Too early for African states to form one government

Dear Editor,

“Oh sons and daughters of Africa, flesh of the sun and flesh of the sky, let us make Africa the tree of life.” This is  an extract of the newly  adopted African Union anthem which calls for unity of the Africans. Since the first confederation at those days of  Kwame Nkrumah in the 1960’s and his subsequent attempt to unite Africa to the early achievements of  the Organization of African Union(OAU), the African economic community and the 1990’s African Union it is evident that African Union today has moved from infancy to early stages maturity, an effort to secure democracy, human rights, sustainable economy etc.

This last African Union summit at Accra, Ghana had hot discussions over the creation of an African government, a move  that showed how Kwame’s seeds keep germinating. I am of the view that president  Gaddafi who has recently been on the front line towards the creation of Africa federation has seen the future of Africa through Kwame’s eyes.

The idea behind creation of the federation of African states  is rational and appropriate as Kwame himself had thought of how it would unify resources, skills and intentions of Africans; how the unity would  be a ground to build political association and understanding of states;  how it would  make Africa look inward for her own development and not outward; how it would boost Africa’s image as wills of states are joined together and thus finally the attainment of one goal which is the establishment of Africa’s dignity, progress and prosperity.

This does not look easy as there are hills to climb and valleys to cross.  Issues of state sovereignties and equality guarded through constitutions of individual states can not be played down simply. Kwame detailed the complexities arguing that   unity should seek an overall economic planning, a united military and defense strategy and an adoption of a unified foreign policy.  To him it was through this Unity that Africans interests could be saved and her economic development become a reality. 

But we should ask our selves today is this unity something desirable; what is the necessity of having it now! How far has the African Union gone  in terms of capability and functions; what scores does she get in the development of African states  from which  to seek mandate for more involvement;  how familiar is AU to the present democratization, good governance, equality,   political,  and economic  freedom and  issues of inter state and regional security ?etc.

Africa cannot be generalized, the differences between her states and their history cannot be buried over night.

 I think it is too early for this marriage of nation states  thus they need  be given more time.

Henry Makando
Arusha

Tell us more about earthquakes rocking Arusha

Dear Editor,

I am writing to seek some more information about these earthquakes occurring in Arusha for the past few days.

I think this has reached a very critical and serious state. The last one on 17 July 2007 at around 5pm was severe. We were lucky that it lasted only a few seconds. Please let us know if they will continue for a few more days or whether it will get serious or not. Does the municipality of Arusha have any precautions for this or have they asked for international aid? Have they done anything at all?

As the municipality are ordering to build all the town centre with high rise buildings, will they have the precautions for earthquakes and will they implement them on the new buildings? Does Tanzania have seismomgraphs ( siesmometers ), laser beams, siesmologists or anything? Has this country anyone to analyse this situation and draw conclusions as to what we can do about this. Please educate us about this issue.

Hiten Dave
Student from St. Constantine International School

Help me find my father

Dear Editor

I am a male living in Uganda, born to a Tanzanian father  Max Ngony  who was working for East African Posts and Telecommunication around late 1960s to 1975 or before. He told my mum that his home area in Tanzania is Mtwara in Southern part of the country. 

He left Uganda during the brutal times of President Idi Amin for Kenya were my mother Ms Grace Nyindombi used to communicate with him through a friend. Unfortunately that friend misterously disappeared (most likely kidnapped by Amin people). That was the end of communication between my mum and father.

Previous efforts when I was a kid, writing to Mtwara post office, and seeking Tanzania High Commission for help were unsuccessful, I am now using the media "The Arusha Times for help".

Anyone with information that can lead to locating my father Mr.Max Ngonyi or his close ralatives is highly appreciated.

My contacts are;
e-mail:nyindo2gume@yahoo.com, 
Tel +256 772 537 654 or +256 0485 433 516
Godfrey Max Tugume