Following successful formation and finalization of unity government, the masses begin to eye resolution of multifaceted problems, waiting their fates for years. Previously, President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani revealed the new government had a comprehensive agenda for reforms and change in Afghanistan to peace process, rule of law, good governance, and economic development. While presiding the first session of cabinet meeting Mr. President gave a deadline of 100 days to the ministers to show efficiencies and bring visible change during the laid course of time. Even months after the formation of cabinet no enquiry into what to do lists of ministries are launched. The government successfully went past this stage, entering into next stage of getting across these problems.
Afghanistan faces daunting challenges –poverty one of the challenge pressing it hard. 36% of 30 million population lives below poverty line including endemic poverty and lack of human capacity; insecurity; weak governance and institutionalized corruption; opium exports equal to 22% of gross domestic product; rampant gender inequality; and policy, regulatory, and institutional constraints that have limited effective growth in public and private sectors. Has the adopted measures done something to alter the state of affairs?
Frequently it gets troublesome to compare the size of the problem. Looking at despotic and self-centered undertakings the size of the problems is likely to grow. High ranked public officials senior politicians involved in bank scandals and corruption seemed not the government’s concern or priority. Where is the farsightedness put into practice to help Afghans get rid of financial discrepancies?
The deteriorating state of security remains to be another obstacle on the way to developed Afghanistan. Violence has been a dominant phenomenon browbeating every fabric of Afghan society. The fight between insurgents and government backed international allies seems unending provided civilians are not ended. Harmony promoting education and equitable distribution of resources and services narrows down the differences whilst paving the way for peaceful coexistence. There is a documented existence of law and with negligible application or prejudicial application, serve none’s interest.
Another issue earning bad fame for Afghans is the illicit growth and trade of life snatching drug. Many countries and humanitarian organization showed grave concerns over mass production of the drug. Moreover, the illegal drug trade has always served a part in deterioration of law and order and a prior asset of insurgents and militant. Reportedly, the illegal drug has been greater source, serving financial affairs of militancy and insurgency. Without aiming to eradicate this pain in the neck who should Afghans expect would rescue them?
No worries how impressive tales are fabricated, falsely deemed would soar our dignity and credibility worth a penny until grounds are prepared and plans are executed as per aspiration of one’s conscience. Undoubtedly, like other nations Afghans neither lack strength nor capacity but what it lacks is willingness. The indulgence of political elites in personal than national affairs is worrisome, sufficient to undermine the very foundation of institutions and the state. We hitherto are in need charismatic, dynamic, visionary and farsighted leader that could drag Afghans out of multiple crises.
The month of July on international calendar remind us of such an unforgettable soul, Nelson Mandela, acclaimed as one of the greatest personalities of our times. He belongs to that category of men who have graced our civilization with their personal charisma and noble contributions. His life long fight for the cause of freedom in South Africa and its eventual success will be written in golden letters in the annals of history. His entire life epitomizes man’s unquenchable thirst for freedom. For more than forty years, black South Africans were subject to the harsh racial segregation of the Apartheid system; despite making up over 70% of South Africa’s population, they had little to no rights. He did not only lead the movement to wind up the racial discrimination but also reintegrated South Africans to emerge as a great nation who were divided on variant grounds.
The cruel oppression of his people broke his heart and Nelson Mandela infused with the ideals of liberty and democracy took up the cause of national freedom as a student and joined the African National Congress (ANC), a small organization which had been set up on similar lines as the Indian National Congress in India. ANC challenged the racist political system of apartheid, in which black Africans were legally discriminated against, in all walks of life. ANC under Nelson Mandela’s leadership organized labor strikes and nationwide protests and demonstrations against apartheid during the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s. Bearing the brunt of repression in 1964, onwards Nelson Mandela was imprisoned in the famous Robben Island, where he spent 27 years.
During the 27 years of imprisonment, thousands and thousands of Africans joined the nationalist movement for freedom forcing the white rulers to give up apartheid and release their beloved leader which they captured in 1990. In the first free election that followed in 1994 ANC under Nelson Mandela won the election and he was chosen to lead the country as its First Black African President. Nelson Mandela’s greatest achievement was not so much in becoming South Africa’s first black president as putting an end to the evil of apartheid which divided blacks and whites of South Africa. He ushered in the history of South Africa an era of social harmony, national unity, democratic governance, and building the national fabric from the scars of former regime. Nelson Mandela was the man who abolished Apartheid, freeing South Africa from the binds of racial segregation forever. However, it was not an easy road and Mandela needed patience, strength of character, focus, passion, understanding, perseverance, and most importantly, forgiveness, to achieve this.
Every year on 18 July –the day Nelson Mandela was born –the UN joins a call by the Nelson Mandela Foundation to devote 67 minutes of time to helping others, as a way to mark Nelson Mandela International Day. For 67 years Nelson Mandela devoted his life to the service of humanity — as a human rights lawyer, a prisoner of conscience, an international peacemaker and the first democratically elected president of a free South Africa. This day was declared in November 2009, the UN General Assembly declared July 18 “Nelson Mandela International Day” in recognition of the former South African President’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom.
I turn it down great leaders are born after centuries –supporting the very notion great leaders are the outcome of enormous problems. The poverty and war wrecked land of Afghanistan facing multiple problems are in dire need of such a leader that could turn over the circumstances in his favors.