The Perks

DC is full of opportunities to do/see amazing things. Today I had one of those opportunities and I am extremely glad I took it.

President Koroma, of Sierra Leone, held a Town Hall meeting on campus. Apparently this sort of this happens often... in fact John Garang (The former leader of the SPLA, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement... for those of you who either haven't been around me long enough, or don't listen to a word I say) before he died. Man! My jaw dropped when I heard that... he came to MY college to speak... CRAZY!

Anyway, President Koroma has been in office for one year after being elected in a completely transparent democratic process of free and fair election. (hand clap inserted here). Now, you might not be familiar with the history of Sierra Leone, but if you have seen the movie Blood Diamond, you have a glimpse at their issues. The movie was based on what happened during the civil war in 1999 (the war lasted from 1991-2000). The diamond trade is a HUGE problem for the Sierra Leonians... but it certainly not the only one. They are the LOWEST country on the UN's Human development Index. Life expectancy is 42! 30% are literate, and only 10% of the population is even holds a birth certificate... which presents a huge barrier. Even when the social services are available (i.e. education, pension, etc.) You can't access it if you aren't registered, therefore your are not a citizen and have no record of your existence!

Sierra Leone is also a HUGE exporter of drugs and is incredibly reliant on imports for basic foods, which is unstable and unsustainable. There biggest industry is diamonds, but the Sierra Leonians are not making the money... Western organizers are. Add on top of all of that chronic governmental corruption and insufficient infrastructure and you have quite the mess for President Koroma to address.

President Koroma has been universally praised for his dedication to the democratic process, his stance in combatting corruption through extreme transparency, and his comprehensive plan to reform the basic infrastructure for the country. He spoke about his plan to address a consistent and reliable energy source, to increase wattage in the city as well as in rural communities. He addressed his plan to enhance the agriculture industry and to increase rice production and negate the need for import. He outlined issues from combating drug trafficking to building bridges and roads.

But that isn't what got me. I was in a room full, and I mean FULL, of Sierra Leonians living in the states. It was fascinating to interact with such a alrge group of Africans within the borders of my own county. It made me miss it. During the opening they expressed their desire to keep the program short to allow for more Q&A at the end. We went through the national anthems, etc... then they had two guys come up to pray, one Muslim and one Christian. SL is about 60% Muslim, 30% Christian and 10% indigenous and tribal religions.

I quickly realized i had never heard a Muslim prayer before, at least I had not been present for one. The Ambassador who introduced him reiterated their need to keep it short (not normal practice in Africa, heh). The guy started chanting/singing and they got a point where everyone joined him and said AMEN. Thought it was over... but I was wrong... the guy kept going... Everyone started mumbling to each other... it was very strange.. then suddenly a chorus of voices started saying amen(not in unison)... the guy just stopped and glared at everyone. Then when they stopped.... he kept going! It was soo crazy. After another round, where people didn't seem to care he was still going... loudly talking amongst themselves. Suddenly everyone said Amen again, in unison. The guy had a completely straight face and said something like, "I know I am supposed to be quick (insert laughter from audience) but I have a few words for our president (insert crazy groaning and whining)"... It was sooo strange, comical even. He quieted them down by promising it would only take one minute. He gave the president the gift of the Koran, "the greatest gift a Muslim can give," he said. Anyway... they basically chased in off the stage. Then the Reverend gets up to resounding cheers... could this audience be a little bias? The guy took like 45 seconds. It was hilarious.

Anyway, I know this doesn't translate well, it's one of those 'you had to be there' experiences, but trust me... it was a cultural one.

After the president spoke, he took questions... the people did not hold back! They asked things like... how are you fighting corruption and encouraging national unity in your own government? how long do you plan to stay in office? what are you doing about female genital manipulation? Not only is he pushing legislation to encourage transparency (I.E. politicians now have to declare their personal assets), he is including opposition in his government and seriously pursuing unity. He is actually obeying the constitution of the country! He is pursuing the interest of human rights and working to empower and educate the people.

It was amazing to see what could possibly be one of the first free democracies in Africa emerge! If president sticks to what he said tonight and serves the two terms allowed within the constitution, and makes the changes he says he will... we are talking about only the second country to make such progress on the entire continent!

Cross you fingers and say a prayer... because this could be the beginning of real change for the people of Sierra Leone. His first year has been a great start.