What goes around comes around, as the devil comes to roost in Libya

Governor Clarkson was apocalyptic in delivering his prayers for Sierra Leone. In one of his solemn prayers for the country, Sierra Leone, he echoed that whosoever destroyed  or planned an attack on the country  will perish before his death or fall from grace to grass. In one of the popular statements of former Liberian president, Charles Taylor, he remarked that, “Sierra Leone will taste the bitterness of War”. Innocent as the country was, nobody knew where the handiwork of evil was coming from.  In less than a year, Sierra Leone was invaded by the Revolutionary United Front led by Foday Sankoh. Later, the whole world knew that the architects of the crisis in both Liberia and Sierra Leone was hatched in Libya.   The country was embroiled in a war that devastated millions of people.  The people of Sierra Leone prayed for freedom and called on the backers to desist from supporting such heinous plots. The backers ignored the plea.  The war of Foday Sankoh slaughtered thousands of innocent people and millions were displaced. The question that begged for answer was, Why Sierra Leone? Where was this plot machinated?  (Photo: Ibrahim Sourie Mansaray)

The recent events in Libya have reverberated through the minds of those who had never thought of such a revolution against one of the so-called revolutionaries, Gadaffi. In terms of political instability in Africa, it is undeniable that in almost all the cases in Africa, it is evident the major problem is leadership. In this context, Africa has seen its freedom heroes turn into dictators, while plundering of natural resources, politics of exclusion and deprivation to tilt the balance of power continues to dominate the public sphere.

In the 1990s, Libya became the haven of so-called revolutionaries. The former Liberian President, Charles Taylor and his protégé, Foday Sankoh launched a rebellion in both Sierra Leone and Liberia. Their aspirations were from Libya. The “Green Book” became the symbol of liberation. There was political instability in Africa with most so-called liberators securing support from Gaddafi. In the 80s, Gaddafi launched a deadly war in Chad for the Aouzi strip. Many people were killed on both sides.

Gaddafi has been a bag of mixed blessings for the continent of Africa. What he preaches in his Green Book is in complete contrast on what he operates. His army has been infested with spies, his sons control various and equipped sets of the army more than the regular army. The appearance of his son on national television marked a complete picture of the way and manner Gaddafi has been ruling the country.  The latest report of Gaddafi ordering his air force to fire on protesters manifested his callous and bleak vision for his people and country.

Considering Gaddafi’s role in the instability of Sierra Leone, the destruction of lives will ever haunt his soul, image and his conscious. Indeed, during the 90s, Sierra Leone had its life threatening political and economic conditions. These include bad governance, lowly educated population, poor economic conditions and a host of other vices. With all these factors, the people of Sierra Leone never wanted a change that would involve loss of lives, property and mass migration.  It is no hidden secret that some African leaders still cherish the ideal of dancing with the devil. The visit of Gaddafi to Sierra Leone in 2007 was heavily criticized by prominent journalists like Olu Gordon, Philip Neville and a host of others. Their protests were based on the destruction of the country by the handiwork of Gaddafi. Though their cries fell on deaf ears, his visit was approved by the erstwhile leadership of Tejan Kabba.

Gaddafi had been a spoiler in every facet. At the United Nations General Assembly, Gaddafi openly threw the UN charter and praised the role of the Somali pirates. As if that was not enough, Gaddafi called on Nigerians  to have two countries on religious grounds.  Whilst calling on Nigeria to have two countries, Gaddafi condemned Southern Sudan for calling for independence and remarked that would send a bad signal to other African countries.

True to the words of Governor Clarkson, it is an undeniable fact that Sierra Leone is blessed. Those who have struck catastrophe on the country have perished and will continue to do so. The people of the country are friendly, hospitable and accommodating and yet some people have paid the people with killing and mayhem.

The Almighty God has blessed the country and its people, and though the country may have bad people as in all cases in life, those with intentions of bringing mayhem, havoc and destruction will follow the likes of Foday Sankoh, Sam Bockarie and others.

Gaddafi, the thousands of lives lost in Sierra Leone as a result of the war will follow you wherever you go. Indeed the chickens have come to roost.

By Ibrahim Sourie Mansaray

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