The long road to justice

On Saturday, 2 June 2005, the World united across four continents, nine cities and several millions of people. In the words of Kofi Anan, it was the "real United Nations" meeting. It was a day of hope and goodwill. It was a day in which the ordinary people of the world gathered to speak up for justice. They voted with their presence, their time and their enthusiasm for the plight of the poor and destitute of Africa and elsewhere. For ten hours they showed the leaders of the G8 the direction. It was real democracy. It was a beautiful day. It was the day of the Live8 Concert.

It was a day of learning. The facts of Africa suffering are compelling and tragic, yet are appallingly unknown among people of the G8. Her plight has become the cry of the Third World, the symbol of international injustice. The facts shock and sadden. Relentlessly, every day across the World about 30000 people die of preventable causes, rooted in poverty and illness. The reasons are manifold. Colonialism and consequent revolution have left Africa in disarray for most. Corruption, nepotism as well as civil war obstruct and undo reconstruction efforts. Still, the G8 sees fit to drag its feet, quibbling over details and viewpoints. Alas, we seem to have become comfortably numb. But yesterday, common people of the G8 got up on their feet and voiced their vote: The tragedy must come to an end; the long road to justice must commence right now.

What is this road to justice? George Bush's paradigm of freedom and democracy? Gordon Brown's marshal plan for Africa? Nelson Mandela's Commission of Truth and Reconciliation? The road starts with a walk to freedom.

On 18 February 1990, the long walk to freedom reached a major milestone for one man and his country. Nelson Mandela was released from prison after 27 years. On 26 April 1994, South Africa became a democracy for all its citizens, but not through the barrel of a gun, not through shock and awe. On that day, the long road to justice started for the most powerful, yet deeply divided country of Africa. It is a long walk from oppression; from the disabling mental baggage left by a colonial legacy; to a new faith in new leaders, new government, a new vision, a new beginning and a better future. It begins with confidence in oneself. Today, South Africa, though still struggling with its legacy, nonetheless symbolises the hope of Africa - the hope of freedom, justice and prosperity. Mandela has become the symbolic moral leader of Africa, if not of the world. But one man and one country cannot save a whole continent of almost 400 million people. Africa cannot go this road alone. Africa, including South Africa, needs the companionship of the G8.

I watched my recording of Live8 on Sunday and gained hope again for Mankind. Against the demands of the selfish gene, people gathered across the G8 nations to show support for Africa. They put aside their busy schedule and their comfy chairs. For ten hours, they took to the streets and parks of London, Paris, Rome, Berlin, Moscow, Tokyo, Philadelphia, Barrie (Canada) and Johannesburg.

You may dismiss the day as yet another resurrection of the Flower Power; yet another idealistic crowd having a day of music and fun in the sun - Woodstock on a grander scale, with loftier motives. You may do so - after all, you are welcome to your opinion. Yet, as you speak, another child dies in Africa at the rate of one every three seconds. So, speak fast and finish soon, so that we the bleeding hearts can go and make a difference.

To the leaders of the G8 I say: This week you have an opportunity to make a difference; to change history for millions of suffering people. Over 15 million of the people of your constituencies have spoken for Africa. Every move you make, we'll be watching you. For we are the champions of this world.