Recently I was informed that a good friend of mine in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia had been thrown in jail for a crime that he did not commit. Allegedly, my friend was charged with vehicular homicide of a street boy. If you are not familiar with the Ethiopian justice system or the jail accommodations, let’s just say they are the epitome of “unforgiving”. From what I have been told, my friend was at a bar watching a football game on the other side of town during the time of the accident. Witnesses also have said that the car that hit the boy was a white Jeep whereas my friend drove a black truck, which had no dents or damage. Out of the 4-5 million people in Addis Ababa, the police only knocked on my friend’s door. Fishy might you ask?! Sounds like someone influential wants him out of the way if you ask me!
On another note, my former roomie has dedicated her career to working with causes that fight injustice throughout the world. After her post in Ethiopia, she continued to challenge herself and took up another one in Darfur, Sudan. She has recently returned home to the US after being held captive for 105 days.
As for myself, I’ve had similar experiences while working in Africa. No, I have not been kidnapped nor slept in an Ethiopian jail cell; instead I was stuck in the middle of 2 battling influential businesspersons – corporate warfare is a bitch and way more volatile in a country such as Ethiopia where things can just “happen” or people just “disappear”. Think about China 25 years ago. I was lucky to be able to move on unscathed.
I think it’s easy for others to criticize the choices that my friends and I have made. Some would even accuse us of bringing it upon ourselves and sabotaging our careers. Friend #1 is a respectable entrepreneur and engineer who chose to leave his career in Europe to return back to his roots in hopes of giving back to his people – literally “building” a future for the community. Friend #2 is not crazy for going to Darfur. Yes, that region may be plagued with conflict and violence; but it is because of people like Friend #2 that those places and people have not been forgotten by you and I.
We are not stupid nor naïve for believing in opportunities in Africa. We may run into brick walls here and there. And yes, bureaucracy still hinders many businesses and development projects on the Continent. However, opportunities also exist and they are tangible. We can all do our part to contribute to Africa’s continuing prosperity. As the impressive lone female African head of state, Liberian president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf likes to say, there are no poor countries, just rich countries that are poorly managed. Through ambition, hard work, determination, perseverance and sheer luck; it is possible for dreams to become reality.
Musician Judith Franklin reminded me of Shirley Horn’s “Here’s To Life” today. Shirley truly sang this song with every ounce of her soul and her lyrics…well, nothing less than inspiring. End result, absolutely stunning.
No complaints and no regrets.
I still believe in chasing dreams and placing bets.
But i have learned that all you give is all you get, so give it all you got.
I had my share, i drank my fill, and even though i’m satisfied i’m hungry still
To see what’s down another road, beyond a hill and do it all again.
So here’s to life and all the joy it brings.
Here’s to life the dreamers and their dreams.
Funny how the time just flies.
How love can turn from warm hellos to sad goodbyes
And leave you with the memories you’ve memorized
To keep your winters warm.
There’s no yes in yesterday.
And who knows what tomorrow brings or takes away.
As long as i’m still in the game i want to play
For laughs, for life, for love.
So here’s to life and all the joy it brings.
Here’s to life, the dreamers and their dreams.
May all your storms be weathered,
And all that’s good get better.
Here’s to life, here’s to love, here’s to you.
May all your storms be weathered,
And all that’s good get better.
Here’s to life, here’s to love, here’s to you.
Filed under: Africa, Ethiopia, Life, Music, Photography, Sudan, Thoughts, Travel, Addis Ababa, aid worker kidnapped in Africa, Darfur, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Ethiopia, Flavia Wagner, Here's To Life, injustice, Judith Franklin, Leonardo Sibona, living in Africa, perseverance, pros and cons of Africa, Shirley Horn, Sudan, weathering storms, working in Africa
