Nigeria’s Women’s Bobsled Team Qualifies for 2018 Olympics, Country’s 1st Ever Winter Olympians
Next Cassava Tuesday, we will discuss the challenges facing the brand of Nigeria. The success of power and influence of a country is based on a country’s reputation regionally and globally. What happens, when a country is in the green economically(ON PAPER) but in the red with reputation?
We will discuss next Cassava Tuesday
“Discussion of Stability and Prosperity for Africa, 48 states attend but just 4 presidents attend.”
“Poverty Reduction and the incoporation of Africa into the global economy, includes 51 countries and 8 presidents ”
As more funding was poured in from Japan towards Africa Development it was reported by some African heads of states that Japan was using TICAD as a tool to get a seat into the UN Permanent Security Council. This would also cause some tension between Japan and China since China is still working on building better ties with Africa. For a country to get a seat on the Permanent Security Council, the country needs 2/3 of the U.N member states and all P5 members to approve. You can also imagine that China would NEVER EVER ALLOW Japan on the security council. There are ongoing discussions on reforming the UN Permanent Security Council.
.....Even in Japan, It is understood why this will never happen.......
This group has not changed since 1945(WWII). They are the “final say” in matters of decisions concerning International Crisis. They have an incredible amount of HARD POWER. They are the largest arms exporters, highest military budgets, largest militaries and are all nuclear weapon states.
U.S, UK, China, Russia and France
The post below is a bitter pill to swallow. However, it is usually said because the person is in a space that is not always welcoming...
![textgram_1515770182[9746].png](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58feb00686e6c0d9650eacf5/1515770482136-IJPXFYVWR0QF2CC8GW2U/textgram_1515770182%5B9746%5D.png)
“A review of the past and a look at the journey so far included 53 Countries, African Union and 1000 delegates attend.”
Japan has had a seat here before, but these 10 members are here for the sake of every very version of political correctness you can think of at the moment.
Bolivia (2018)
Côte d’Ivoire (2019)
Equatorial Guinea (2019)
Ethiopia (2018)
Kazakhstan (2018)
Kuwait (2019)
Netherlands (2018)
Peru (2019)
Poland (2019)
Sweden (2018)
Central African Republic, Eritrea, Malawi, Mozambique, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, South Sudan, Swaziland. You better bet, Japan has a great relationship with all these countries and has offered quite the assistance for the sake of development.
More than likely, they might never seat on security council. These countries more than likely understand that piece of tolerance and accpetance but a majority of these 60 countries have a "great" relationship with Japan.
“Mobilizing resources of the International Community on: Economic Growth, Human Security, including achieving the UN’s Millennium Development Goals, Environment/Climate Change issues.
2,500 participants, 51 African Countries, 40 African Presidents and representatives from 70 international organizations.
”
Japan and Africa have no colonial legacy, and to quote Abe about the Japan and Africa relationship "we have "Co- Manager" relationship. You gotta love the guy, he is really selling TICAD or Nippon-African Affairs by way of Soft influence. However, the beginning of TICAD came from under pressure not for the sake of more South to South corporation.
The Official Development Assistance by Japan historically was targeted towards Asia as compensation for Japan's role in the war. In the 80's as the world fell under the spell of Cool Japan, the economy blossomed TREMENDOUSLY. Japan was accused for not caring but you must appreciate why Japan for not wanting to be involved in anything not Japan.
Anyway, all that pressure for not caring about poor countries came in time as the West was not feeling as generous with development assistance towards Africa. Japan saw opportunity from the international pressure and this created TICAD 25 years ago.
TICAD allows Africa an added choice outside from the west. TICAD is an opportunity for Japan to flex soft power in a "neutral" space. It shows the global stage that Japan has learned lessons from war and is a fully rehabilitated state. Japan is also now key a player in South to South corporation.
The West and SOME neighbors of Japan have argued that TICAD is nothing more but the Japanization of Africa.
“ Japanization
The process in which Japanese culture dominates, assimilates, or influences other cultures....
Similarly
The Europeanization or Westernization in narratives and ideologies of spaces below the equator… Let us use that in a sentence…
The Europeanization in former colonial spaces has altered the definition of beauty, such as an Afro is unprofessional but straighter hair is professional.
….
The Westernization in societies will be that former colonial spaces speak dialects and Western nations (Former Colonial Masters) speak languages.
Yet the very definition of a language is “A system of conventional spoken, manual, or written symbols by means of which human beings, as members of a social group and participants in its culture, express themselves.”.
”
But in soft power, you must have attraction and appeal. Japan is very attractive with TICAD as a tool of "Diplomacy of Resources" from Japan towards Africa.
“Japan pledged $32 billion from 2013-2018 to Africa”
How do you show of your appeal if you are Japan in Africa?? Appeal is desperately needed if you are going to execute soft power. We touched on just how states gain soft power and influence, but Japan is a bit complicated.
So, if you are Japan, you need appeal in your policies. Money is great, but your policies must be attractive. The attractive policies from Japan to Africa come with investment in Development within the sectors of: Agriculture, Infrastructure, Water Resources(Waterplomacy), Education, Health, Technology, and more Market Access.
Lastly, this part is very important in selling your soft power. You must make your new friends believe you are on the same level. Prime Minister Abe described Japan and Africa as "Co-Manager". Now, this is exactly how uninterrupted seduction takes place, so when you say S&*T, it sounds like Sugar, Honey, Ice, Tea.
Japan has promised to fight for Africa to have a seat on the security council, this is something that none of the other Asia powerhouses have advocated for loudly. Well unless if you count the time, that India felt empowered to tell Namibia to relax on nuclear ambitions.
Can you imagine Bangladesh telling India to relax on ambitions to self-protect as neighboring Pakistan works on nuclear capabilities??? In the words from our Californian sisters known as
En Vogue
That is French for "Fine, but you are screwed". This checkmate move from Japan towards China is a well thought out plan. You see Japan knowns that Africa states have no access and WILL NEVER HAVE to hard power or a chance to seat on the permanent security council.
Anyway, this move of advocacy from Japan towards African states puts China in a bind. I mean China says “No” to any Africa state fighting for a seat, Japan would suddenly become a friend to Africa like this...
Anytime You Need A Friend
This is petty from our Japanese friends but brilliant! In the event that you cannot deal directly with your enemy, by all means create a situation to make their policies and image weak. A Prussian General once said, War is the continuation of politics by other means and China is appreciating this on the behalf of Japan’s efforts towards Africa.
“Prime Minister Abe stated “The enormous continent of Africa has given no permanent member to the United Nations Security Council. Agenda 2063 states clearly that by 2023, it will rectify this situation,”
Referring to a vision document by the African Union that was launched in 2013 in Addis Ababa to help develop Africa by 2063.”
Read the documents below to see just how Africa states decided to screw themselves over and properly. They can sign such documents for peace but cannot come together for W.A.S.H related solutions that are permanent.
“The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has accused Japan of “attempting to impose its wills on African countries to gain selfish interests and drive a wedge between China and African countries.”
“Checkmate”
“First to be held in Africa (Nairobi, Kenya). 32 Presidents, Prime Minister of Japan, of State and Government from Africa, the Prime Minister of Japan, 22,000 participants from Africa and Japan, 2000 Business representatives from Japan and Africa. The Theme was ‘Advancing Africa’s sustainable Development agenda: TICAD Partnership for Shared Prosperity. Japan promises to invest from 2016-2018 an additional $30billion to more public private partnerships. ”
We can start and ending with avoiding all the issues stated in this article.
This is the second part to the Soft Power issues of Japan in Africa. To catch up on the first part
We will be back next Cassava Tuesday!
Our first Lusophone Country for Cassava Tuesdays will be Cape Verde. There is a reason for the use of Cape Verde and Cabo Verde.... Hrrrggggh, What is in a name? We will discuss next time!
Cape Verde has no Soft Power but there is potential to build on a brand thanks to their Blue Economy.
Are you aware that Cape Verde has the second-best education system in Africa?
We will start with Amílcar Lopes da Costa Cabral and end with the branding possibilities for this island country.
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In the meantime, please enjoy the legendary Barefoot Diva, Cesária Évo from Cape Verde
An homage of colors for all the countries involved
Do you see Qatar?
Our countries above are: Uganda, Tanzania, Sudan, Rwanda, Egypt, Burundi, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, China, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
An Update from the Nile Basin Initiative on the Great Dam:
“......“I urge member states to take advantage of the solution pathways that have emerged from this forum and build on the networks established. We all have a role to play in ensuring a water secure future in the Nile Basin region and making it a better place for all living beings,”
To learn more about, The Nile Basin Initiative and their role in Water Security and Scarcity
Well that escalated quickly. It appears tensions have escalated quite a bit between Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Qatar. Yup, Qatar the country that seems to ooze the kind of wealth, we mere mortals could not even imagine because we are poor and useless.
“Yo! Keep your shit far away from us, because we have our own problems
”
Before we go any further, did you read the first part? Catch up
So, Ethiopia is still not giving any $%&*@, they are going through with their Grand Renaissance Dam. This is the Ethiopia that is admired, take no bull approach to fighting for their narratives and spaces. I should also point out here that Ethiopia is doing exactly what China does to feed all those billions of folks at home. To understand some of the woes, read below on China re-creating dams and redirecting Water and the impact of this to India.
The difference between Ethiopia and China would be the openness to discuss all issues related to the dam
There were initially concerns from Egypt and Sudan that the creation of the Dam will take away from sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing, but Sudan is now on “Team Great Dam” as you read from our last post.
Sudan has played the role of mediator between Egypt and Ethiopia. I should point out Sudan has signed quite a few deals with Ethiopia and stands to benefit from tremendous hydroelectric power.
“We do not want your dam, it poses Water Security issues ”
From the Genesis of the Dam to current day, Egypt has made it clear, it does not want the creation of this dam. It does not want to halt building the damn, it simply wants to scrap it away. Egypt has gone as far, has threating to start a war with Ethiopia over the dam.
The talks between Egypt and Ethiopia is just.....
“99 Problems but a Dam ain’t one”
Sudan and Egypt have trust issues that are all centered on the ongoing South Sudan War. President Omar al-Bashir has the belief that Egypt gives weapons to South Sudan tthat keeps the war going.
Egypt and Sudan have issues at home and in West Asia or the "Middle East".
“I have a dream one day, continents will be judged for their continent status and not political relationships. West Asia not Middle East
”
So you recall that Saudi Arabia and Friends cut diplomatic ties with Qatar because of their support for terrorism. All soughts of irony and it would be funny if the B.S was not getting people killed.
Do you know this ABBA SONG......
SAUDI ARABIA & SUDAN
BUT IN 2014....
SUDAN & QATAR
Qatar clearly wants to know Sudan more with that $70 million "investment" to Sudan.
Hala'ib Triangle
This is another big issue between Egypt and Sudan that has lasted from 1899-Current Day
“OH GOD, WHY IS IT THIS MESSY???”
Just watch
BACK TO SUDAN AND SAUDI
It is fair to conclude that it very awkward between Saudi and Qatar with repect to Sudan and Egypt.
Sudan is playing or trying to play mediator between Saudi Arabia and Qatar…
“Oh SHIT this is to funny, I am in tears. You see the problems with labels and how they confuse folk?”
But
“One of my parents once told me not to ever confuse tolerance with acceptance.
Sudan that comment was for you…
Bashir you don’t have the Madiba Effect or Diplomacy, so sit DOWN….Wait are you not suppose to be in the international court???….
You are not a Arab Brother because of a language and a religion is....YOU ARE AFRICAN , AFRICAN BEFORE ANYTHING”
SUDAN AND EYGPT (PETTINEESS)
Sudan has banned all agriculture and animal imports to Egypt
Egypt has banned sudan journalist and Sudan has place travel restrictions.
It seems like the norm to any development in Africa must include China. China spotted $1.2 billion to Ethiopia but still the country seems to be pulling off the unimaginable. The Dam still has a way to go, it takes 5-10 years for a full dam to operate.
“Egypt president Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi issued a stern warning to Ethiopia over the mega dam saying “water is a matter of life or death.” and that “No one can touch Egypt’s share of water.””
Until next Mulday or if the Dam is destroyed
The Flag of Libya
Currency: Libyan Dinars
Capital: Tripoli
Population: +6.2 Million
Official Language Spoken: Arabic
Vernacular Languages: Varieties of Berber, Tedaga and Domari
*You can also speak Italian, English and French in the country.
Religion: Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and Judiasim
“If you dey chop fufu..Nah African you be...
Fufu by any other name nah Fufu”
Proper African Child... (My dad eats fufu with cutlery, it really hurts my feelings..)
Asida "Boiled Pudding".... All North African countries eat Asida, maybe different styles but this is usually eaten in the morning. SMH!!! FUFU IN THE MORNING, YOU ARE SO AFRICAN!!!
“Sub-Sahara African Countries know fufu in many ways, in Libya they say Asida. You know the drill, eat with your right hand and if you can use your index and middle fingers, you my friend are an AFRICAN. ”
Bazin, Libyan style. Barley Fufu. This could be lunch or dinner
Sub-Sahara African Cassava Fufu with Egusi and vegetables
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There are some extremely disturbing answers to this question which is surrounded around my beautiful Sahara. Have you visited? I had the opportunity of visiting the entrance to the Sahara through Morocco. The most popular arguments are
North Africa is part of the Arab World
“We all understand that the Arabs colonized North Africa and took part in the slave trade, right? ”
Imagine terms like “British West Africa”??Damn I forgot, my maternal grandfather was born in a space that no longer exists, that is another issue with words like country. He was born in British West Africa in a space known as British Cameroons.
“My maternal grandfather is a Bakwerian from Cameroon”
Geography as a Divider
The argument is around my beautiful Sahara! Do you know there are some folks out there that use terms like North Africa and Sub-Saharan based on the line of the Sahara? The Sahara is part of the following African Countries: - Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Sudan, Tunisia. My visit to Morocco, I had the pleasure of meeting people from the Sahara that do not wish to be called Arab. They find it offensive and rude.
Similarly, to people that listen to American Hip-Hop songs that mention the N* word. These people believe that ending it with -ga compared to -er towards any black person or anyone for that matter is perfectly okay.
“Read this twice: I know many people that will beat the breaks out of your body for using the N* word, please do not let your favorite rapper send you to the hospital...”
But in the words of X…..You don't know....Who We Be?
Slave runner or in my books a SOB but his parents named him Hamad bin Muhammad bin Juma bin Rajab el Murjeb. My primary school teacher referred to this man as Tippu Tip, a name forever stamped in African History. He was born in modern day Zanzibar, owner to 10,000+ slaves and sold people throughout North and East Africa.
Let us use his name in a sentence: -
Hamad bin Muhammad bin Juma bin Rajab el Murjebi be tip man!
“These are the folks in the plantation, please avoid them... RUN AWAY”
You know about this story....
Slave merchant, Cairo, c 1865 - National Maritime Museum. Slave sellers. (Pinterest)
Read that date as many times as you need to wash that disease of colonialism.
The Arab slavemasters refer to some of those stolen men from the map above as Chamba. Chamba are Eunuchs. Now with your new map, see those spaces and let them stay in your brain. These men from those African spaces, had their penis sliced off their bodies.
After slicing the penis from the body, hot coals were pressed on to the fresh wound. You can guess many of those men did not survive such injury. The female slaves were kept for the sick depraved sexual privileges from Arab colonial masters.
Do you understand now why we argue African Sexual Liberties and our Sexual Ontology is thoroughly corrupted? We spoke of this topic on our Public Health Wednesdays entries.
“...Before we discuss the modern day slavery in Libya, we need to be aware of certain issues. We are not
Believers in Historical Revisionism but......
”
There is a version of this story that begins with a young boy born in a colonial space, known as Italian Libya. Child to a camel and goat herder in the arms of economic oppression and a minority twice from foreign invaders and as a reality. Italian Libya previously colonized by the Ottoman Empire, a young boy growing up in a colony as his illiterate father’s father.
As a young man he would admire champions against colonialism such as Gamal Abdel Nasser Hussein and in a very short time, he would be an associate to his hero.
“Gamal Abdel Nasser Hussein was a G.O.A.T. ”
This man will be celebrated as a leader/hero to those from occupied spaces particularly in North Africa. However, for others, this man was a monster and nightmare that lasted for decades.
“Redistribution of Wealth or Buying Loyalty??
Free Healthcare, Electricity, Interest free loans, push gifts for mothers, newlyweds got money for homes and citizens got some money from the oil sales of Libya.” ”
“Push Gifts: Your partner gives this to you after you push the child.....Apparently, he gave out $5k a push!”
Muammar Mohammed Abu Minyar Gaddafi is now dead and long gone. However Libya is left with a plate of complications.
This is the Prime Minister Fayiz Al-Saraj of Libya but depending on whom you ask.....it is complicated
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“Slaves in 1850 cost on average $400 -$1600, currently in Libya a slave is sold for $400”
“Our Top 7 Reasons for Modern Day Slavery in Libya”
1. Civil War & Isis
Shit is bad in Libya and there are no ways to mince words about this very clear fact that some wish to be in denial about.
The Government House of Representatives were democratically elected in 2014, while the global community accepts this as fact, in Libya it is just complicated. The rival party General National Congress (AKA, National Salvation Government) in addition to countless rival groups that rule different regions of Libya will not come together as one government.
This is the definition of insanity and madness. The same people killing each other came together to kill Gaddafi but cannot come together for their country.
Well as the Libyan people are slaughtering each other, ISIS is enjoying the oil reserves of the country.
A couple of days ago, there was an issue with Tobruk airport and the Government House of Representatives not allowing the plane to land
2. Academia
During the days of Gadaffi, Libya had the highest literacy rates in Africa. Schools and Universities were completely free because of all that oil! After his death, infrastructures of schools and constant bombings made it very difficult for students to access education. It is very difficult to understand your instructor as bombs drop around you or as classmates and teachers get killed daily.
3. Banking
Constant robbing and bombing around the bank makes it difficult to conduct business. The inflation rates are so high in Libya and there are barely any foreign investors trying to invest in the country.
4. Oil Production
The country of Libya is home to one of the largest reserves on our big blue planet with over 45 billion oil barrels. During the reign of Gadaffi, the country produced over 1.6 million barrels of oil a day but now that has dropped to 260,000 barrels.
5. Liquor and Drugs
Alcohol consumption in Libya is now a norm and people are making their own stronger versions of vodka, this is also killing the people.
6. Who oversees Libya?
There are no governing bodies and no agreed legal frameworks!... We have two “governing bodies" again I use governing bodies very loosely as they cannot agree on anything. Ministers and Government officials at anytime can be killed, kidnapped or assaulted. There are no functioning hospitals or staff members to treat the people. These dysfunctions with daily bombings is just a brewing pot for the current issue.
7. Slavery/Human Trafficking
The new thriving economic despicable nauseating industry since the death of Gadaffi. Proximity to Europe makes it a popular passage for immigrants from Libyan’s southern neighbors: Ghana, Senegal, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Niger, Cameroon, and Chad. Smugglers can enjoy their new business because there is not a functioning government in the country.
THIS IS THE FAULT OF ALL MENTIONED COUNTRIES AND LIBYA.
On Monday we discussed the Blue Economics of Africa, but we also discussed the need for agreed frameworks which would prevent such tragedies.
See you next Cassava Tuesday
