Bartamaha (Nairobi):- Editor-In-Chief of the New Crusading Guide, Malik Kwaku Baako, is hoping ex-president Rawlings’ recent appointment as an AU Special Envoy For Peace In Somalia will keep him busy from his constant rantings and ravings.
The African Union (AU) said last week it has appointed former Ghanaian leader, Jerry Rawlings as his special envoy to Somalia. The Chairperson of the AU Commission, Mr. Jean Ping said Mr. Rawlings was chosen because he was a “high-level personality” who could garner support and generate more attention to the conflict in the Horn of Africa nation, which has not had an effective government since 1991.
Mr. Baako, who welcomed the appointment, believes his former close pal’s criticisms are now insults-laden, thus making it very difficult to draw a line between what are genuine concerns.
According to him, just last week, the former President was in his usual elements when he stated that his criticisms of the Mills’ government is nothing personal but a result of the latter’s inability to pursue the agenda the electorate voted for.
“I will be doing the people of Ghana a great disservice if I look on unconcerned as matters take a turn for the worst…Who says I have not attempted on numerous occasions to voice my feelings candidly and forcefully in private?” Mr. Rawlings asked.
Delivering the Guest of Honor’s address at the climax of activities marking the Tagbaza festival of the people of Anlo-Afiadenyiba in the Volta Region on Saturday, October 9, the former President said: “When I speak I do not speak for myself. I speak for the suffering masses who, though not expecting magic overnight, also see no light at the end of the tunnel because the status quo the NPP left behind is intact!”
But the New Crusading Guide Editor-in-chief believes the country has had enough of Mr. Rawlings and his continuous outburst at the Mills’ administration in particular, and Ghanaians in general.
Speaking as a panelist on Peace FM’s “Kokrokoo” programme, Mr. Baako said it was understandable and perhaps even justified, when Mr. Rawlings rained verbal invectives on ex-President Kufuor and some of his appointees, because the NPP was his (Rawlings) political adversary, but to do the same thing to his own party which is in power, despite all his accumulated experience and knowledge of politics and governance is “irritating”.
He said Mr. Rawlings is not contributing effectively to the Mills administration with his attitude, since he has become a permanent agitator against the NDC, by rather lambasting the government and inspiring foot soldiers directly and indirectly.
Former Prez Jerry John Rawlings The appointment of Rawlings, who ruled Ghana for two decades, first as a military leader then as elected president, comes at a time when AU troops are engaged in fierce battles with Islamist rebels bent on toppling the internationally-backed administration in Mogadishu.
Rawlings, 63, will be tasked with “mobilizing” the continent and the rest of the international community to fully assume its responsibilities and contribute more actively to the quest for peace, security and reconciliation in Somalia…He will work in close co-ordination with the countries of the region, the UN, including the Security Council and its members, the EU, the league of Arab States, the OIC and other bilateral and multilateral partners,” the AU statement said.
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Source:- Peace FM Online.
