersault about uncontrollably.

They create comedy and the winds flog their minds into abyss.

They create drought

and look away into beautiful deserts.

A rat that keeps raising its romantic passion, wild and bloody

has gone deaf like steel

they cannot look in deep

they cannot see beyond

they rust in.

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