Préface de la biographie du Prof. Sinsin Augustin Brice par Prof. Guy Apollinaire MENSAH



Pourquoi Dr Ir. Roland Holou a-t-il décidé faire la biographie de son maître Prof. Sinsin et l’intituler « Le Vrai Secret de la Vie et du Succès de l’Intellectuel et Développeur Africain Sinsin Augustin Brice » ? La réponse est que Dr Holou veut faire découvrir au lecteur toutes les facettes du parcours magistral et majestueux de ce Professeur hors pair qui devient un modèle que la génération montante et de relève est invitée à imiter et chercher à surpasser.

Le lecteur de cette biographie saura que Prof. Sinsin est reconnu comme celui qui

1) aime lire et respecter les hommes et les normes sociales,

2) aime rendre compte des ressources à lui allouer,

3) aime écouter son prochain pour pouvoir bien l’aider,

4) veille sur ces principes dans une simplicité et une ouverture d’esprit avérées,

5) aime la culture du travail, de la confiance et de la libéralité,

6) dédaigne les amateurs des problèmes,

7) déteste le gain facile,

8) aime bien payer ses ouvriers et collaborateurs,

9) a trop œuvré pour la promotion des bras valides,

10) adore la collaboration avec les autres et le travail en équipe,

11) a formé une kyrielle de cadres pour le développement de nombreux pays,

12) est l’un des rares cerveaux ayant consacré leur vie à protéger et à valoriser les ressources naturelles (végétaux et animaux sauvages) et les humains … et

13) l’absence au foyer affecte quelque peu la joie de sa tendre, aimée et exceptionnelle épouse Blandine Sinsin-Aïssi mais qui l’épaule tout le temps…

 

Dans cette biographie, l’auteur ne conduit pas le lecteur dans un labyrinthe de la vie de Prof. Sinsin, mais il lui souligne et lui montre plutôt comment un homme, un scientifique et un vrai passionné peut se tracer une ligne de conduite et se doter de principe afin de surmonter tous les obstacles jonchant son chemin en se remettant tout temps en cause pour atteindre son but et obtenir la satisfaction et le réconfort moral du travail bien accompli. Ayant tout bravé dans sa vie, Prof. Sinsin ne fonctionne pas sur les caractères négatifs des gens, mais s’il accepte d’aller avec quelqu’un, c’est avant tout la valeur positive que cette personne possède, si infime fût-elle, qu’il aime valoriser. L’auteur partage avec le lecteur la réponse suivante reçue à sa question ‘qu’est ce qui a été le secret de son succès ? posée au Prof. Sinsin : Le secret de sa réussite n’est pas un secret, mais plutôt l’addition de chaque effort, de chaque passion, de chaque résultat obtenu. La base de son succès, c’est sa passion pour les choses qu’il choisit de faire. En effet, celui qui se met au travail et suit sa passion, finit toujours par récolter le fruit de ses efforts.

Je vous invite à lire ce livre “ Le Vrai Secret de la Vie et du Succès de l’Intellectuel et Développeur Africain Sinsin Augustin Brice ” en commençant par la Table des matières où vous trouverez une kyrielle de titres et sous-titres parmi lesquels ceux-ci déjà sélectionnés pour vous : Parents et naissance de Brice Augustin Sinsin ; Education primaire et secondaire ; Formation universitaire et vie estudiantine ; Rencontre, mariage et enfants du couple Sinsin ; De l’ingéniorat au doctorat ; Clin d’œil aux enseignants et collègues de Sinsin Augustin Brice ; Début de fonction à la FSA ; Opportunités de travail après le doctorat et retour au pays ; Rencontre de Roland Holou et Sinsin Augustin Brice, et origine de ce livre ; Renommée scientifique avant le rectorat ou Renommée scientifique à la veille de l’ascension au rectorat ; Réformes du Vice-Recteur Sinsin ; Résumé des réformes de l’équipe du Recteur Sinsin à l’UAC ; Les prix et honneurs internationaux ; Les passions et principes de Sinsin Augustin Brice cachent le code de ses secrets ; L’humour et la prière du vin ; Toujours chercher à faire du bien aux autres ; Gestion du prix payé par la famille Sinsin ; Pourquoi et comment réformer la démocratie et les constitutions africaines ; Reformer la formation des diplomates africains et associer la diaspora aux questions de développement ; Conclusion critique et Prière pour Sinsin Augustin Brice ; Au sujet de l’auteur, Dr Ir. Roland Holou.

Je vous invite à lire comme je l’ai fait afin de mieux cerner les dix points qui suivent :

  1. Sinsin est un homme qui excelle dans les luttes de très longue haleine et qui ne s’essouffle pas vite. Quand il s’engage dans une lutte, il aime aller jusqu’au bout.
  2. Sinsin adore la nature et aime admirer les gens dans leur naturel. Ainsi, Brice souligne que, si on arrive à comprendre ses réflexes humains, c’est relativement aisé de comprendre quelle est la part de mérite d’un homme qu’il faut valoriser ou accepter en termes de défauts ou aspects positifs dans les collaborations.
  3. Sinsin se dit surtout qu’il n’y a rien d’extraordinaire dans ce qu’il fait. Brice aime régler de problèmes plus qu’il n’en crée aux autres. Ainsi, l’une de ses premières méthodes de travail, c’est qu’il sait bien poser les problèmes. En effet, il est convaincu qu’on ne sait pas résoudre un problème mal posé. Il faut apprendre à comprendre et à bien poser les problèmes.
  4. Quand Prof. Sinsin met en place un principe, il dégage une partie de son énergie pour le surveiller et le respecter. Ainsi, pour ne pas limiter son épanouissement, il préfère limiter ses principes à des principes et à des outils de développement.
  5. Lorsque Prof. Sinsin donne un devoir et que moins de la moitié de ses étudiants à la moyenne, il n’accuse jamais les étudiants. Il se dit toujours qu’il n’a pas eu soit la patience nécessaire, ou le temps, ou la meilleure pédagogie pour faire passer son enseignement. Pour lui, l’échec de ses étudiants traduit en partie ses insuffisances.
  6. Sinsin soutient qu’il est impossible de développer une institution si on ne peut pas faire confiance à ses collaborateurs. La confiance permet de non seulement travailler en équipe mais aussi de confier ou de déléguer des tâches et espérer des résultats. En se basant sur la loi naturelle et philosophique ‘tout homme mis en confiance donne le meilleur de lui’, Brice met tous ses collaborateurs en confiance.
  7. Pour Prof. Sinsin, les hommes peuvent être dirigés sous deux aspects fondamentaux. Ainsi, le dirigeant peut choisir d’être (1) celui qui rougit et tout le monde se plie ou (2) celui qui essaie toujours de montrer par son action ce qui est respectable en lui. Brice préfère la seconde option et pour ne pas se faire rattraper par ses propres principes et les normes académiques recommandables, il aime régulièrement se poser les trois questions suivantes : -i- Est-ce que je respecte les normes académiques requises ? –ii- Est-ce que les règles académiques me protègent ? –iii- Est-ce que je suis dans la légalité ? S’il répond oui à chacune de ces questions, il n’y a rien qui l’arrête, il fonce.
  8. Sinsin pense que si les équipes de direction rectorale l’ayant précédé avaient été aussi ouvertes, les réformes qu’il a initiées auraient eu lieu avant lui et les étapes actuelles de ses initiatives devraient être dépassées de loin depuis très longtemps. Ainsi, son rôle serait d’ajouter de nouvelles actions quantitativement plutôt que de reprendre de nombreuses choses à gérer qualitativement.
  9. Quand les félicitations accourent, le Recteur Sinsin remet toujours les pendules à l’heure et la balle à terre en vue de remotiver les siens, car les prix sont des défis que l’université peut relever dans la synergie et dans la fraternité. Les prix reçus sont pour lui un motif d’encouragement et de relance dans le travail.
  10. Tout n’a pas été parfait et rose dans la vie de Prof. Sinsin. Ainsi, les promotions, prix, honneurs, principes, passions et éloges de Brice ont été obtenus grâce aux sacrifices que le ménage de Brice a consentis depuis des années. Tout lecteur voulant l’imiter saura aussi faire son choix pour ne pas commettre certaines erreurs et vivre les défis que Brice a su gérer, mais qui ne sont pas connus du public. Certes, la simplicité de Madame Sinsin-Aïssi a beaucoup contribué à l’équilibre du foyer de Sinsin. Madame Sinsin-Aïssi défend comme principe l’amour du prochain, l’honnêteté et l’humilité. Quelle femme de valeur qui, bien qu’intellectuelle très éduquée, arrive à reconnaître à son époux sa place d’honneur ! Les jeunes intellectuels doivent y tirer des leçons, car ce n’est pas parce qu’une épouse a autant de diplômes universitaires qu’elle doit s’égaler à son mari ou qu’elle doit lui tenir la tête au foyer, tout comme les sociétés occidentales le défendent. Malgré cette délicate situation, Madame Sinsin-Aïssi est très fier de son époux et vice versa.

J’ai lu et parcouru de fond en comble et avec passion cette biographie pour les trois raisons essentielles suivantes :

  • Satisfaire la demande suivante de l’auteur Dr Ir. Roland HOLOU : « J’ai écrit un livre sur Prof. Sinsin et j’ai besoin de votre aide. Avant de l’envoyer à l’éditeur pour publication, j’ai jugé bon que vous le lisiez pour des commentaires et si possible faire la préface. Merci d’avance et à bientôt.»
  • Mieux connaître Brice que j’ai rencontré pour la première fois en 1979 au Lycée Béhanzin à Porto-Novo. En effet, Brice faisait partie de la 1ère promotion des bacheliers en mission d’enseignement et service patriotique à qui j’ai été choisi comme modèle pour m’entretenir avec eux du bien-fondé de faire le service civique et patriotique après le baccalauréat avant d’entrer à l’université, l’une des multiples revendications contenues dans la motion de grève illimitée de 1979 des élèves ingénieurs agronomes de la Faculté des Sciences Agronomiques de l’Université Nationale du Bénin dont j’étais l’un des auteurs à ma qualité de responsable de la 6ème promotion des agronomes.
  • Mieux découvrir Brice car cinq ans après notre 1ère rencontre, l’occasion m’a été offerte –i- d’échanger et de partager ma passion avec lui en 1984 quand il est venu visiter en compagnie du Prof. J. C. Heymans le PBAA (Projet Bénino-Allemand d’Aulacodiculture) que je dirigeais, -ii- d’harmoniser nos points de vue et de tisser une collaboration parfaite restée sans interruption à partir de 1993 lorsqu’il m’a invité à dispenser les cours d’apiculture et d’élevage des rongeurs, puis à participer aux sorties de terrain sur la faune à la FSA, -iii- d’être dans la même équipe que lui à partir de 1996 lors de l’exécution des activités et des campagnes de captures des rongeurs et des reptiles pour le RéRE (Réseau Rongeurs et Environnement), une organisation non gouvernementale dont nous en sommes les membres fondateurs et -iv- en janvier 2001 lorsqu’il m’a démontré la pertinence de m’inscrire au CAMES et c’est ce qui m’a valu d’accéder au dernier grade des chercheurs du CAMES.

L’auteur Dr Ir. Roland Holou termine cette passionnante et intrépide biographie par une conclusion critique et une prière fervente à son et notre cher Prof. Dr Ir. Brice Augustin Sinsin où il l’invite à mettre Dieu le créateur et son fils Christ Jésus dont il ne nie guère leur existence au sein de ses réflexions. Dans cette prière l’auteur rappelle que la plupart des pères de la science moderne comme Grégoire Mendel, le père de la génétique, Carl Linnaeus, le père de la botanique systématique et Louis Pasteur, le père de la médicine préventive, étaient tous des chrétiens créationnistes. Mieux, le célèbre mathématicien, physicien et alchimiste Isaac Newton, le physicien et chimiste Michael Faraday, le père de l’électromagnétisme et l’électrochimie, le physicien et mathématicien Ecossais James Clerk Maxwell et le célèbre Italien Galilée, étaient des chrétiens fervents. L’illustre mathématicien Leonhard Euler croyait aussi au Dieu de la Bible… ! Par conséquent, pourquoi l’illustre ingénieur agronome écologue du Bénin, Brice Augustin Sinsin en serait-il moins ? Amen !

Dr Ir. Guy Apollinaire MENSAH

Directeur de recherche du CAMES

Chercheur-Enseignant à l’INRAB

 

Pour savoir plus sur le livre, visiter http://bricesinsin.com

 

Pour payer le livre, visiter http://bricesinsin.com/buy-the-book/

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Can Trump (King Cyrus?) Save Africa and the African Diaspora After the Mixed Legacy of Obama?



It is hard to address the perspectives on Africa at the beginning of 2017 without mentioning the Chinese influence in Africa and the impact of the election of President Donald Trump on the legacy of President Barack Obama, the first African American to be elected as President of the USA. When President Obama was elected in 2008, several people thought he would be the savior of Africa and its Diaspora. However, the feelings towards his legacy are diverse.

 

President Obama might have done what he could to strengthen democracy and boost economic growth in Africa for instance by extending the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) while investing in the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). By organizing the very first U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, he helped the US to revisit its strategy for Africa. Soon after Obama leaves office, some of his legacies in the USA (e.g. Obamacare, “immigration reform”, Medicaid expansion, minimum wage increase, overtime benefits, paid pregnancy and sick leave, civil rights enforcement, criminal justice reforms, progressive tax reforms, tax credits for low-income people, climate change initiatives, etc.), may be brought down or replaced by something else.

 

Although several people of African descent including some top civil rights movement leaders are disappointed by the legacy of Mr. Obama, it is worth noticing that he was sandwiched not only between some spiritual and racial strongholds, but also between the strategic forces that brought him to power and the tactical opposition he had to deal with once he managed to enter the White House, which was built by enslaved Africans whose descendants are still struggling in the Americas. The Africans and their stakeholders must reflect on Mr. Obama’s “inability” to do the things that they once thought he could. Unfortunately, many people cannot or do not want to understand that, to some extent, the power of an American President like Mr. Obama is not as strong as that of some Presidents who can even choose to stay in power even if the result of the presidential vote says otherwise. The timing of the presidency of Obama might have also affected his performance as he inherited the worst economic crisis in the USA since the Great Depression of the 1930s. Yet, as he was preparing to leave office, the statistics showed that the US economy is stronger than when he took office. We need to acknowledge Obama for his efforts regardless of his weaknesses, and also thank God for having allowed an African descent to lead the “world’s #1 nation” for 8 years.

 

Many Africans would have loved that Mrs. Hillary Clinton was elected as the President of the USA in 2016. However, although she won the popular vote by nearly 3 million ballots, the Electoral College favored Mr. Trump. Several people of African descent did not come out to vote for Hillary as they did for Obama, therefore playing a role in the election of Trump who, during his “thank you tour”, acknowledged the African Americans for staying home during the election! The appointment of Mr. Trump could also be a divine setup that fits the end time as prophesied by the renowned Malawian Prophet Shepherd Bushiri (Major1), one of the most successful businessmen and ministers in the world. Do I need to inform you that on January 16, 2017, Major1 publicly said that President Donald Trump is the King Cyrus spoken about in Isaiah 45? Something is going to happen very soon! Surely we are at a defining moment in history!

 

Unlike Mr. Obama whose election brought hope to Africa and its Diaspora before they realized 8 years later that, one man at the White House cannot save them, the election of Mr. Trump seems to bring fear on some people as if Trump can sink Africa while trying to “Make America Great Again” as emphasized during his controversial and revolutionary campaign. Analyzing Mr. Trump’s campaign and the people he is choosing to fill his cabinet positions, it may sound at first glimpse that his policies may not favor the people of African descent. For instance, some people think that Mr. Trump may reduce or redesign the US aids toward Africa. However, this should not scare anyone. For example, although not a descendant of Africa, President George W. Bush has done a lot of great things for Africa and some well-known African leaders still believe that he has helped Africa more than Mr. Obama whose father is from Kenya. Moreover, although foreign aids benefit some Africans, Africa is not supposed to be living on certain foreign “aids” which usually are strategic loans with high interest that are typically undetectable by the profane. Instead of counting on these “aids”, Africa should be seeking better opportunities that can allow it to put its own people to work and better manage its priceless human and natural resources that some people are still poaching for free. Therefore, let’s hope that, as a businessman who can negotiate deals, Mr. Trump ends up crafting some great agreements that can contribute to the ongoing efforts to advance Africa and its Diaspora.

 

 

African Diaspora Engagement Must be like a Love Story. Why? check out www.DiasporasNews.com.

Remember to Love God and His People!

Despite these controversial realities, there is hope for Africa and the African Diaspora if they can understand that their “salvation” will not come from any government in the East or West, but from themselves with the help of God Almighty, who did not predestinate Africa to be the headquarter of poverty despite its rich lands and smart intellectuals. That is why I still believe that the Africans must better partner with each other without forgetting the huge untapped potential of the African Diaspora that some leaders unfortunately refuse to realistically incorporate into their strategic agendas. Instead of putting their hope on people who usually disillusion them, the Africans need to keep up all good fights while counting on the God of Major1 to develop them and the motherland. As for the unspoken racial discrimination and the other forms of injustice, let’s not forget that, there is a God who will judge very soon!

Dr. Roland Holou is a scientist, a businessman, an international consultant and expert in agribusiness, agriculture, agronomy, biotechnology, Diaspora engagement, Africa’s development, international trade and development. To learn more about his work or contact him, please visit www.DiasporaEngager.com, www.AfricanDiasporaLeaders.com and www.RolandHolou.com.



Why does Africa Weep and Deteriorate? Real Causes and Solutions to African Impoverishment



After decades of independence, economic development in African countries continues to lag behind. However, several models and ideologies of development have been applied. Are these ideologies and models inadequate in Africa’s specific case or are the real causes of Africa’s failures due to different factors? Considering the complex process of development, the answer to this question is not simple. In trying to find the real solution to the problem, the importance of identifying the source of poverty in Africa is very relevant.

 

In his latest book (A continent in tears: The origin of Africa’s collapse and how to reverse it), Dr Roland Holou thoroughly analyzed the real evils that undermine development in African countries. After reviewing the literature on Africa’s development and the misconduct of African officials, the importance of human resource and knowledge in the process of Africa’s development has been revealed. The in-depth analysis focused on the failures of the education systems, lack of thought, problems with intelligence and creativity, scientific research, negativity, rote learning (mechanically memorizing information without truly learning how to apply it), corruption, the mismanagement of Africa’s natural resources, reproduction, witchcraft, politics, trade unionism, ignorance, the African mentality, accountability, the awareness of Africans, corruption of foreign powers, the brain drain, and so on. Examples of elites that Africa needs are included as well.

 

Why does Africa Weep and Deteriorate?

Why does Africa Weep and Deteriorate?

Indeed, Africa suffers from an intellectual, demographic, and spiritual crisis. The decline of Africa is due not only to its poor management and governance, but also to the acts of evil inflicted upon the continent. From households to the very top of the state, Africans are faced with major challenges. Many Africans are afraid to think or do not want to think; many are afraid to speak, do not want to speak, or cannot speak; many are afraid to act or do not want to act; many leaders are corrupt and/or do not want to learn; many have knowledge but do not want to or cannot apply their knowledge; many religious figures are so attached to narrow visions that they have disregarded the management of cities and politics. Above all else, intellectuals are often spurned by those in charge. When certain individuals want to contribute to society or become something, they are suppressed and rejected. Many skills are scorned; great minds are rarely encouraged or heard. Though several politicians do have some skilled knowledge, recognized experts and skilled workers generally do not want to get involved in politics.

When dictators come to power, they do as they please; when politicians have power, they hardly listen to skilled workers; when skilled workers take power, they act as if everything is technical. Moreover, radical trade unionism and political opposition are destroying Africa. Many do not want to contribute to successful initiatives, preferring instead to advance their own interests. What’s worse is the erroneous African mentality that makes development and progress impossible. While skilled, able workers who could make a difference are out of work, lazy and unqualified individuals are promoted to important positions by their relatives in power. Meanwhile, the expenses of the “great” have robbed Africa of the little that is available, all to the detriment of the poor, “innocent” farmers who are dying under the afternoon sun. With the help of foreign powers and politicians, African officials have effectively beaten Africa down.

 

Moreover, in many education systems, diplomas are not always symbols of knowledge that will lead to positive action toward development. Indeed, Africans distribute and collect many useless degrees. Many graduates claim to be educated when in reality their credentials are a sham. Africa trains too many scholars—parrots whose heads are filled with useless theories and words—who are unproductive and ultimately do not contribute anything of value to society. There are very few exceptions to this rule. Meanwhile, uncontrolled reproduction is enhancing poverty and other problems pertaining to underdevelopment at a faster rate than preexisting problems can be solved. Indeed, polygamy and certain sexual perversions not only contribute to underdevelopment in Africa, but also to the culture of African destitution.

 

Additionally, African intellectuals are under the influence of spiritual factions that often impede efforts toward development. Unfortunately, the classic debates surrounding underdevelopment in Africa have always ignored the spiritual dimension of the problem. Undoubtedly, developed countries had advantages and other assets that aided them in their growth. These countries have had their Enlightenment period; great minds have worked to put these nations on the right path. Today, Africa’s best minds are afraid to even remain on the continent. Due to this massive brain drain, there are real problems pertaining to coordination, awareness, accountability, and intelligent, rational application of development strategies in African nations.

 

Real Causes and Solutions to African Impoverishment

Real Causes and Solutions to African Impoverishment

In an attempt to find a lasting solution to the impoverishment of Africa and to put the continent on the path to prosperity, Dr. Roland Holou (www.RolandHolou.com) has suggested pertinent and practical reforms in his book that should be initiated. This book provides anyone who is concerned with development in Africa valuable information and instruction on how to take action. The ideas proposed in this book could be applied to other continents as well, as these same issues occur outside of Africa.

 

Dual citizen of the USA and Benin Republic, Dr. Roland Holou has a doctorate in plant sciences, entomology, and microbiology. He is an agricultural engineer and a specialist in environmental development and management. He also holds a diploma in Rural Development and is the Founder and CEO of DiasporaEngager (www.DiasporaEngager.com), the world’s #1 diaspora engagement platform. To learn more about Dr Roland Holou and his books, or to contact him, please write to: [email protected] and [email protected]



ABCs of a Realistic African Diaspora Engagement



Almost every African country is trying to engage with its diaspora. However, in general, when it comes to how to convince the African diaspora to work with their country of origin, most of the methods used are not working. One of the first things that comes to the mind of most Africans living in Africa is to ask the diaspora to help them, forgetting that no one is helping the diaspora for free. In contrast, the first thing that enters the mind of most diasporas is not how to help Africa, but whether Africa knows why they have left the continent and what they are doing/facing abroad!

 

Do I need to underline that many African immigrants have left the Black Continent because they were chased away by some leaders and sorcerers who, today, are begging them to invest back home? What can’t I say about the massive and forced migration of Africans to America during one of the darkest and wicked ages of human history a few centuries ago? I even wonder how many people realize that the largest African diaspora population is in Brazil! Most Africans leaders are not trying to better know and understand their diaspora before asking them to come invest their money in Africa. Sometimes, I even wonder how many African Professionals in the Diaspora are richer than the African leaders who are begging them for money. Worst, some African leaders act as if their diaspora have forgotten the wounds they have suffered in Africa before finding a way to flee the continent of Kwame Nkrumah. Undoubtedly, a lot of basic first steps needs to be addressed in order to start aligning the mentality of Africa with that of its diaspora. Otherwise, the synergistic coalition needed for African Diaspora Engagement (www.DiasporaEngager.com/Africa) will continue lacking!

 

The migration of the diasporas from their home country to their new country of residence is a kind of “divorce or break up” with their roots. Some Africans have had some bad experiences with their own people that they do not even want to reverse their “divorce” with the continent of Nelson Mandela and of Prof Brice Sinsin. Other immigrants have been highly afflicted by the people in their home country that they do not want to hear any request coming from them. No intelligible man dates a woman by starting to ask about anything that is supposed to be last. Moreover, no reasonable man can win back his ex-wife or ex-girlfriend, and vice versa, by starting the conversation with a list of requests or a list of things that the ex must do. Sadly, certain political leaders who orchestrated the migration of their own people cling to power and then, ask their diaspora that they and their ancestors have hunted to come and invest in their country. These types of diaspora engagement cannot work, particularly in the African context where people seem to pull each other toward the bottom of the misery pit. At the same time, many foreign countries are taking advantage of the divergences among the Africans!

African Diaspora Engagement Must be like a Love Story. Why? check out www.DiasporasNews.com.

African Diaspora Engagement Must be like a Love Story. Why? Check out www.DiasporaEngager.com/Africa

 

The involvement of the diaspora in the development of their home country must follow certain basic rules of courtesy. I believe that Africa and its diaspora need to start “dating” each other in a format similar to that of a man trying to win back his ex-wife or ex-girlfriend, and vice versa. However, while some people that have broken up can easily find new loves, it is not easy for most diaspora to quickly forget their roots and embrace the culture of their new country. This implies that many opportunities still exist to start engaging the African Diasporas in a dialogue with their homeland which dearly needs them. For this dialog to succeed, it must not begin with begging the diaspora to come back to Africa or to invest in Africa. Similarly, the diaspora should not inaugurate this dialog by requesting that the African political leaders change overnight. The African Diasporas need to know that, though their new life abroad has changed the way they used to think, many of their brothers and sisters in Africa still act as if they have no brain or if they cannot get rid of the legacy of the colonial ignorance and slavery. Therefore, the African Diaspora must be tolerant with their own people who need to be willing to realign and renew their mentality so that synergistic coalitions can be fostered in a win-win framework for the advancement of our dear Africa rather than allowing the so-called super powers to continue poaching their rich lands and mines like the cake of their grandmother or like their heritage or like the field of their slaves that they are still trying to enslave with diverse model of modern technology, negotiation, aids, partnership, and legislation!!!

 

Please, don’t get me wrong. I am not saying that every African diaspora engagement effort has failed. Indeed, several people and organizations have successfully engaged with Africa and its diaspora in a positive way. Many Africans living in Africa and in the diaspora have also contributed to the development of their homeland. We take advantage of this opportunity to thank those Africans, African diasporas, their friends, partners and stakeholders who have made a positive difference in Africa.

However, after spending years working on the African problems and writing books on African Development, I can conclude that, when it comes to engaging the African diaspora in the development of Africa, ten questions need to be asked first:

  1. Who are the African Diaspora?
  2. Who is who among the African Diaspora?
  3. Where are they living?
  4. What are they doing?
  5. What problems are they facing?
  6. Why did they leave Africa?
  7. How can Africa help them to heal some of their wounds?
  8. What can we do to forgive each other and embrace a new journey of partnership?
  9. How can we partner rather than how can they help us?
  10. How can we initiate this partnership without bringing up money as the first issue?

 

And these questions must be answered without forgetting the millions of African-Americans, (descendants of the slaves or African Descent individuals of descendants of former slaves), whom some stupid and/or naive Leaders think are not worthy to be called African Diaspora! It is after these questions are sincerely addressed that Africa and its Diaspora can start talking about who can do what for who? Without following these simple strategic steps, the African diaspora will just keep creating thousands of African Diaspora Associations, while the African Political Leaders will keep creating more Political Parties in Africa, yet, sinking Africa, remaining at odds and, therefore, unable to work together to create positive change. If you like this article, you will be also interested in joining the Global Diaspora Engagement Platform and the African Diaspora Platform at http://DiasporaEngager.com/miniRegister. Anyway, I, Dr Roland Holou www.RolandHolou.com would like to hear from you.

God bless Africa and its People!!!

 

How to Engage the African Diaspora in the Development of Africa?

How to Engage the African Diaspora in the Development of Africa?