Why Mali Matters?

By: Shuaib Nouh & Opoku Bonna

Some time ago, we sounded a word of warning about the “Salafists” and “Jihadists” when we discussed the Boko Haram problem in Nigeria. Now, Boko Haram Jihadist are using Gaddafi’s leftover weapons, some of which are more sophisticated than they themselves can manage or trained for. These guys are ready to kill and die for their cause and their motto is: “either we prevail or die and gain Paradise”. They are ever ready to sacrifice themselves in order to kill others who do not share their world view or stand in their way. In fact, they are powerful because of their readiness to die, and we are weak because we want to live.

West Africa is not ready for a war with such guys simply because our countries are fragile and our security very weak. We can’t even patrol our own boarders properly let alone uproot armed robbers with rudimentary homemade guns. Our security men are poorly equipped and trained to protect the society. And the bitter truth is that the bulk of our meager resources are used up by the ruling elites.

The ruling elites in Nigeria, who are about 1% of the 160 million population, use 70% of the budget for their salaries, entitlements, emoluments and so on, while funds for development projects for all Nigerians take only 30% of the national cake. The 30% figure is even an improvement on the past, which was actually lower than 30%. Besides, a sizable part of the funds earmarked for the few development projects is also siphoned off by the officials, leaving the society less secure and poorer. This is why we are opposed to any form of bigger government in Ghana, including the creation of more constituencies and ministries for the boys. Our leaders are ruining our collective future.

We were disappointed to hear that Ghana contributed only 120 soldiers to recapture northern Mali, whereas poorer countries in the region contributed much more than our meager contribution. Some may argue that the 120 soldiers are a benevolent contribution to the future of a distant neighbour, and their problem does not affect our wellbeing and security. We, on the contrary, believe that it is for the rescue of our destiny, that of West Africa and the world as whole. If they are not driven from Mali sooner, it will become a springboard and a training ground for the Global Jihadists, and we cannot enjoy the luxury of living side by side with them.

The Nigerian situation is lamentable and we hope that our leaders would choose a different path for our future. Our problem in Africa is not the luck of money, but how to effectively use the resources. With the little oil money trickling in, our ruling elites in Ghana have opened their mouths wide enough to swallow everything. It will only take courage and strong will on the part of the President to prevent them from depleting the coffers. That is, if he is not one of them.

Finally, the Nkrumaists among us, based on their past beliefs and present rhetoric, should put their tails under their legs and crawl away into hiding. It’s a big shame.

BY: SHUAIB NOUH & OPOKU BONNA