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Sir,

Freedom is such an abstract concept that one wonders if it can ever be deduced to a single concept that is understood across the world, in the thousands of languages that we engage in. Freedom means different things to different people. In Africa, the conversations around freedoms are arguably more intense than many parts of the world.

As a whole, the status of freedom on our continent is hardly consistent. There are certain things that citizens are allowed to do in one country that others in a neighbouring land can only dream of. The status of freedoms in Africa is extremely ironic, considering that we have piles of constitutions, policies and frameworks that promote and legalise the very same rights that citizens are constantly denied. Freedom of speech is a constant ‘hot potato’ in many of our countries and depending on the situation, defying the ‘rules’ ranges from harassment to death. We have read countless stories about journalists who have been arrested, tortured and even killed for their desire to publish stories that give us a true picture of what is really going on.

Accountable

A true people’s government is one that is accountable to the people. A government that embraces criticism and rejects handing out food parcels to secure votes. A government that does not kidnap dissenting individuals in the middle of the night to keep information from going to print. There is no freedom when you attend a peaceful demonstration to protest and the response from elected officials is teargas and assault.

Former African leader Idi Amin is alleged to have uttered this now infamous quote, ‘You have freedom of speech but I cannot guarantee your freedom after that speech’. I look around Africa and I realise that in many ways, Amin’s chilling quote reflects the stance of many African leaders. If you ever get the opportunity to lead a nation, please don’t get bitten by the same power hungry and paranoid bug.

Chris F