Comments on: Blessed Are The Peace Volunteers http://www.andycarling.com/2009/12/blessed-are-the-peace-volunteers/ Words, Photos, Websites Wed, 03 Feb 2010 02:32:24 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9 hourly 1 By: Ibrahim Tafawa Balewa http://www.andycarling.com/2009/12/blessed-are-the-peace-volunteers/comment-page-1/#comment-82 Ibrahim Tafawa Balewa Wed, 03 Feb 2010 02:32:24 +0000 http://www.andycarling.com/?p=710#comment-82 I am graduate of European Studies: International Relations from the University of Wolverhampton (1992). At that time, the course was structured around the E.E.C. and the possibility of its development into a larger, stronger and more effective body. Today we have the E.U.! Even though I was born and educated in the U.K., I have lived in a number of countries such as Japan, Senegal, France and The Republic of Niger. my parents were Diplomats and also Nigerian. In recent years, I have been consulting for the Nigerian parliament on ''International Matters'' and as a result have been working in the areas of Conflict Resolution and Peace Building. This is an subject that I consider to be critical with regards to the future and stability of the West African Sub-Region. Today in Nigeria there is the issue of the Niger-Delta economic devastation and there are disgruntled minority groups in the North; i.e. Fulanis in Plateau State, Katafs in Kaduna State etc… We are surrounded by neighbouring countries who have literally ‘Struck Gold’ with the discovery of new mineral resources and Presidents who are nearing the completion of their constitutionally mandated terms of office and are not really well disposed to leaving office. These Presidents seem likely to manipulate their constitutions which their various opposition movements will surely rile against. That is the prognosis for the Sub-region and it is already starting to manifest itself. It is not a question of ‘if’ but ‘when’. In view of this, I see the creation of the European Peace Corps as a very positive move, especially if it is structured correctly and a clear role is defined. Points 2 and 3 of the American Peace Corps goals say it all. From my experience of Africa, so far, I feel The motive, impact and legitimacy of the E.U. is not being felt. However, with the development of a Corps that would address these deficiencies and go beyond the case of mere ''Funding' , that would work closely with local and ''highly'' experienced hands and set up a mechanism that would effec the desired impact, things will change. If any American organisation was to drop a toothpick anywhere in Africa, that effect is instantaniously felt. Why? The machinery!!! This initiative cannot be sole for the youth. There needs to be a balance, if not it will fail. I Look forward to hearing more about the EPC. ' I am graduate of European Studies: International Relations from the University of Wolverhampton (1992). At that time, the course was structured around the E.E.C. and the possibility of its development into a larger, stronger and more effective body. Today we have the E.U.!

Even though I was born and educated in the U.K., I have lived in a number of countries such as Japan, Senegal, France and The Republic of Niger. my parents were Diplomats and also Nigerian.

In recent years, I have been consulting for the Nigerian parliament on ”International Matters” and as a result have been working in the areas of Conflict Resolution and Peace Building. This is an subject that I consider to be critical with regards to the future and stability of the West African Sub-Region.

Today in Nigeria there is the issue of the Niger-Delta economic devastation and there are disgruntled minority groups in the North; i.e. Fulanis in Plateau State, Katafs in Kaduna State etc… We are surrounded by neighbouring countries who have literally ‘Struck Gold’ with the discovery of new mineral resources and Presidents who are nearing the completion of their constitutionally mandated terms of office and are not really well disposed to leaving office. These Presidents seem likely to manipulate their constitutions which their various opposition movements will surely rile against. That is the prognosis for the Sub-region and it is already starting to manifest itself. It is not a question of ‘if’ but ‘when’.

In view of this, I see the creation of the European Peace Corps as a very positive move, especially if it is structured correctly and a clear role is defined. Points 2 and 3 of the American Peace Corps goals say it all. From my experience of Africa, so far, I feel The motive, impact and legitimacy of the E.U. is not being felt. However, with the development of a Corps that would address these deficiencies and go beyond the case of mere ”Funding’ , that would work closely with local and ”highly” experienced hands and set up a mechanism that would effec the desired impact, things will change.

If any American organisation was to drop a toothpick anywhere in Africa, that effect is instantaniously felt. Why? The machinery!!!

This initiative cannot be sole for the youth. There needs to be a balance, if not it will fail.

I Look forward to hearing more about the EPC.
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