In honor of Black History Month, the Involvement Newspaper will be featuring African leaders, heroes, and activists in a bid to remember their contributions towards a better Africa.
By: Sharon Jerotich (jerotichsharon096@gmail.com)
Photo courtesy of breathlist.com
The year is 1840 and the subject of awe is Nana Yaa Asantewaa. She was born in the Asante Kingdom which is modern-day Ghana. She was Asona royalty from the Besease clan in Central Ghana and was of the Edweso stool clan. Sister to Kwasi Afrane- Ruler of the Edweso and wife to Owusu Kabwena- the seventh King of Asante. She was later bestowed upon the honour of queen mother by her brother, Kwasi Afrane.
Yaa was not just royalty because of her bloodline. The way she led her life supported her royalty status. It is recorded that even as she was growing up, she was interested in local administration. Yaa’s rise to power started with the arrest of the king, the queen-mother, and almost every other leader of the Asante Kingdom. She was forced to act as regent on behalf of the queen mother. She attended meetings and represented her people, the Edweso. This she did with bravery.
It is recorded that she once uttered these words, “If you, men of Asante will not go forward, then we will. I shall call upon my fellow women. We will fight until the last of us falls on the battlefield.” This came after the chiefs in the Asante Kingdom had begun to lose hope in their fight for the golden stool (a symbol of unity in the Asante Kingdom). With these words, she gave the chiefs the will to fight once again.
For her heroism and leadership, Yaa Asanetwaa paid the price. She was banished to Seychelles where she lived as a prisoner until she died in 1921. However, to this day she is remembered not only in Ghana but in the rest of the world as someone who fought to preserve the freedom of the Asante people. She also inspired subsequent nationalist movements among Ghana and the rest of the Gold Coast which led to the freedom of Ghana in 1957, the first country in sub- Saharan Africa to attain independence.
The emancipation of Ghana instigated a series of nationalist movements in Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Cameroon all of which attained independence by the year 1960.
Aside from her political contributions, Yaa Asanetwaa has been a subject of inspiration for many African Feminist Movements. She was mother, guardian to her grandchild, farmer and took up leadership roles upon the passing of her brother and imprisonment of her grandchild- Kofi Tene.
In honor of Black History Month, the Involvement Newspaper will be featuring African leaders, heroes, and activists in a bid to remember their contributions towards a better Africa.
By Nyokabi Ng’anga (Leshnyokabi@gmail.com)
Thumbnail photo courtesy of africanexponent.com
Louis Rwagasore was born as the eldest son to Mwami Mwambutsa the IV of Bangicirenge, King of Burundi, in the year 1932.
In a brief, he is a heroic and historical figure in Burundi’s march to independence. He is also a well-known champion for the unification of Burundi and a staunch opposer to partisan politics.
On studying administration and agronomy in Brussels, Belgium, he returned to Burundi in the year 1956 and thereafter, begun his journey as one of his country’s leading politicians.
He initiated agricultural cooperatives, which were aimed at making Burundians gain an upper hand in the country’s agronomics and also, led his people in protesting against Belgium’s rule and domination. However, the cooperatives were banned by the Belgium colonial government.
In 1958, he formed the National Unity and Progress Party (UPRONA) to further his mission in nationalizing Burundi, and three years later, UPRONA won 80% of the votes cast in parliamentary elections. This led to Louis being declared the Prime Minister- ushering in a new hope for Burundi and its determination towards independence.
However, weeks later, Louis was assassinated by an identified Greek-gent, while dining in one of Bujumbura’s hotels. Nonetheless, the Greek national was implicated instantly, alongside his other accomplices (who were all Burundians).
Albeit, worth the note, there is a placed belief that Belgian colonial authorities had a role to play in his murder.
His assassination denied him the close opportunity to actualize an independent and unified country, as months later, Burundi got its independence on 1st July 1962.
Photo courtesy of facebook.com
In Burundi, every year, the 13th of October is set apart in commemoration of Louis and his efforts in fighting for an independent country. Also, a towering mausoleum was built in his honor in the country’s capital and other state facilities named after him.
Photo of Prince Louis Rwagasore’s mausoleu. Photo courtesy from tripadvsior.com
Aside from being a leading light and a role model in the field of non-partisan politics, he also engaged with other African leaders, some of whom include: Patrice Lumumba of DRC, Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, and Julius Nyerere of Tanzania.
Exemplary of his character, it is believed that he married a Hutu lady, distancing himself from the obvious of his ‘tribal-bridal-pick.’
All these, and much more, assert his intention in unifying Africa through Burundi.
It’s been long, Long since I sat and listened, Long since I prayed, But not too long since I called. Just for You to keep me strong, For you to keep me going.
In the brokenness, Teach me to praise. In the waiting, Teach me patience. In the healing, Teach me to trust. Not just the process, But also the processor – You.
Teach me your ways, Let my heart delight in your laws, Let my desire be your will. During the storm, Teach me to be still.
Remind me of your love, Remind me of your grace, Remind me of your mercy, Remind me to hold on.], For a while, Just till you say… “It’s over….” Till you are done with me. Remind me, Father, That I am yours.
I open the front door of my mind to you, Wanting to explain why I cannot do the things you want me to. You tell me that there is a Creator who loves me, Who wants me to follow Him, to be free.
But I ask you to stick around and understand, To stay and explore this sad, dry land. I have welcomed Depression into the living room, Anxiety and Fear with all their gloom. Insecurity has overstayed its welcome; Pride somehow snuck by the security alarm.
Friend, look at all these guests! Would your God want such a mess? What’s that you say, yes He would? Oh, maybe I misunderstood.
You say there is redemption through His grace? Again, you say that I was bought with a price? Could it be that I’ve been blinded by a haze? Maybe it’s time I turn on the lights.
AFRICA’S LEADING WOMEN SERIES: African women who’ve served/are serving their countries in the capacities of: President, Prime minister and/or Vice President.
Know them, appreciate them and remember them.
#THEAFRICANLEADINGWOMENSERIES
Initiated by Nyokabi Ng’ang’a, for The Involvement Newspaper.
PART 7
By: Nyokabi Ng’ang’a (Leshnyokabi@gmail.com)
Thumbnail photo created by Nyokabi Ng’ang’a
Maria das Neves: São Tomé and Príncipe’s 1st female Prime Minister.
Photo courtesy of alchetron.com
Maria das Neves was born in her country, São Tomé and Príncipe, in the year 1958.
An economist graduate from Cuba, she worked as a civil servant in her country’s Ministry of Finance and later at the World Bank and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
In the year 1999, she was appointed Minister of Economics, where she served her country till the year 2001 and later on, in the same year, as Minister of Finance where it’s believed her service lasted a year. In the year 2002, she then took the role of Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism.
Under President Fradique de Menezes’ rule, which took course in the year 2001, she was elected Prime Minister in the year 2002 with the mandate of heading the government. Following the economic and power struggles within the country, there was a military coup in the year 2003 and with the absence of the President who was not in the country, Ma’am Maria das Neves, alongside other governmental officials, were arrested on the claims that the government was corrupt. Due to this occurrence, as believed, she was hospitalized after suffering a mild heart attack, causing her to resign from her role as Prime Minister.
Her resignation came after Fradique de Menezes was reinstated as President, following an internationally- pushed agreement between him and the coup leaders.
However, as a result of President Fradique’s insistence, she took up the Prime Minister’s role, once more, serving her country till the year 2004, after which, she was dismissed by the former as Premier, on the claims of corruption linkages to her governance.
To learn more of this lady pace-setter, click here.
Maria do Carmo Silveira: São Tomé and Príncipe’s 2nd female Prime Minister.
photo courtesy of en.wikipedia.org
Maria do Carmo Silveira, was born in the year 1960, in her country São Tomé and Príncipe.
Educated at the University of Ukraine as an economist, she featured twice as the 3rd and 6th governor of São Tomé and Príncipe’s central bank. This, to mention, was in the years: 1999-2005 and 2011-2016.
In the year 2005, she was appointed Prime Minister of her country by President Fradique de Menezes. She served in this capacity; concurrently also as Minister of Finance and Planning, for close to an year, with her term halting in April the 21st in the year 2006, after a parliamentary election saw her party defeated by the opposition.
With no substantial information found on her life before Premiership, click here to have a look at her profile.
Isatou Njie-Saidy: The Gambia’s 1st female Vice President.
Photo courtesy of enacademic.com
Isatou Njie-Saidy was born in Kuntaya, North Bank, Gambia in the year 1952.
She served as her country’s first female Vice President from the year 1997 to the year 2017. This she did alongside her ministerial role in women affairs. It is believed that she is the world’s longest serving Vice President, having served her country for 10 solid years.
A holder of a Master of Science in economics from the University of Swansea, Wales, UK; her zones of expertise as featured in her areas of studies, to mention, in broad are: Industrial management, Economics and Teaching.
In the year 1983, she took up the role of Deputy Executive Secretary of the women’s bureau- the executive decision making body of the National Women’s Council of Gambia. She served in this capacity till the year 1989.
Later, in 1996, under President Yahya Jammeh’s rule, she was appointed Minister of Health, Social Welfare and Women’s affairs and worked in this capacity for a year, before being appointed Vice President, the first female for that matter, of the Gambia.
It’s reported that in 2015, there were established constraints between her and President Jammeh, resulting to her resignation in 2017.
To learn more of this deeply revered woman of the Gambia, click here.
Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang: The Gambia’s 2nd female Vice President.
Photo courtesy of en.wikipedia.org
Fatoumata Jallow was Gambia’s former Vice President who served under President Adama Barrow, for nearly a year.
Born in 1949 in Brikima, Gambia, she was educated in her country alongside Senegal and France. It’s reported that her early University education saw her get a BA in French from the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis in France.
Prior to her selection as the Secretary of State (Minister) for Health and Social Welfare in 1994, she served as an adviser to President Dawda Jawara- Gambia’s first President who was later ousted.
Afterwards, she joined the United Nations where she worked as a gender expert in the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). It’s also featured that she worked as the chairwoman of the Gambia National Women’s council.
Fast-forward to 2016, courtesy of her political routings, she with notable others, formed the coalition 2016- an amalgamation of opposing political parties- that steered the exit of Yahya Jammeh as Gambia’s president. To her credit, she was regarded as the mastermind behind this plan, and for the worth note, she sat as the coalition’s chairperson.
After Yahya Jammeh took to exile in Equatorial Guinea, Adama Barrow who was appointed presidential candidate of the coalition, was instated as President in the year 2017- following his win of the 2016 elections- and on his inauguration, he appointed Ma’am Fatoumata as his Vice-president. However, after being appointed, concerns were raised about her age as an impediment to taking office. Nonetheless, her appointment was confirmed by President Adama Barrow and she served her country in this position of the Vice-President till June 2018. Of other importance, she also served concurrently as the Minister of Women Affairs while overseeing the Vice President’s office.
To learn more of this New African Woman who scooped the 2017 New African Woman of the Year Award by the New African Magazine, click here.
Dr. Isatou Toray: The Gambia’s current and 3rd female Vice President.
Photo courtesy of vanguardafrica.com
Isatou Touray was born in 1955, in her country, The Gambia. She grew up in Banjul, Gambia’s capital, and attended her primary, secondary and start-up tertiary schooling within her country. Later on, after graduating as a teacher of English and Home Economics from The Gambia College, in 1971, she became a teacher and then ventured into the field of community development, afterwards, with a special focus on women and development.
A PhD holder in Development Studies- with a special emphasis on Gender- from the University of Sussex, UK, Ma’am Isatou Toray’s field of studies are wide and heavily routed within her areas of passions. To mention, she holds a degree in Education and English from Usman Dan Fodio University in Sokoto, Nigeria and a Master’s Degree in Development Studies with specialization in women and development, from the Institute of Social Studies (ISS) in The Hague, The Netherlands.
Known widely in her country and substantially in Africa, for being a staunch feminist and a gender and human rights activist, she has featured in many organizations and boards; worth recognizing being: the Inter-African Committee (IAC) – a formed Pan-African Network of over twenty eight African countries aimed at Eliminating Harmful Traditional Practices– where she served as the network’s secretary general from the year 2009-2014. To this regard, she also cofounded The Gambia Committee on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children (GAMCOTRAP) and introduced a Diploma in Gender and Development program and founded the Gender Unit of the Management Development Institute, of which all are situated and running in her country.
Just for the good mention, she is recognized and credited as both an international and national advocate for the end of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in The Gambia, and largely, in Africa.
In the year 2016, infuriated with President Yahya Jammeh’s exceeding twenty years hard-fisted rule, she alongside others, contested for the Presidential seat. She did so as an independent candidate and notably, as the only woman in Gambia’s history. However, she stepped down to back Adama Barrow as President and to support the Coalition 2016. When Adama Barrow became President, she sat in his cabinet as the Trade Minister and later on, as the Health Minister. In 2019, following a major cabinet reshuffle, she was appointed the Vice President of the Gambia by President Adama, succeeding her predecessor, Ousainou Darboe.
To learn more of the life story of this deeply revered African- Gambian lady, click here.
Will your country be the next?
Kindly schedule to read the subsequent article of this series, next week.
Bring them who haven’t lost their voices amid the noises of our cities Bring them who still maintained dignity after the war passed Bring them who had no name but acquired one on their exit Bring them who still chose their names after their nations broke Bring them who didn’t forget where they came and where they belonged Bring them who still have a remembrance of the peaceful nights and the deserted days Bring them who could smell the roses and distinguish them from the lilies Bring them who could differentiate spices of the known fields Bring them who knew and maintained a love Bring them who forgot hate and kept hope alive Bring them whose feet are tired from walking the mileage Bring them who know masala tea and serve it from their genial hearts Bring them whose dances were not watered away as the rains fell Bring them whose smiles light our hearts.
Bring them who lost their voices amid the noises of our cities Bring them who broke away from their dignified lives as our war spread Bring them who had names as they became entrants Bring them who forgot their names after their nations broke Bring them who forgot where they came from and where they belonged Bring them who forgot the peaceful nights and the deserted days Bring them who cannot distinguish the scent of roses from lilies Bring them who can’t differentiate spices of the known fields Bring them who forgot and didn’t maintain love Bring them who remembered hate and kept anxiety alive Bring them whose feet are still wandering as they mile away Bring them who forgot to serve masala tea from their genial hearts Bring them whose dances were watered away as the rains fell Bring them whose frowns remind our hearts…
AFRICA’S LEADING WOMEN SERIES: African women who’ve served/are serving their countries in the capacities of President, Prime minister and/or Vice President.
Know them, appreciate them and remember them.
#THEAFRICANLEADINGWOMENSERIES
#31women #8articles
Initiated by Nyokabi Ng’ang’a, for The Involvement Newspaper.
PART 6
By Nyokabi Ng’ang’a (Leshnyokabi@gmail.com)
Thumbnail photo created by Nyokabi Ng’ang’a
Agnès Monique Ohsan-Bellepeau: Mauritius’s first elected female Vice President.
Photo courtesy of soundcloud.com
Ma’am Agnès Monique was believably born in 1942 in her country, Mauritius. She descends from a political family, with her father featured in Mauritius’s political history as one of the founders of one of the country’s four main political parties-Mauritian Labour Party. To her credit, she led the party as its president, purportedly from the years 2007 to 2010.
Having studied journalism as her area of profession, she worked as a news announcer at her country’s national television channel- Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation. Thereafter, in the year 2010, she was unanimously selected by Members of the National Assembly in a parliamentary election, as the first female Vice President of the Republic of Mauritius. She took up this elected role following the demise of Vice President Angidi Chettiar.
Serving under President Anerood Jugnauth, she rose to fill up the ranks of the country’s acting president, after the former resigned in the year 2012. Shortly after, Kailash Purryag was instated as President of the country, making Ma’am Agnès Vice President, once more. Later, on 29th May 2015, President Kailash Purryag resigned, making Ma’am Agnès, again, acting President of the Republic of Mauritius. However, this was short-lived, as, in June of the same year, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim was instated as President of the country.
In the year 2016, Ma’am Agnès Monique’s reign as Vice President of Mauritius came to a halt.
To learn more of this lady pace-setter and holder of the prestigious Grand Officer of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (GOSK) order, click here.
Dr Ameenah Gurib-Fakim: Mauritius’s first elected female President.
photo courtesy of en.wikipedia.org
Dr Ameenah Gurib was born in the year 1959 in Surinam, Mauritius. She is a certified biodiversity scientist, who holds a doctorate in organic chemistry from the University of Exeter, England, in the year 1987.
Before becoming the first elected female President of Mauritius in the year 2015, she worked at the University of Mauritius as an organic chemistry lecturer and in addition, Dean of the faculty of science and pro-vice-chancellor. In the year 2009, it is recorded that she opened a research centre in her country, dedicated to the study of the medical and nutritious effects of plant life- where she worked also as its managing director.
With a high profile status, her works haven’t gone unnoticed as she has been gifted various accolades, some of which include: The African Union Award for Women in Science and L’Oréal – UNESCO Award for Women in Science.
In the year 2018, Ma’am Ameenah resigned from office over a credit card scandal.
To learn more of this iconic figure in Mauritius’s history, click here.
Dr Joyce Banda: Malawi’s first elected female Vice President and consequently, President.
photo courtesy of nutritionintl.org
Born in 1950 in her country, Malawi, Dr Joyce Banda has risen to the ranks of the most respected women in the continent of Africa.
As public knowledge holds, before indulging into the political running of her country, she founded and directed various organizations, which stately are: a garment-manufacturing business; a bakery; the National Association of Business Women of Malawi; the Young Women Leaders Network; the Hunger project; and the Joyce Banda foundation whose main concern is improving the lives of women and children in rural areas.
As a debut into her political career, in the year 2004, she served her country as a member of the then ruling party- United Democratic Front (UDF) – in the National Assembly. Later on, in the same year, on changing her political party, she was elected Minister of Gender, child welfare and community services by President Bingu wa Mutharika, where she served till the year 2006; after which, she was elected as Minister of Foreign Affairs till the year 2009.
In the same year (2009), she was chosen as President Bingu wa Mutharika’s running mate, and after elections were successfully held, she emerged to be the first female holder of the Vice Presidential seat in Malawi.
As a result of the President’s death in the year 2012, she resultantly- though with surrounding obstacles main emanating from her political opponents- became the first female holder of Malawi’s Presidential seat. Her reign saw many changes, with democracy growing and the press freedom dream, being validated. Malawi’s economy also grew, purportedly in double, during her reign.
On the downside, yet worth all the credit, through her authorization a corruption scandal was revealed. This corruption scandal, well known as the Cash-gate scandal, exposed most of the members of Ma’am Joyce’s cabinet. This led her to dissolve her cabinet and attracting criticism of all sorts from her political opponents.
In the year 2014, her Presidential reign came to a halt, but she went to the extra mile of campaigning once more for the seat, under her formed party- People’s Party. But after some irregularities experienced in the elections causing for a repeal, she stepped down citing that she wouldn’t feature in the repeated elections.
Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka: South Africa’s first female Deputy President.
Photo courtesy of zimbio.com
Dr Phumzile Mlambo was born in the year 1955 in her country, South Africa. She is globally recognized as the administrative face of the United Nations Women, due to her role as Executive Director of the mentioned UN subsidiary body.
With a BA in Social Sciences and Education, she set out as a lecturer at Mpumalanga Teacher’s Training College and a teacher, thereafter, at Ohlange High School in the early ‘80s.
Lauded historically for her efforts, alongside many others, in ending apartheid in her country, she assumed various positions at the party and governmental levels, both during pre and post-independent times.
In the year 1994, Ma’am Phumzile served her country as a Member of Parliament with a chair- hood at the Public Service Portfolio Committee. Two years later, she was appointed Deputy Minister in the Department of Trade and Industry. Later, in the year 1999, she was appointed Minister of Minerals and Energy, where she served till the year 2005. Momentarily, she also served as Acting Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology in the year 2004.
Mid of the year 2005, she was appointed by President Thabo Mbeki as Deputy President following the latter’s dismissal of Jacob Zuma- Phumzile’s predecessor. As Deputy Premier, she was credited for incepting various initiatives aimed at solving the issue on lack of skills in post-apartheid and independent South Africa.
Following the voting out of President Thabo Mbeki as Africa National Congress’s (ANC) leader, in the year 2007, Ma’am Phumzile’s deputy premiership came to a halt. She didn’t stop causing impact however, as closely a year after, she instated a foundation known as Umlambo, to assist schools in impoverished areas through mentorship and coaching their teachers.
To learn more of this iconic global figure and the efforts she has undertaken to make this world a safer place not only for South Africans but also for the world at large, girls and women to be specific, click here.
Will your country be the next?
Kindly schedule to read the subsequent article of this series, next week.
By Laura Natasha (lauranatasha161526@daystar.ac.ke)
To imagine a generational diversity that Africa has embarked on, this is one of the greatest mile stones in establishing a proper middle ground for nurturing the interaction environment based on the Old- New generation. Imagining a world where building bridges has been made possible in recent generational Clash. Despite the continuous use of media every generational group has not gone unnoticed.
As a 22-year-old, John Ndung’u who is a motor sales advisor has a brilliant social life with his uncle Christopher Karanja a 63-year-old famer who is not rigid enough not to stand anyone younger than him. However, the fine-tuned relationship he’s been having with his nephew was not born out of respect but out of the generational understanding.
The age difference between the two has raised questions around their neighbourhood. The free spirited family are fully engaged in each other’s lives. After the death of John’s parents, Christopher who is still a bachelor and the state of environment he grew up in changed when he adopted John as his son.
“At first, I did not understand his needs, and with the emergence of technology I could tell that my world view was about to change,”
“When John turned sixteen years Old, arguments increased, I became less and less interested with the role of being a father,” Christopher timidly speaks.
The intergenerational clash lessened when he understood his character was different from his nephew’s from how both of them thought about certain things in life.
Generational differences regarding attitudes, work behaviour and life choices are signs of diverse economic trends. The context for the younger generations is very different than that of their parents or grandparents.
The future of the generations.
The culture that has been implied to different generations has led to the clash between the generations, some which is founded on stereotypic ideologies. The differences that do exist between any generations should be treated as problem that has led to segregation.
“When generational attitudes run apart, different life experiences are inculcated based on their principles and moral understanding of life, we need to build bridges from this ideologies,” Jane Mucau a psychologist-cum-parent said.
Recognizing the value all generations is very critical. Each generation can learn from each other on interests such as institutional knowledge and experience, thus creating leverage of the diverse never ending skillset and experience that will drive innovation.
The pace of innovation and disruption will only intensify in the years to come. The changes will be based on how each generation works, but the values underlying quality work will not.
Building a strong relationship between the generations, one based on respect and dialogue, will allow people to steer through the winds of change while remaining rooted in understanding each other’s value and philosophy in life.
“Unity is Key in establishing a middle ground in the intergenerational crisis. A path of self-discovery, understanding and tolerance will make a difference between every generation,” Christopher Karanja said.
The Flag of Morocco Photo Courtesy: alltherooms.com
The Kingdom of Morocco originally had its inhabitants as the Berbers. This later changed when the Arabs invaded Morocco between the 7th– 9th century causing a shift in the culture and religion of the latter. It is acclaimed that Morocco was once a province of the Roman Empire as highlighted by https://www.globalblackhistory.com/2019/02/a-brief-history-of-the-kingdom-of-morocco.html.
In 1906, Morocco was a joint colony of France and Spain. This was later cemented with a treaty known as the Treaty of Fez in 1912. This all came within the leadership of Sultan Moulay Yusuf, an Alaouite Sultan, who succeeded King Ahmed of the Saadi Arab tribe who died during the early 17th Century as written by https://www.lawrenceofmorocco.com/country. Upon Sultan Moulay Yusuf’s death, the French appointed Sidi Muhammad, also known as Muhammad V, to take charge as Sultan in 1927. This however, didn’t favor them, as the newly appointed Sultan consolidated powers and threatened French’s rule and power over Morocco as written by https://www.globalblackhistory.com/2019/02/a-brief-history-of-the-kingdom-of-morocco.html
Muhammad V (Sidi Muhammad) photo courtesy: www.ipost.com
The French responded by exiling Mohamed V in Corsica. This unexpectedly caused a major uproar from the nationalists who started an independent movement due to the reverence they accorded Muhammed V with- as a national hero.
This resulted to the French bringing him back to take up the seat of a King and not a Sultan anymore in 1956 when Morocco gained independence. “Although Morocco gained its independence in 1956, Spain still colonizes two parts of Morocco to this day. The cities of Ceuta and Melilla and a small chain of islands of the coast in the Atlantic Ocean are still under the control of Spain,” https://colonizationofmorocco.weebly.com/independence.html.
In 1961, King Muhammad V died and his Son, Hassan the Second took charge of the newly formed Monarchy until 1999 when he died leaving his position for his son, Mohammed VI.
King Hassan the Second Photo Courtesy: www.youtube.com
This Monarchical seat of Morocco is hereditary though with an adopted constitution of 1992 that stipulates the laws of the land. The Moroccan Constitution highlights three arms of the government namely: Judicial, Legislative and Executive as written by https://globaledge.msu.edu/countries/morocco/government.
The Monarch appoints the Prime Minister who is the head of the government. This is done with the assurity that the appointed Prime Minister is from the largest party in Parliament. The Monarch is also regarded as the ‘Commander of the Faithful’ and a secular political leader- an item that is not in practice in Lesotho.
In as much a constitution stipulates what governs the state, the Monarch has a supreme hold of the Monarchy. He is involved in all the nitty-gritties of the Monarch to ensure order and respect for the Kingdom is fully given by its citizenry.
King Mohammed VI of Morocco Photo Courtesy: www.bbc.com Prime Minister Saad Eddine El Othmani Photo Courtesy: www.moroccoworldnews.com
Irrespective of the political tensions and the ‘lack of democracy’ from an international perspective, the Kingdom of Morocco stands out in its own format. From its authentic culture to its beautiful towns and not forgetting their tasty meals served in Tagine clay-pots; this is a Kingdom worth traveling and learning about!
Shukran bezzef! (Thank you in Moroccan-Arabic)
Casabalanca – A city in Morocco Photo Courtesy: www.amazon.com
Tagine Pot/Clay Pot Photo Courtesy: www.factmagazine.com
