In the USA and Europe there has been strong criticism ofinternational organisations,such as the United Nations,for their slowness in reacting to crises in countries such as Somalia and indeed Rwanda. The question to be asked however, is whether non-African organisations and former colonial powers have any legitimate role to play in African politics and African conflicts. In my view African problems need African solutions - not artificial resolutions imposed by non-African nations. An important factor to be taken into account is that often only neighbouring countries in Africa are able to respond to crises in time to sort them out before they become international incidents. A case in point was during an uprising in the Kingdom ofLesotho where South Africa sent in troops and was able to, not only stabilise the country, but restore the rightful ruler, thus preventing what could have degenerated into the civil wars we see elsewhere on the continent. Although the involvement by some African countries in local conflicts has not always been this philanthropic and some have displayed a greater vested interest in fuelling them,this is the exception and most nations have a genuine interest in resolving such situations. Regional intervention is also often much more effective in producing long-term change. Whilst groups such as the UN may be successful in keeping peace in the countries in which they are involved (questionable in itself), once the soldiers leave, their philosophy leaves too. By having regional groups intervene instead, we can be sure that the influences they have in the country will not leave once the soldiers have,as regional politics will ensure that progress after peacekeeping is continued. Another feature which mitigates against outside intervention is that most ofthe powerful countries and organisations are loath to become involved in the sort of"peacemaking" needed in African countries. To fight the sorts of guerrilla wars going on in places such as the DRC,active and direct participation ofinfantry and other elements of armies are required. Therefore the current trend away from this sort of military action (as in Kosovo)is ill-suited to dealing with African problems. From the evidence above it is thus clear that African conflicts do indeed require African solutions. International organisations such as the United Nations,although well-intentioned, lack necessary insight into African politics and consequently their solutions can and will do little more than to produce short-term change. S JONSON - GRADE 12 EXTRACTFROM ... "The masks people wear" "All the world's a stage. And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts. His acts being seven ages". William Shakespeare (As You Like It) No one has ever expressed it quite as clearly as Shakespeare, who truly understood that man is an adept actor and in his lifetime dons many masks. The sad thing is that an actor has rehearsed his role, and his mask picked out for him and is paid to wear his mask on stage for a relatively short period oftime, whereas everyday man is forced by society to permanently wear an array ofmasks and product an impromptu show. From a very young age we learn the need for wearing masks. Little boys may not cry, must be tough and are expected to put on a brave face. Girls, on the other hand,find the need to be constantly charming and cute, so they put on the coquettish mask and have all and sundry wrapped around their little fingets. Parents are forever telling their children how to behave and they dutifully obey by putting on the relevant masks on command - often against their own will, but knowing that the parents will be appeased. As life goes on society continues to demand the use of masks for any and every occasion and by this stage what was a conscious act has become a way of life. Saddest of all is that we are so accepting of this use of masks and forget how to be honest and sincere and no longer know who we are. A personal identity is probably the most unique and valuable possession of all and yet we seem to attach such a small price to it and willingly sell out to society's demands. We are so quick to put on a mask to please those around us, but we never seem to get around to pleasing ourselves. Appearance versus reality seems to be our motto fot life and as long as we can smile and "put on a happy face" then we are equipped for just about any situation in life. D SINCLAIR - GRADE 12 63
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