This speech by Ghanaian economist George Ayittey unleashes an almost breathtaking torrent of controlled anger toward corrupt leaders (ER calls them parasites) and the complacency of Africans that allows them to thrive. Click below to play the video.
FORUM | 9 Comments
I see ,and hear this clip two times.now i strongly wish to send this clip to addis abeba in the African summit and see our vampair monky leaders.
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February 1st, 2008 at 1:26 PM
It is now a regulation in FEW African countries for public elected officials to register their wealth prior to taking their position. I always wonder when will be the turn to Ethiopian leaders to make it obvious to the public how much they have and what incomes they have. They have big mouth when they talk about the economy, but it seems that they are afraid of talking about their wealth.
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February 1st, 2008 at 2:04 PM
Dear Elias,
Thanks for your great and quality work.
You are back to one of your shining moments again. Your interview with Ato Bulcha Demeksa was one of them. And this is another one. They are both intense and penetrating to the bone. They should be kept in our archives to remind us every day.
This Ghanain economist is on fire for Africa. I can’t wait to see all these blood sucker vampires who call themselves ‘leaders’ and parasites go away before they destroy Africa for good.
Elias, keep up the good work.
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February 1st, 2008 at 5:22 PM
Ethiopian Bro’s and Sis’s,
This well informed speaker is saying what the EPLF has been saying since 1972, before Eritrea was even a state. Self-reliance is the key. Liberation–economically, politically, and socially.
Is this just rhetoric? No. Some of you might not know this but the Eritrean government’s greatest development efforts are focused on what the speaker calls the “traditional economy.” 85% of Eritrea’s population lives in rural areas and most of the development efforts go towards building dams, hospitals, school, etc. in these areas. The government knows that if you have the people on your side absolutely nothing can break you–nothing!
I beg to differ with this speaker when he says, “Africa’s greatest wealth is her mineral resources.” False. Africa’s greatest wealth should be her people. When African governments understand this like the Eritrean’s have understood this, then anything is possible. What good is gold in the ground if your people don’t have the spirit to dig?
I don’t mean to bring this Eritrean stuff to this forum, but I only wish that you could see what I see. The same could just as easily been said for Ethiopia had the people bore a government that truly carried out their will. You can’t even find such a government in the sole superpower of the world. Ethiopian elites have a stranglehold on Ethiopian society. When will the people wake up? Elites have fooled the masses time and time again. Ethiopia needs a serious change if not social revolution. It seriously shocks me that people think Hailu Shawel (ex-Dergue) can serve the will of the people. I’m not promoting radicalism, but declare your rights as human beings BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY.
One of the many things Ethiopians overlook is the fact that Eritrea didn’t just liberate itself from Ethiopia, Eritrea underwent social revolution and removed the opportunist elites infesting the country. Without this, there can be no social justice. Every nation has it’s elites. You must destroy the elites. I don’t understand why Ethiopians subscribe to government-recognized political parties when the government slaughters the people. I don’t understand why soldiers don’t flood the ranks of pro-unity, non-ethnic, anti-corruption, peace-first, grassroots organizations with military wings that look to transform Ethiopian society. I can almost guarantee you that the Eritrean government is actively in search of such a party and will help them to reach their goals. However, keep in mind that Eritrea can and never will do things for Ethiopia. Ethiopians must find it within themselves to liberate themselves. Her strength must be in her own people. Period.
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February 1st, 2008 at 11:35 PM
What a brave and true son of Africa .
George Ayittey, God bless you.
These blood suckers flocking together all around African
cities conspire against poor and hungry citizens of the continent.
When wiould Africa be free from these parasites and murders.
Thank you again George Ayittey.
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February 2nd, 2008 at 12:29 AM
Ghanaian are doing well because of the high price of gold…. but they will find out soon it takes more then gold to keep a country together.
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February 2nd, 2008 at 1:07 AM
Eritrean wrote: “You must destroy the elites.”
Were you Mengistu’s friend?
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February 2nd, 2008 at 4:53 PM
self reliance my friends. Stop taking aid from your Masters.
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February 2nd, 2008 at 8:09 PM
Naga Tuma,
When I say “destroy the elites,” I don’t mean literally destroy them or butcher them. I mean destroy their power base and their stranglehold on society. Radicalism is never wise.
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February 3rd, 2008 at 9:28 PM