SUNDAY VANGUARD, DECEMBER 8, 2013, PAGE 15
UNCOMMON HYPOCRISY
In death, Mandela pulls a joke on world leaders BY CHARLES KUMOLU
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t was a death not foretold but largely expected, leaving in its trail an outpouring of uncommon tributes from hitherto known friends, foes, dissidents, antagonists, protagonists and perhaps loners speaking with one voice. But that is one of the many surprising ironies of life, international diplomacy and gesture. While these could be Vladmir Putin of Russia Assad of Syria regarded as the ironic reality of Nelson Mandela’s demise, it vividly captures the sheer hypocrisy which global leaders use in achieving political objectives. However, looked at from whichever prism, the uncommon tributes pouring in from global leaders following the exit of the former South African President are uncommon and can only Venezuelan President Queen Elizabetth of come once in life time. Nicolas Maduro England The development appears to have cast a Li said Mandela spent all his life pall on the acclaimed ideology of these leaders, who, before now, were known to advocating and implementing racial equality and reconciliation. He not only have largely acted and are acting in was a hero in the heart of South Afribreach of the ideals that Mandela lived for cans, but also won global recognition, Li and represented. added. In fact, the striking aspects of Mandela’s Stressing that Mandela had made political legacy, which are non-violent great contributions to the establishment revolution and peaceful resistance, reconciliation, selfless leadership, do not seem to and development of friendly cooperamatter to some of these leaders. tion between China and South Africa, Li That is why the tributes are being dismissed said his unfortunate death had led in some quarters as coming from those, who Chinese people to lose a close friend. are hardly on the same page with Madiba, He expressed deep condolences on particularly on issues that relate to global behalf of the Chinese government and peace. Chinese people. And these unusual tributes and dirges speak Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong volumes about the matter: Lei said, on Friday, that a Chinese leader will attend the ceremonies President Assad of Syria, who is currently arranged by South Africa to mourn the fighting a revolt against his rule, said passing of Mandela. Nelson Mandela’s life was an inspiration to Chinese President Xi Jinping and freedom fighters and a lesson to tyrants. Premier Li Keqiang have sent messages If there was any joke regarding the of condolence to South African Presibarrage of condolence messages, it is the dent Jacob Zuma to express their one sent by Assad of Syria. For a ruler who heartfelt sympathies. has virtually destroyed his own country But the question on many lips rebecause he is waging a war against those he main: Does China or its leaders have termed terrorists, the joke is on him. anything in common with the ideals of Inspiration and lesson! May be Assad sent Mandela? out the wrong condolence message. England US. President Barack Obama “Mandela no longer belongs to us, he belongs to the ages. “Madiba transformed South Africa and moved all of us,” Obama said. “His journey from a prisoner to a president embodied the promise that human beings — and countries — can change for the better. “The day that he was released from prison gave me a sense of what human beings can do when they’re guided by their hopes and Queen Elizabeth II said she was not their fears,” Obama further said. “I “deeply saddened” to learn of Mr cannot fully imagine my own life without Mandela’s death, describing him as the example that Nelson Mandela set, and one of the towering figures of the 20th so long as I live I will do what I can to learn century who inspired young and old from him.” Obama’s tribute is understandwith his fight for equality. Meanable. At least he claims that the man while, she was on the throne while the shaped his political career and the apartheid regime got endorsements American President does not appear to from the Crown for decades. be doing a bad job.
ted to the end of his days to the ideals of humanism and justice.” Pray, was Putin addressing the Russian people or was he performing a ritual and a hollow, very hollow one at that. Would it not have been more honourable if Putin had added something like: “And from this day, I, as the Russian leader, would imbibe and act the ideals of the late sage?” French President Francois Hollande said Mr Mandela’s message would “continue to inspire fighters for freedom and to give confidence to peoples in the defence of just causes and universal rights”. Ban Ki-moon: “Let us continue each day to be inspired by Nelson Mandela’s lifelong example”? Germany’s Angela Merkel said Mr Mandela’s “political legacy of non-violence and the condemnation of all forms of racism” would continue to inspire. Ghana’s President John Mahama told the BBC Mr Mandela was the greatest African who ever lived. Senegalese President Macky Sall said “Nelson Mandela was undoubtedly the most influential man of the century”, a “role model for Africans and also for humanity”. He said Mr Mandela gave Africans “pride in being black - a dignity in being a black man”. Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta praised him for living “an extraordinary life in a very ordinary way. His legacy encrypts the story of humanity now and tomorrow.” For a man whose case at the International Criminal Court is yet to be resolved it is indeed an irony of “extraordinary” proportions that such a statement came from his office. President Goodluck Jonathan said Mandela was an “inspiration to the oppressed peoples all over the world” and had made “unparalleled personal sacrifices”. One of Mandela’s sacrifices was leaving the stage when the ovation was loudest before the setting-in of the law of diminishing returns. Africa needs leaders who would make more of the sacrifices.
Liberia’s President and Nobel peace prize laureate Ellen Johnston Sirleaf told the BBC that Mr Mandela was a constant inspiration and would never be forgotten: “Nelson Mandela lives on as his life will continue to be the guiding light for those who excel, for those who have suffered for freedom and for peace.” Even for a female politician, the last election that brought her back to power and the way the politics of it went cannot be said to be a “guiding light for those” who want to excel in the once war-ravaged country. Brazil’s Dilma Rousseff said Mr Mandela would “guide all those who fight for social
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For a ruler who has virtually destroyed his own country because he is waging a war against those he termed terrorists, the joke is on him. Inspiration and lesson! May be Assad sent out the wrong condolence message
China A cross-section of the Chinese society, from the ruling Communist Party’s leadership cadre to scholars and activists pushing for political change, also mourned the passing of Mandela, triggering debates and difficult questions. The country’s Vice President, Li Yuanchao, on Friday, went to the South African Embassy in Beijing to mourn the death of the country’s former president. Li stood in silent tribute in front of a bust of Mandela and signed a book of condolences.
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UK Prime Minister David Cameron: “One of the brightest lights of our world has gone out” Pope Francis Pope Francis said Mr Mandela had forged “a new South Africa built on the firm foundations of non-violence, reconciliation and truth”. A good man speaketh! Russian President Vladimir Putin said: “Mandela, having gone through the most difficult ordeals, was commit-
justice and for peace in the world”. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro compared the death of Mr Mandela to the passing of the late Venezuelan leader, Hugo Chavez: “Nine months after the departure of our commander, today another giant of the people leaves this world. Madiba you will live forever!” Perish the thought. On what basis is Maduro comparing Chavez with Mandela? His election to power was a product of debauchery. Cuban leader Raul Castro said he was grateful for Mr Mandela’s friendship and steadfast support of the Cuban people. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said: “This is as much India’s loss as South Africa’s. He was a true Gandhian. His life and work will remain a source of eternal inspiration for The United Nations Secreatry Genera, Mr. Ban Ki Moon described him as “ a giant for justice and a down-to-earth human inspiration”.