BBC Focus on Africa Magazine

This was meant to be the last year that I worked from my home country. I had previously cherished the notion of travelling abroad to find happiness and a well-paid job. In the past I have chosen to ignore the so-called dangers faced by migrant workers, feeling that this is a media campaign to prevent Africans from going West to find lucrative jobs.

But after reading Leslie Goffe’s ‘Packing for Home’ article in the April-June issue, I am now convinced that hankering after jobs in the West is fraught with more trouble than one would ever imagine. The current economic downturn in much of Europe and the United States means that most migrant workers are seen as a nuisance. I have therefore decided not to waste any more money in searching for the so-called greener pastures of the West.

Helmut Wagabi, Mombasa, Kenya

Jobs for the people

The transition in North Africa was covered in your April-June edition in a very well-balanced way. One aspect has to be added though. For all the euphoria that now sweeps through the streets of Cairo or Tunis one must never forget that it will be vital for new governments to create jobs.

If ordinary people do not see improvements in their daily struggle for survival, the euphoria will soon vanish and dissatisfaction and despair will follow. It is of paramount importance that the West helps in creating jobs. Unless a new economic cooperation between Europe and Africa is established now, the new governments in Egypt and Tunisia will have to fight an economic struggle they cannot win. If they fail what might happen afterwards could be worse than what they got rid of.

Wolfgang Fasching, Perchtoldsdorf, Austria

Justice at Last

Gitau Warigi’s article ‘Delaying Tactics’ in your last issue is a true reflection of a popular saying that ‘what goes around comes around.’ Now the chips are down and those who allegedly perpetrated the heinous crimes after the Kenyan elections in 2008 are being called to account. That President Mwai Kibaki is working assiduously to forestall the effort of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to get the alleged perpetrators indicted is highly questionable.

However, the fact that these six big fish will now stand before the ICC to answer some questions is a big plus for the ICC’s prosecutor, Moreno Ocampo. At least ordinary Kenyans will have the opportunity to know what happened in the middle of the night when all honest men were asleep.

Chris Nnadi, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria

Hairy Business

The news that Joseph Warungu, your former editor-in-chief, was saying goodbye to Bush House after years of enjoyable service at the BBC depressed me. I guess tears dropped from Uncle Joe’s eyes as he said shukran to his fans. As he noted, the best of dancers will one day take the spectator’s seat. He deserves a rest because the passion of his presentation was not just unique, but taxing. I remember hearing him narrate how much effort was needed to present the programme Africa Have Your Say.

The photographic contrast between the Warungu of 1992 and 2011 is not a matter of little consequence. The winds of change that have blown through the continent during Warungu’s career have blown off his very hair. Uncle Joe needs to pick an umbrella, electric fan and power-generating set if he wishes to return to Mama Africa.

But just before he makes up his mind about what he wants to do with his life, let me warn him in advance that African democracies have a dubious reputation of co-opting great talents like him into their administrations to defend the indefensible.

Felix Uche Akam, Bigard, Enugu State, Nigeria

Sad Farewell

Your last edition announced the departure of yet another voice on BBC Focus on Africa. I have only known two editors-in-chief of the magazine; Joseph Warungu and his predecessor Robin White, who was notable for putting stinging questions to African leaders. Well, whether Joseph will be coming home to stay with his cousins or not, as a listener and reader of your radio and magazine respectively, I will miss him.

Finally I would like to urge Focus on Africa to give us pictures of our presenters instead of boring us with the exaggerated list of the so-called African icons. And also give us another African editor-in-chief; preferably a lady.

Okello George Francis, Bukedea District, Uganda

Come down to earth

Georgina Smith’s ‘Under a Cloud’ article in your April-June issue highlights a trend which is replicated in the dark, murky slums of practically every city in Africa. Much has been said about the role of unemployment, the breakdown of basic amenities and the deterioration of the social fabric in fuelling drug-addiction.

But not enough emphasis is placed on individual responsibility to accept or reject narcotics as a quick fix to these problems. Such individuals should be roused from their helplessness and face life’s challenges squarely.

Timilehin Abayomi, Shomulu, Lagos, Nigeria

Everything to live for

As a humanist, I am concerned about issues affecting human life. Therefore, when I read in your April-June issue about Nam Kiwanuka’s failed attempt to commit suicide at the age of 13, I felt obliged to write to congratulate her a million times for not succeeding in taking her own life. As a columnist, Nam’s regular contributions in your magazine are full of life experiences that are often accompanied by suggestions or solutions. These serve as life diets for the survival and progress of both the old and young in Africa.

While I console Nam over her cousin’s death, I wish to assure her that she is very important to her numerous readers across Africa.

Indeed, I hope Nam will never consider suicide again.

Nick Ogbu Nweke, Enugu, Enugu state, Nigeria

This is a selection of letters published in the July-September 2011 edition of Focus on Africa magazine.

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