Before condemning South Africans, let us examine our own memory
via Gabon Review8 min read
Dr. Paul Avougou Ndila, a journalist and expert in organizational strategy, offers a perspective on xenophobic violence in South Africa, urging a look beyond immediate condemnation. He highlights the selective nature of indignation, noting that many condemn South Africans without acknowledging the suffering endured during apartheid. Dr. Ndila recalls Gabon's discreet but crucial support for the African National Congress ANC under President Omar Bongo Ondimba. He mentions Nelson Mandela's visit to Gabon in 1991, where Mandela thanked President Bongo and the Gabonese people for their efforts in securing his release. Dr. Ndila also points out the continued existence of Orania, an Afrikaner enclave in South Africa, as an example of selective outrage, as no pan-African body has condemned this de facto segregation. He argues that xenophobia is not exclusive to South Africa, citing examples from the United States, France, Qatar, Australia, and Russia. Furthermore, he addresses the history of slavery, including the Arab-Muslim slave trade, to emphasize that no civilization is exempt from such historical realities. Finally, he encourages Gabon to examine its own economic landscape, questioning the lack of competitive national businesses and the reliance on foreign entrepreneurs, rather than blaming foreign traders. Dr. Ndila concludes by advocating for lucidity, action, and a comprehensive historical memory over selective indignation.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Gabon Review.
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