I have been haunted by images I have witnessed and imagined of Laurent Gbagbo since yesterday. Yes, he must stand trial for the alleged murders, rapes and beatings of civilians by his followers – he has political responsibility (and let us not forget the alleged murders, rapes and beatings of civilians by Ouattara’s men too).
But why was he pictured being dragged out of the President’s official residence? Why was a TV crew in the room at the Golf Hotel when he was wiping the sweat off his body and changing shirts? And why did the first soldier to reach him in the bunker allegedly slap him? Why?If he allowed his men to commit beastly crimes, are his captors any better for their treatment of him? Have both sides not acted outside the limits of reason?
Obeying a rule as a soldier is one thing, and preventing yourself from slapping the man who is behind the death of thousands of women and children is another. I doubt I would have restrained myself from slapping him had I been the first lucky person to lay hands on him. Africa deserve to be ruled by leaders with conscience, not just Phd in History!
ReplyDeleteThey have indeed. People fail to understand that in this century there are few opportunities for do-overs.
ReplyDeletePutting up such degrading pictures of an African head-of-state (even one as despicable as Gbagbo) reflects on all of us as Africans and Blacks.
CNN, MSNBC, Fox 'and her friends', etc have been gleefully replaying these videos of Gbagbo following his capture on US TV.
Why has Bush Jnr not been dragged out of his bunker by the triumphant French army for crimes against humanity that American troops committed against Iraqi and Afghanis in those un justified 'wars'?
@ Edward Tagoe:
ReplyDeleteThank you for your opinion.
@ Anon:
ReplyDeleteYou've articulated most of my point.
Ah! Gbagbo is a foolish man! I can't empathize! There are worse images of innocent victims being sensationalized by foreign media, Ggagbo doesn't have my sympathy. And it's a bit too late for saving face, he (actually, they both) should have thought about that before he embarked on their ego-driven childish antiques!
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ReplyDeleteI guess this is what happens when you have one opportunist being forced out without any moral rightness for another opportunist to fill in the space till the next opportunist comes with a sharpened machete or a cocked gun. nothing really of a sustainable value to cherish!!!
ReplyDeleteEddie i guess we should slap Ouattara too. He is behind the deaths of women, children and men! I won't cheaply buy the media gobbledy-gooky
ReplyDeleteWonder what it says about Africans that we allow "foolish" men to rule us. And can only wait for France to show us our "foolishness".
ReplyDeleteWho is the worse fool?
ReplyDeleteNana Yaw, I saw a picture of Mrs Simone Gbabgo "captured" too. Made me sick to my stomach. The soldiers posing with her, ripped clothes, others pulling her hair.
ReplyDeletewhat has Ouattara done??? he won an election??? I think Ouattarra actually handled the situation well.. this could have become an all out civil war..
ReplyDelete@Nana Yaw Sarpong, I could't agree more. I was so disheartened to see the pictures. Is Ouattara also going to be tried for the men and women killed by his side???
ReplyDeleteThis is the best of the Gbagbo issue I have read so far. People want us to believe that Ouattara is a saint. We only sit in wait of his rulership.
ReplyDeleteDisheartening pix. But they brought it upon themselves. Still interesting though....how life's circumstances can change. Where are all the trappings of power now...the supporters? Reminds one of Saddam or even Mubarak now pretending to be ill....Ouattara should know that there but for the grace of God, when he looks at the pix of a humiliated Gbagbo.
ReplyDeleteSo NY, this photo you have here has been circulating all over the internet but it's a fake. It's photoshopped, here's the original: http://andrydago.wordpress.com/2009/04/30/arrest-of-manandafy-rakotonirina/
ReplyDeleteShame on the culprit who did the photoshopping and circulated it so immediately after Gbagbo's capture, so effectively too.
It makes me wonder who else we should be saying shame to? Which other people/states/powers/companies/media fueled this situation to the ridiculous heights it has now reached?
You must watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFwpkiKPoUs&feature=player_embedded#at=313
ReplyDeleteAparently the picture is that of MANANDAFY RAKOTONIRINA that has been photoshopped. I never realised it. Thanks Debbie for the info
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