Dibussi Tande: Scribbles from the Den

In Memoriam: Coretta Scott King 1927-2006

“Struggle is a never ending process. Freedom is never really won. You earn it and win it in every generation."

"I think what I've tried to do is to empower people to understand that they can make a difference. And by using the method of nonviolence as a way of life, it becomes internalized into your life; so everything that you seek to do, you use those principles and those steps, based on those principles, and the steps and methodologies, so that if you have a problem or a conflict in whatever it is you are doing, you are able to better resolve that. And if it is dealing with people, certainly you'll know how to resolve that and become reconciled and to move forward."

Indigenous Minorities and Political Pluralism in Cameroon

By Dibussi Tande

The concept of "Indigenous Minorities" as used in Cameroon refers to ethnic groups located primarily in the coastal and urban areas of the South-West, Littoral and Center priovinces. The common denominator among these ethnic groups is that they are numerically outnumbered in their native lands by non-natives who have emigrated from other parts of the country. The numerical superiority of these non-native communities (whose members are commonly referred to as  "strangers")  is usually accompanied by their domination of the political, economic and social life in these areas.

Egypt in Colors

When all is said and done, this year's African Nations Cup competition in Egypt will be remembered as the most colorful ever. I am not referring here to the players' performance on the pitch which has been superb. I am talking about those die-hard football fan(atic)s who have traveled for thousands of miles to support their national teams.Even folks with absolutely no interest in football have been dazzled by the breathtaking display of creative body art, and African traditional attires in the stands. Here is my pictorial tribute to this "other Africa" which is full of color, creativity, passion, and unadulterated joy. Yes, Africa, is much more than those distressing images from Dafur, Cote d'Ivoire, Congo, etc. It is a vibrant continent with unique sounds and colors, and inhabited by resilient and resplendent people who stand tall in spite of the Herculean challenges that they face on a daily basis. Nkosi Si-kelele Afrika (God Bless Africa)!

Football and the “Burden of Patriotism” in Africa

By Dibussi Tande

The African continent, from Cape to Cairo, is awash with Football Fever. All eyes are on Egypt where the African Nations Cup is currently taking place. The competition, with its mixture of unrealistic expectations and unexpected triumphs; of Cinderella stories and might falls; of epic David and Goliath battles; of great illusions and shattered ambitions; and of pure flashes of genius rivaled by pedestrian displays, will end on February 10th.

Togolese fans during the game between Cameroon and Togo