Guest
Imagine a world where African leaders demand respect and project their authority. A world where they no longer stoop low and appease their former colonial masters, but instead, speak out against mistreatment and uphold their dignity and self-respect. The recent Italy-Africa Summit 2024 held in Rome has shown that this world is far from reality. Despite Kenyan President William Ruto's previous call for African leaders to be treated with respect during their visits to European nations, he attended the summit, contradicting his own stance and causing uproar among disillusioned Kenyans and Africans. This move by Ruto is indicative of a larger problem among African leaders - a lack of self-respect and a willingness to compromise on their integrity in order to gain the approval of Western nations. So how badly have African leaders embarrassed not only themselves but the entire African continent and its population? How were they mistreated, lined up, and loaded in buses? What can be done in order to stop this menace, shame and pain? Let's find out. During the May 2023 Pan-African Parliament Summit, Kenyan President William Ruto criticized the treatment of African leaders by the West. He highlighted the lack of a platform for African leaders to express their concerns and stressed the importance of effectiveness, rather than indulging in photo ops and lavish dining before returning home. Ruto made it clear that the purpose of these visits was not to enjoy Western cuisine, as Africa has its own abundant food resources. He fearlessly expressed his thoughts without filtering them to appease the West, questioning the outcome of having 50 heads of state with limited speaking time. Ruto also called out the Western practice of using blackmail, expressing his disappointment in those who threatened consequences if African leaders declined their invitations. Rather than having 54 African leaders travel to a foreign president's country, it would be more fitting for the president of that country to visit Africa. This is because Africa desires to engage with other nations, rather than always being the one to make the journey. Ruto then mentioned that African leaders have sometimes been treated poorly, being loaded onto buses like schoolchildren, which is unacceptable. This comment referred to an incident on September 20, 2022, when President Ruto and other African leaders were transported by bus to attend Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral in the United Kingdom. Instead of arranging individual transportation, British authorities cited logistical difficulties and opted to fill a bus with all the African leaders. In contrast, U.S. President Joe Biden was able to travel in his secure, bulletproof, and luxurious presidential car. Ruto's words resonated with many, as he highlighted that African leaders, who are chosen by their people, deserve the same level of respect as leaders from other parts of the world. To address this issue, the president proposed a solution. He suggested that when there are discussions between Africa and other nations, the African Union would delegate representatives to participate, acting as the chair and the bureau. However, in a surprise move, African leaders, including William Ruto, attended the recent Italy-Africa Summit, contradicting what Ruto had previously stated and what had been decided upon. In fact, leaders and leader representatives from 45 African states were present at the summit, highlighting the stark contrast between Ruto's remarks and the actual event. Instead of collectively demonstrating their decision, the personal allure of the West prevailed. Although all African leaders bear responsibility for this, Ruto remains in the spotlight, facing intense scrutiny. #ibrahimtraoré #burkinafaso #africa
