Democracy in Niger

Although I feel a tad bit guilty that this blog project of mine has somehow been put to the back burner, I am far too busy reading about analytical frameworks and the Danish welfare-through-work model for the U.K. Every-time I think I have caught up with life, another load of shiet lands upon my desk to read/write/do.

I actually don't even have a desk.

Anyway in more important news, my South Florida friends went and saw Against Me! at the Culture Room in Ft.Lauderdale the other night. It was meant to be a brilliant show, but what I think is even more brilliant is that my little brother, Shilah's little sister and Johnny's little brother all went and experienced their first truly great AM! show. The next generation of S.Fla as Johnny, Shilah and I move on to other places. Adorable :)

I have been glued to the news lately reading about the developments of the coup in Niger. I really do not know enough to comment properly, but as far as the recent coup (Feb 19, 2010) of the west Africa country Niger, I appreciate the international community calling for democratic means of transitional power. However, if President Tandja is going to modify the constitution to give himself an unlimited term time i believe that is strike one. Surely France, the United Nations, African Union and the other international actors that have condemned the military coup realize that is the first step to a dictatorial, undemocratic leadership. According to my five minute research, President Tandja has grown deeply unpopular in recent months by the people of Niger and there is a large support base for the military coup.

Tandja has been in power since the 90's, and there are somewhat founded speculations that he wishes to remain permanently in power due to the recent Uranium and oil deals with western countries and China. The several billion dollars in revenue gathered from the oil and mineral business will generate massive funds for the government, and then make its way into Tandja's pockets. The BBC reports that gunfire has seized and the correspondent on site reports there is not an obvious military presence and daily life resumes. This may not be surprising since they have had an inconsistent government since their independence from France in 1960 and have long struggled to come to face with true democracy ( but haven't we all?).

There is a really interesting article published in the summer of 2009 about the change in constitution in Niger written by Tommy Miles. If you are at all interested this should be your first port of call: http://nyc.indymedia.org/en/2009/08/106865.shtml

I always find it difficult to pass judgment about these kind of situations because I would love to believe the military coup leaders would like to be democratic and make a genuine transition of power that will be good for all of the people of Niger blah blah but many times they all tend to be as corrupt and greedy as each-other. I would like to point out that this story has been moved off the front page of the BBC world service website and replaced with a story of a former Olympic Luger being buried in the state of Georgia. How absolutely fascinating and relevant.

Alas, I am grateful that I get to sit in my flat on my mac book reading about this kind of stuff instead of experiencing it in real life. My biggest problem right now is weather or not I should iron my blouse for work. Hopefully everything turns out alright and the people of Niger get to experience peace and democracy in the coming days.

Here's to good luck and good governance.

**Photo courtesy of the BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/8524924.stm