Unauthorized Amnesty International membership cards and activities in the DRC and Cameroon

Amnesty International is an international human rights organization working for human rights globally. I was embarrassed this morning by a public statement released by the organization on 27 March 2012 that someone is misusing its name for personal gains in Cameroon, my country of origin, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

According to the public statement, an individual operating from Cameroon has made false claims in the DRC to be a representative of Amnesty International and the individual in question is doing two shameful and illegal things:

• selling unauthorized Amnesty International branded membership cards
• offering unauthorized training sessions in the name of Amnesty International in exchange for payment.

According to Amnesty International, these activities are unauthorized and the organization does not have an office in Cameroon or the DRC, neither does it have representatives authorized to speak on its behalf in Cameroon and the DRC. The statement reveals that Amnesty International does not sell or provide membership cards and its members in Cameroon and DRC are not authorized to speak on its behalf.

Personally, as a Cameroonian and supporter of Amnesty International currently working as an intern at the organization's Finnish Section, I am shocked and embarrassed by such a scam masterminded by someone in my home country.

It is no secret that there are many scammers operating fraudulent business schemes in Cameroon and they would stop at nothing to swindle money from unsuspecting individuals in Cameroon and abroad. Many will stop at nothing to defraud, but receiving money in the name of an international human rights organization represents a new low for scammers.

Scams of this nature tarnish the reputation of Cameroon and its people on the international stage. The authorities must fully investigate such actions and bring all those involved to book.

Read Amnesty International's public statement on the subject, published in English and French. Spread the word.

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Anti-racism Rap music competition in Finland

While searching for information about the Finnish Red Cross (Finnish: Punainen Risti) on 23 January 2012, I came across news about a rap music competition organized by the organization's Savo-Karjala district in Finland.

For the first time, the Red Cross in Finland is organizing an anti-racism rap competition (Finnish: rasisminvastaisen rap-kilpailun). The competition is open to all young people under 29 years old from all around the country.

The organizers invite young rap music producers (amateurs or professionals) to submit a rap song (video or audio) recorded in DVD or CD-ROM, or stored in a USB memory stick. It could also be sent via email (dvd-, mpg-, avi-, wmv-, mov-, wav or mp3 format).

A home recorded song that has not been previously published is sufficient.

According to information published (in Finnish) on the website of the Finnish Red Cross, recordings should be sent to the address: Suomen Punainen Risti, Savo-Karjalan piiri/Rap-kilpailu, Kauppakatu 35, 80100 Joensuu or to an email address available of the website. The deadline for submission is 29 February 2012. 

Results will be published and the best presentations will be seen and heard in Joensuu, eastern Finland, on 21 March 2012 - UN Anti-Racism Day, officially known as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

The winner receives a two song publication contract and a performance at a festival next summer. The second and third best participants will receive music-making products.

Mindful of recent concerns about the rise of racism in Finland, this anti-racism rap music competition, in my opinion, is a move in the right direction in the fight against racism.

A poll by Helsinki Sanomat, the biggest daily subscription-based newspaper in Finland, revealed in November 2011 that two thirds of Finns feel that Finland is a "fairly racist country". In 2011, President Tarja Halonen also acknowledged the rise of racism and xenophobia in Finland.

Getting young people in Finland involved in the fight against racism is absolutely a good idea. The present state of affairs in the Nordic country begs for more of such initiatives.

You are encouraged to participate in the anti-racism rap competition. 

*Flyer: Punianen Risti.

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Cameroon: Child labour video series

Child labour is a key concept in international law but unfortunately, it has no clear definition. UNICEF defines it as work that exceeds "a minimum number of hours, depending on the age of a child and on the type of work" [Source]. The International Labour Organization (ILO), on its part, defines child labour as "work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential and their dignity, and that is harmful to physical and mental development." [Source]. The organization states that work that does not affect children's health, personal development or interfere with their schooling should not be eliminated. This includes helping parents at home, assisting in the family business or working to earn pocket money.

Lack of clarity in the definition of child labour has given perpetrators of child labour and child exploitation freedom to interpret the concept to their advantage. Abusive parents and guardians argue that working long hours (under pressure and abusive conditions) in the family business is necessary for the child's personal development and helps the child to better appreciate what it means to be hardworking.

Some advocates for child labour have invoked poverty and economic hardship as justification of child labour - arguing that children must work hard in order to support struggling parents in developing countries.

Even more bizarrely, some have argued that "child labour" is a western concept that is not applicable in developing countries.

This mentality, together with the ambiguous definition of "child labour" explains why thousands of children suffer in developing countries. Many perpetrators of child labour and economic exploitation of society's most vulnerable mistakenly think that a viable economy could be built on the backs of children.

On 19 August 2011, I shared an article on Facebook condemning the economic exploitation of children in Bamenda, north west region of Cameroon. The article, which raises genuine concerns about the plight of children as young as 6 years old, was dismissed as "absurd" - an indication that even some educated Cameroonians of the "Facebook generation" still think that there is no problem when parents send out 6-year-olds to the streets to sell groundnut, sweets and biscuits - in the name of supporting the family business.

The following video series explains why child labour in Cameroon should be discouraged in its early stages before victims graduate into more severe and hazardous forms of child labour. It is the story of Etienne Babila, a child labourer rescued by the ILO from a cocoa farm in Cameroon.



PART II:



PART III:



Cameroon is party to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Article 32 of the convention state that: "States Parties recognize the right of the child to be protected from economic exploitation and from performing any work that is likely to be hazardous or to interfere with the child's education, or to be harmful to the child's health or physical, mental, spiritual, moral or social development."

The state has a duty to protect its children.

Photo: Civitas.

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Help Human Rights Watch win a 2011 Webby Award

You'd recall that last year, I urged you to help Human Rights Watch win the 14th Webby Awards by voting for the organization's video on maternal mortality in India that was nominated for the prestigious award. It's that time of the year again and this time, the organization has been nominated for three Webby Awards. You're once again encouraged to  help Human Rights Watch win a Webby Award.

This year, 3 projects (2 videos and 1 photograph) by Human Rights Watch that expose rights violations in 3 countries have been nominated for the 15th Webby Awards. The nominated projects are:

1. Deadly Threats: Successors to the Paramilitaries in Colombia.
2. Dear Obama: Message from Victims of the LRA.
3. Exiled: Burma's Defenders.

The above projects are nominated under 3 Online Film & Video categories, namely:

• Documentary: Series
• News & Politics: Individual Episode
• News & Politics: Series

It's worth mentioning that when I voted earlier today, Human Rights Watch was leading in two of the above three categories: Documentary: Series (with 26 percent of the votes) and News & Politics: Individual Episode (46 percent of the votes).

The organization was third in the News & Politics: Series category.

Register now (or sign in using your Twitter or Facebook account) and vote for the 3 projects by Human Rights Watch. Your vote will help the organization win a 2011 Webby Award and show support for the organization's fight to protect and promote human rights worldwide.

Voting opened on 12 April 2011 and will close on 28 April 2011. You can vote in every category.

In 2010, Human Rights Watch won a Webby Award for best Documentary: Individual Episode.

Here's more information about how you can help Human Rights Watch win a 2011 Webby Award.

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Cameroon government suspends Twitter mobile

In November 2010, social networking giant - Twitter - partnered with MTN, a major mobile phone operator in Cameroon, in an effort to make Twitter more accessible to people living in Cameroon - many of whom have limited access to internet. Sadly, this effort to give people in Cameroon a voice online through Twitter mobile (Twitter SMS) has been thwarted by the government which has reportedly ordered the suspension of service.

Twitter SMS, as the service was locally called, allowed users to send and receive Twitter updates via SMS, as explained in the video below:



It is unclear why the service was suspended, but earlier today, a source posted on Twitter that it's "Pour des raisons de sécurité" (for security reasons).

The government's decision to suspend Twitter comes two weeks after Cameroonians - inspired by calls for democracy and human rights in the Middle East and North Africa - mobilized online and took to the streets of Cameroon's economic capital to demand an end to a 28-year-old iron-fisted regime. Needless to say - the peaceful protesters were brutally suppressed by security forces.

Mindful of the role of Twitter and other social networking sites in the recent pro-democracy uprisings around the world, its easy to see the suspension of Twitter mobile in Cameroon as an attempt to stifle the free flow of information and co-ordinated calls for democracy and respect for human rights through social media.

The Committee to Protect Journalists recently took the government of Cameroon to task for "obstructing" free reporting on issues of public interest. The suspension of Twitter SMS adds weight to this assertion and highlights state-sponsored limitations on basic freedoms in Cameroon.

Following this suspension, people living in Cameroon can only tweet from internet cafés. This greatly limits the free flow of information - especially if for some reason, users are unable to go to internet cafés.

It remains to be seen whether Twitter (and other social networking sites) will be banned altogether in Cameroon.

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DUNIA Magazine gives back: Vote for your favorite cause

I'm part of the core team at DUNIA Magazine and I'm excited to announce that the magazine is giving back to the community by making a donation in support of a cause voted for by readers.

You're invited to vote online for your favorite cause and nominate an organization that champions the cause.

Please visit www.duniamagazine.com for more information about how to nominate and vote.

Your participation will go a long way to help DUNIA Magazine select a suitable cause and organization to support.

You're encouraged to do something good today. Vote for a cause you're truly passionate about. Your vote can make a difference.

DUNIA will make a donation in support of the cause with the most votes.

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Blog of Note!

This morning, I woke up to news that this blog - wwww.zuzeeko.com - has been chosen as a noteworthy blog on the Blogger.com network and showcased by the blogger team on blogger's Blogs of Note.

Blogs of Note is a blog that showcases noteworthy blogger blogs on a daily basis. It replaced blogger's "Blog to the Week." In fact, the blogger team describes it as a blog that highlights "interesting and noteworthy blogger-powered blogs."

Courtesy warrants me to thank the blogger team for selecting and showcasing this blog as one of blogger's "awesome" noteworthy blogs. This "recognition" by the blogger team is testament to the fact that human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law are principles worth promoting. Blogs of Note has driven unprecedented traffic to this blog since it was listed, thereby amplifying the voice of the oppressed and the call for mutual respect of rights and freedoms around the world.

Courtesy warrants me to give a shout out to Steve from Common Cents whose comment on Somalian imprisoned for attacking cartoonist in Denmark called my attention to the fact that this blog has gone down into the archives of blogger's Blogs of Note.

On The Road To Success was listed as a noteworthy blog on Monday, February 07, 2011.

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Award Winning International Affairs Blogger Blogs

There's a growing need nowadays to be informed and educated on human rights and other important global issues that affect us all either directly or indirectly. The advent of the internet has made information more accessible and education easier. At the same time, information is flowing at a break-neck speed from a variety of sources. Understandably, many internet users are overwhelmed by this "information avalanche" and don't know where to find quality and sometimes impartial content online. This is where "Award Winning" blogs come in.

Blog Catalog has made things easier for blog readers by categorizing blogs so that readers can easily find the category of blogs they're interested in reading. One of such categories is: "Award Winning International Affairs Blogger Blogs" in which this blog - www.zuzeeko.com - is listed together with a host of other blogs. In this category, you'll find interesting blogs that provide unique perspectives into key global issues, including the rule of law, human rights, the economy, policy, conflicts and other issues that would help you better understand today's ever-changing world.

Make sure you stay informed, especially in this age of information technology. Oppressive regimes in countries like Egypt and China don't hesitate to violate the right to access information either through arrests or internet shutdown simply because information is power.

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The U.S. should respect rights and demands of Egyptians

Photo: Sulekha.com.

Egypt is in chaos as thousands of Egyptians have taken to the streets to demand political reform and an end to 30 years of repression under the leadership of President Hosni Mubarak. For the past five days, demonstrators have suffered in the hands of President Mubarak's so-called "no-nonsense" security agents who suppress the rights and demands of Egyptians - including the right to association, assembly and expression - with lethal  force powered by live bullets, batons, boots, water canons and teargas reportedly made in the U.S.

The oppressive Mubarak regime is the second largest recipient of U.S. aid (largely military aid). This revelation has amplified calls for the U.S. to stop funding an undemocratic regime and respect the rights and demands of the Egyptian people.

It's interesting to note that according to Reuters, the U.S. has given Egypt an average of 2 billion dollars a year since 1979. In 2010 alone, Egypt received 1.3 billion dollars in military aid.

President Mubarak has been in power since October 1981 without the support of a majority of Egyptians. But he enjoys the support of the U.S. and considered a "key" U.S. ally. This is testament to the fact that the U.S. has religiously supported 30 years of oppression in Egypt. For more than 30 years, successive U.S. administrations have closely worked with a regime that cracks down on basic rights and freedoms of its citizens.

Egyptians have had enough and have taken to the streets to protest and voice concerns over 30 years of [U.S. funded] oppression.

Watching the demonstrations on a program titled "Egypt in Crisis" on CNN International this Sunday morning, an embattled demonstrator held up a slogan that caught my attention. The slogan which read: "USA Stop supporting Mubarak..." was hard to ignore. This is a genuine concern.

The U.S. should respect the rights and demands of oppressed Egyptians and stop supporting a government which is neither "by the people" or "for the people."

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Happy New Year 2011!

You've probably noticed that the last article - Ivory Coast: Power Struggle endangers lives - was posted on this blog on December 17, 2010. Hence, it goes without saying that until date, I have not wished all readers of this blog a Happy New Year 2011. It would therefore be unfair and perhaps negligent for me to resume writing on a new year, after a fun-filled break on the coast of West Africa, without wishing you a happy and success-filled new year 2011.

2010 was arguably the most productive year of my life so far simply because I entered into a contract with myself by way of written goals. In other words, I had a written "nonnegotiable obligation" to be productive.

It is in this vein that you are encouraged to write down ALL your goals for 2011, if you've not done so yet. Write them down where you'd see them daily and be reminded of what you expect to achieve by the end of the year. You'd be amazed by the power of written goals.

Happy New Year 2011! Make it bigger than 2010!

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Different colors by Lucky Dube

This evening, like most Friday evenings, I spent some time listening to music. I must tell you - very few songs impact me like a song by Lucky Dube, an iconic South African musician. The song in question titled, "Different colors" conveys a message of unity and is a commendable attempt to break racial barriers and unite all natural persons, irrespective of race or color.

Sadly, Lucky Dube is no more. But through his music, he continues to inspire listeners.

In the following video and lyrics, Lucky Dube denounces racial discrimination and urges everyone - including governments, politicians and, of course, YOU - to refrain from separating "the people". Watch...



Lyrics (unofficial):

Breaking those barriers
All over the world
Was not an easy thing
Yesterday your mouth was shut yeah
Couldn' t make a sound eh boy
But it' s such a good feeling today
When I can hear them from
Across the ocean singing this song
That the whole world should be singing
All the time

Chorus: (x3)

We' re...
Different colours / one people
Different colours / one people

Hey you government
Never try to separate the people
Hey you politician
Never try to separate the people

They were created in the image of God
And who are you to separate them
Bible says, he made man in his image
But it didn' t say black or white
Look at me you see BLACK
I look at you I see WHITE
Now is the time to kick that away
And join me in my song

Chorus: (x3)

Hey you politician
Never separate the people here
Hey you man hey you man
Never try to separate the people

Some were from America
We were from South Africa
Some were from Japan
We were from China
Some were from Australia
We were from the U.K.
Some were from Zimbabwe
We were from Ghana
Some were from Jamaica
We were from Russia
Some were from Aha-ha-ha
We were from Uhu-hu-hu.

Although bridging racial divide remains an uphill battle, you can't stop trying. And as Archbishop Desmond Tutu, South African human rights activist, Christian cleric and 1984 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, once said, "... never let anyone tell you that what you're doing is insignificant."

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Remove racist graffiti in Finnish town of Mikkeli

This morning the title of an article, "The tale of two racist spray paintings in an eastern Finnish city" published on Migrant Tales (a blog I read religiously) caught my attention. As the title of the article reveals, it tells the story of racist graffiti in Mikkeli, a town in eastern Finland.

The racist graffiti were reportedly sprayed on walls in a school and a pedestrian tunnel in the small town of about 34, 000 people.

With the intervention of Kansainvälinen Mikkeli Ry (International Mikkeli), a new organization that fosters cooperation between immigrants and all residents of Mikkeli, the graffiti on the wall of the school was removed after a call to the principal. It is worth mentioning that the graffiti had been on the wall for months.

The Mikkeli municipality on its part has failed, as of today, to remove a more disturbing racist graffiti on the wall of a pedestrian tunnel, even though the authorities have reportedly been notified.

The local authorities of Mikkeli should remove the racist graffiti on the wall of the pedestrian tunnel. Inaction on their part sends across a wrong message - that racism is tolerated in Mikkeli and a certain group of people are not welcomed.

I won't post photos of the racist graffiti on this blog because they are offensive, provocative, and violate house rules and regulations.

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Happy birthday, On The Road To Success!

It is true that as a busy blogger, it's easy to lose track of time and forget to celebrate the anniversary of the creation of the blog you work tirelessly to improve.

Yesterday, 27 September 2010, marked the first "blogoversary" (anniversary) of this blog, On The Road To Success.

It is worth mentioning that although I have been on Blogger since June 2009, the actual "birthday" of the blog is 27 September 2009 - the day it was published.

I'm happy to say that one year after the first article was published, the blog is slowly but surely taking a deserved place in search engines and in the human rights blogosphere. Although some readers have branded me a "political blogger", it is my wish that this blog morphs into a major human rights blog - promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms for all natural persons.

As we begin the second year here On The Road To Success, thank you for reading along and for revisiting the blog even when we disagree on certain controversial issues.

Happy birthday, On The Road To Success!

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Nigeria: Goodluck Jonathan declares presidential candidacy on Facebook

It was announced on the 3:00 pm newscast on CRTV that Nigeria's acting President - Goodluck Jonathan - on September 15, 2010 declared his candidacy for the 2011 presidential race on his Facebook page. This might be no news in the West - where many leaders have Facebook accounts, but it is breaking news in Africa - where in a bid to evade accountability, leaders distance themselves from social networking sites and from the people they lead.

You would agree that creating a Facebook page means Goodluck Jonathan is open to suggestions, criticism and is ready to listen to Nigerians on the social networking giant.

In a Facebook note entitled, "Declaration of Intent For The 2011 Presidential Race," Goodluck Jonathan reminded his "dear compatriots" that four months ago "providence" made him president following the death of his predecessor - Umaru Musa Yar'adua, and called on Nigerians to give him their "support" and "prayers."

I have read the declaration of intent and I was sincerely impressed by what the President said, amongst other things:

"Today, I confirm that after wide and thorough consultations spanning the six geo-political zones that make up Nigeria, with members of my family, my party, the opposition, civil society, the Private Sector, members of the Labour Unions, religious leaders, youths and student groups and our revered traditional institutions, I Goodluck Ebele Jonathan by the grace of God hereby offer myself and my services to the Nigerian people as a candidate for the office of President in the forth coming 2011 elections."

I noted that Goodluck Jonathan refrained from making many promises in his declaration of intent to run for president. Talking about promises, he simply said: "The only promise I make to you my friends, fellow citizens and Nigeria, is to promise LESS and deliver MORE if I am elected."

Pundits would term the creation of a Facebook page a "tactic" and an attempt to score political points, but without going into politics, permit me to reiterate that by creating a Facebook page, Goodluck Jonathan has demonstrated skills of good governance, leadership, transparency and accountability.

It is worth mentioning that president Goodluck Jonathan joined Facebook on June 28, 2010 in fulfillment of a promise made to students at the University of Port Harcourt in May 2010. As of today, 211, 682 people like Goodluck Jonathan's Facebook page.

What are your thoughts? Do you think Goodluck Jonathan represents a new generation of African leadership? Besides inspiring hope on Facebook, would Goodluck Jonathan deliver democracy, peace , human rights and development in Nigeria - if elected in 2011?

By the way, on May 6, 2010, BBC stated that "as his name suggests, Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan has a habit of being in the right place at the right time."

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Human rights groups urge Cameroon to decriminalize homosexuality

It is no secret that homosexuality is a criminalized taboo in Cameroon, like in Malawi and many other African countries where abuse and violence against homosexuals, transgender and bisexual people is common practice. In Cameroon, homosexuals are subject to arrest and prosecution by state functionaries. Members of this minority group also face rejection and violence from family members in their homes. It is against this backdrop that Human Rights Watch and Alternatives-Cameroun, a non-profit organization working for equality, tolerance and respect for socially excluded people in Cameroon, urged the government of Cameroon to decriminalize homosexuality and same-sex acts.

According to a news release by Human Rights Watch on 19 August 2010, suspected homosexuals in Cameroon are being arrested and beaten while in custody. Suspected lesbians suffer violence and expulsion from their homes, and in some cases, their children are taken away.

Cameroon is party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Hence, the State has a legal obligation under international law to threat all individuals equally - without any distinction as to race, colour, sex, language, religion or other grounds.

It is true that many Cameroonians are in favor of the law that criminalizes homosexuality, and would kick against a call to decriminalize the practice. This is the case because many argue that homosexuality is an immoral "Western" practice. But it is also true that criminalization of homosexuality in Cameroon amounts to unequal treatment of individuals before the law, on grounds of sexual orientation. Believe it or not!

Decriminalizing homosexuality in Cameroon would go a long way to guarantee equal treatment of homosexuals before the law. However, only education and effective sensitization of the public would end widespread prejudice against homosexuals in Cameroon.

As a side note, I was elated by the Human Rights Watch news release about a "forgotten" country - Cameroon. You would agree that this West African country is, more often than not, left out in international human rights discourse. Human Rights Watch and other international human rights organizations should spend more time in Cameroon and shed light on more untold human rights violations in the country. Talking about human rights and the Rule of Law in Cameroon - the criminalization of homosexuality is only a tip of the iceberg.

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First issue of Dunia Magazine now available

On 8 August 2010, I introduced you to Dunia Magazine - a magazine that celebrates cultural diversity and breaks stereotypes. I also informed you that team Dunia have been working tirelessly to meet the Mid-August deadline for the first issue.

Today, I'm excited to inform you that the first issue of Dunia Magazine is now available and you can subscribe online.

Dunia magazine will be published quarterly (after every 3 months).

Team Dunia is dedicated to bringing the world to you in print!

Subscribe today on www.duniamagazine.com.

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Dunia Magazine: Celebrating cultural diversity and breaking stereotypes!

Over the past couple of weeks, I've been working in partnership with some great ladies blogging at blogface2face and Growth Mentality, to produce a magazine that would connect you with ordinary people doing extraordinary things around the world. After many hours of brainstorming, we settled on a name - DUNIA - meaning world in Swahili. The name captures the vision of the magazine - which seeks to connect us with diverse cultures around the world, and shed light on how your cultural values affect your level of success. Dunia Magazine brings the world to you in print!

The cover of the first issue of Dunia Magazine is ready and was first released to the public on 17 July 2010 for comments and suggestions. I must tell you, the feedback has been great!

Many prospective readers are excited about the vision of Dunia Magazine, and have responded in their numbers to a call to join the mailing list on the Dunia website.

Like every great project developed by ordinary people like you and I, Dunia Magazine has met with a fair share of skepticism.

Two weeks ago, with great excitement, I sent out messages to a couple of friends on Facebook, urging them to make suggestions and join the mailing list. As you'd expect, some friends responded, while others did not. Among the replies, one caught my attention: A good friend sincerely said the first cover is obviously looking good, but he would comment only after the FIFTH issue of Dunia Magazine. He meant no disrespect, as he pointed out that projects like this are always glamorous in the beginning, but fade away with time. He pointed out that sustainability would earn his praise. This, no doubt, is a valid argument, and luckily, team Dunia has what it takes to earn his praise.

Would Dunia Magazine stand the test of time?

Absolutely! With your support, Dunia Magazine will be released quarterly. The Dunia team has what it takes to sustain the project and in the process - break stereotypes, misconceptions and prejudices about different cultures and people.

The team has already written about the vision of Dunia Magazine, and how you can advertise on Dunia Magazine. But, it is worth reiterating that the content of the first issue is ready and we're now working hard to put Dunia Magazine on print and on the map. We're on schedule and copies of Dunia will be available as planned in mid-August 2010.

For updates, please visit the Dunia Magazine website and join the mailing list.

Let us know your suggestions and thoughts on the forthcoming magazine.

Dunia Magazine is truly the magazine that connects us!

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2010 FIFA World Cup: Luis Suarez Robs Africa of a historic Victory

The FIFA World Cup has been in progress since 11 June 2010. Little did I know that I will be writing about the tournament, but the game of 2 July 2010, between Ghana and Uruguay, urged me to weigh in on a beautiful game gone bad. In the game between Uruguay and Ghana, Luis Suarez - striker for Uruguay, with what appeared to be an intentional handball, robbed Ghana of a well-deserved place in the semi-finals; Luis Suarez robbed Africa - of a historic victory.

On Sunday, Ghana went to Soccer City - bearing the weight of the whole continent of Africa - as Africans worldwide looked up to Ghana to break the glass ceiling and become the first African nation to qualify for the FIFA World Cup semi-finals. The Black Stars of Ghana understood their mission - to take African football to a new heights.

For the Black Stars, the road ahead was daunting - but possible. In Soccer City, they were the underdogs, but they were undeterred, and refused to be trampled upon. The Stars clearly dominated the game - they attacked Uruguay from all fronts - with all they got.

Pressurized, desperate and running out of time, with goalkeeper - Fernando Muslera completely displaced, Uruguay desperately needed a second goalkeeper to keep the Black Stars from scoring. At this point, in a blatant display of cheating, striker - Luis Suarez stepped in and played the role of second goalkeeper for the South American side. The consequence of this cheating was fatal! African hearts were broken, dreams shattered, and FIFA regulations put into question once more - as Luis Suarez robbed the last African team standing, of a victory in the neck of time.

In a display of "excellent" goalkeeping skills, the striker - Luis Suarez, made a controversial save for Uruguay. With both hands, Luis Suarez stopped the ball from making its way to the back of the net. The striker - turned goalkeeper - was sent off with a red card, but the damage had already been done.

It is immaterial to mention the fact that Ghana was awarded a penalty for this blatant display of unprofessional conduct, but with no time remaining, Ghana's Asamoah Gyan stepped up to the plate and lost the decisive penalty.

It is worth mentioning that the match proceeded to penalty shootout. At this stage, the demoralised Black Stars of Ghana - the youngest team in the FIFA World Cup 2010 tournament - lost to Uruguay. It is fair to say the better side lost!

As you would expect, many, including the coach of Uruguay - Oscar Tabarez, have justified this blatant display of cheating and unprofessional conduct.

Regardless of what you may think, Luis Suarez has gone down in history as the man who robbed Ghana of a historic place in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals, with a handball. He will be remembered as the man who robbed Africa of a historic victory at the FIFA World Cup 2010.

FIFA  should reform the rules applicable to such intentional fouls - fouls intended to prevent obvious goals. In such a case, a goal should be awarded, and the unscrupulous player sent off.

Photos: Courtesy Paul Fletcher's Blog and World Cup Blog

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The Street Lawyer: Novel Review

You might be looking for an interesting novel to read. Personally, the legal thriller genre is my favorite, and I would recommend this genre to law students, lawyers, or anyone interested in advocating justice and the rule of law. A Legal thriller is sure to take you into the mind of a seasoned lawyer and endow you with a legal mentality - a much needed mentality in today's world of law suits and litigation. THE STREET LAWYER is a must-read legal thriller.

THE STREET LAWYER is written by the "lord of legal thrillers" - John Grisham.

The novel tells the story of Michael Brock, 32, a Yale graduate and Senior Associate at Drake and Sweeny - one of the biggest law firms in Washington D.C. For five years, Michael has been working eight hours a day for six days a week and is on the right track to becoming a partner at the big firm.

Fortunately or unfortunately - depending on how you see it - Michael's career takes an unexpected turn - on a cold winter morning when a "street bum", later identified as DeVon Hardy, takes hostages on the sixth floor of the mighty Drake and Sweeney building. The hostages include Michael Brock and eight other lawyers. What does DeVon Hardy want?

As you would expect, the Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) team is called in to rescue the nine white affluent lawyers - held hostage by a homeless black male, in a renown law firm in D.C. A marksman (sharpshooter) from the SWAT team takes out Hardy - with a bullet in the head. The homeless man's blood splashes on Michael's face - marking a turning point in the young lawyer's life!

Michael Brock, having survived a hostage situation, makes it his mission to find out why DeVon Hardy, picked Drake and Sweeney from among the many law firms in Washington D.C. Michael's research takes him to the 14th Street Legal Clinic - a law firm that protects homeless people. The Clinic's top dog - Mordecai Green, takes Michael into the lives of countless homeless people in Washington D.C. What he saw pricked his conscience!

While on the streets, Michael discovers that Drake and Sweeney recently engineered the wrongful eviction of "squatters" who were paying rents in an old building in D.C. The evictees were all powerless people entitled to compensation for eviction without due process - DeVon Hardy, now of blessed memory, was one of the evictees.

Michael Brock makes even more shocking and disheartening discoveries!

In a bid to defend society's powerless and homeless people, Michael Brock turns his back on a promising future at Drake and Sweeny - where "the money seems endless", and becomes a street lawyer with less pay - representing homeless people in desperate need of an advocate at law. Michael initiates a lawsuit on behalf of the evictees; a lawsuit against his former employer - Drake and Sweeney.

If you have read a book by John Grisham, you would agree that the writer is a master of legal thrillers. His protagonists are mostly lawyers, and as a successful lawyer himself - John Grisham's protagonists capture the true essence of what it takes to succeed in the courtroom.

As a [former] law student, I can relate to Michael Brock in THE STREET LAWYER. We all study the law - hoping to advocate for justice, but somewhere down the road, many stray away from the cause; many prefer to represent clients with the deepest pockets - to the detriment of the poor and powerless. Like Michael Brock, many lawyers and advocates need a wake-up call!

I absolutely enjoyed reading THE STREET LAWYER, and I highly recommend the novel. Every lawyer, law student and anyone in position to help the powerless should read this novel. It is an inspiration.

Title: THE STREET LAWYER

Author: John Grisham

Pages: Paperback 458 pages

Publisher: Dell Publishing

Publication Date: February 1999

ISBN: 0-440 22570-1 

In the words on Michael Brock - in THE STREET LAWYER - "I'm thinking about Public Interest Law... It's when you work for the good of society without making a lot of money." 

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Jungle Justice in Cameroon

In Cameroon, it is not uncommon to see a criminal striped naked - mercilessly pounded with sticks, stones, metals, et cetera - bleeding profusely and set ablaze by an angry crowd. This is "jungle justice."

"Jungle law" applies to criminals of all ranks - from pick pockets to armed robbers and murderers. Many "criminals" have even been killed for attempted thievery. Civil offenders also face jungle justice in Cameroon. I vividly remember the case of an exiled traditional ruler - Vugah Simon II of Kedjom Keku, a village in the North West Province, who was beaten to death and set ablaze. What was his crime? He was accused of selling village farmlands and destroying the tradition of the village he once ruled.

In Cameroon, it is common to see jungle law applied in the presence of police officers - many of whom are either in favor of the practice or are powerless in the face of an angry crowd. In many instances, jungle justice is served to "suspects" - long before the police arrive on the crime scene. There have been shocking instances where criminals in police or gendarme custody have been seized by an angry crowd and beaten to death.

WATCH a shocking video footage of the application of jungle justice in the economic capital of Cameroon - Douala ...



What law sanctioned the above case? Who was the judge? Who was the defence counsel?

Is Cameroon a lawless state where angry citizens take the law into their own hands and sentence criminals to death on the streets?

Proponents of jungle justice have attempted to justify this inhumane practice. Many argue that the police force is corrupt and criminals bribe their way out. No doubt, it is true that the police force is corrupt but does this justify carnage and barbarism?

The government of Cameroon has failed - and continues to fail - in its [legal] obligation to protect victims of jungle justice. The Preamble of the Constitution of the Republic states that all accused persons are entitled to the rights of defence and are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. It also provides that every person has the right to humane treatment under all circumstances. It is worth mentioning that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights are incorporated into the Constitution.

Cameroon is party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and other international conventions that prohibit torture, cruel or degrading treatment and uphold the right to life. Article 6(1) of the ICCPR guarantees every individual's "inherent right to life". This article stipulates that no one shall be arbitrarily deprived of life and that the right to life shall be protected by law. Article 7 provides that no one shall be subjected to cruel, inhuman, degrading treatment or punishment.

The state must fulfill its obligation under international and national law to protect and promote civil and constitutional rights of all individuals. To achieve this, the state should move quickly to put an end to such abysmal violation of rights.

Citizens of Cameroon seem to be unaware of the fact that they, as citizens of a democratic state, have a constitutional duty to respect the rights of other people. It is not uncommon to hear citizens complain about violation of their rights. What about the rights of others?

Many people mistakenly think that criminals do not have rights. The truth is all natural persons have rights by virtue of being human and every individual has a duty to respect the rights of others.

Jungle justice is unlawful, inhumane and a violation of constitutional and fundamental rights of countless victims. The government of Cameroon should end impunity and hold perpetrators of jungle justice accountable.

*Photos courtesy - AfricaNews.com and abantu.blogspot.com

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