Lettre ouverte à Barack Obama

by Contribution | 9 décembre 2010 11 h 21 min

Open Letter to Barack Obama (also sent to the office of the President of the United State).

Mr President, I hope this finds you well! I am writing to express my surprise and disappointment at the position expressed by your administration as it relates to the post election turmoil in the Ivory Coast. It unfortunately seems to reflect a lack of understanding of the history of my country and a disregard for our laws and political institutions. I am writing to you because I am a great admirer of yours as most Africans are. I would have expected that your constitutional law background would have helped you keep your objectivity and overlook the position of your French ally to seek understanding of the true nature of the issues in my country. The Ivory Coast is a peaceful country. Ivoirians are peaceful people. Various ethnic groups and religions have coexisted peacefully in the Ivory Coast until Mr Ouattara arrived on the political scene a few years ago hungry for power for unexpressed reasons. The will of the people that the Mrs Rice claims that the United States wants to protect needs to be better understood.

Mr Outtara is not a problem because of his religion, Ethnicity or even political convictions! He is a problem because of his relationship with foreign leaders that do not have a history of caring much for the welfare of the people of the Ivory Coast. Mr. Obama, you have fought to become president of the United States because you had a genuine will to accomplishing something great for the people of the United States (and for those of us that are fortunate to share this roof). Mr Outtara does not have an agenda for the Ivory Coast other than becoming president at all cost and serving the interests of those who put him in power. That’s the problem that Ivoirians have with him! As for the President of the Ivory Coast Mr Gbabo Laurent, he is the only president of a former French colony who has dared say NO to Paris, and stand for the good of his people. Ivoirians have awaited that for 50 years! That’s the reason why Ivoirians respect him and will support him.

I find it odd that the United States finds itself on the side of rebels who have killed, burnt, stolen and raped to be where they are today. Does Mrs Rice know that? I find it strange that The Electoral Commission would proclaim results at the headquarters of one of the candidates (guarded by rebels). I find it strange that Mr Ouattara be guarded by rebels who attacked the nation. Where was the United Nations when the people of the Ivory Coast were attacked in the first place? Where were the UN resolutions when the French military was shooting kids in the streets in 2006? Where was the international morality? Where was the rule of law? Where were the journalists (who claim to be the voice of the voiceless)? Did Mrs Rice really do her homework on the Ivory Coast? I do not believe that she did! You are betting on the wrong horse Mr President! You have either been misguided, or you are simply telling the people of the Ivory Coast that you are de facto siding with France. So what is it Mr. President? The people of the Ivory Coast demands to know. The children of Africa demand your answer, expect your leadership! Give 10 minutes to the issue!

It feels kind of strange to write something knowing that it will be read. I learned of Abraham Lincoln that he often wrote letters that he filed away to give himself the impression that he had dealt with an issue; done what he could or simply emptied his mind. I always found that strange but as I knowingly and vigorously deep my sword in a fishless fish-less pond by writing this letter, I do feel that it helps… It does give me the coward satisfaction that I have played a small part in getting your administration to realize that you unfortunately got it wrong this time. I would be honoured to have the opportunity debate this with Mrs Rice can spare the time. For now, God bless you and your family! I wish you a Merry Christmas and a fantastic New Year!

Edwin Bosso

Houston, TX