@Happy, been very busy innundated with work and then I had PC problems and then for some reason or the other had difficulties with sending PMs and posts which I think was at the Blacknet end. But all seems fine now.

Sis it really angered me to see some of the destructive nonsense Islam has introduced into Africa period, but Nigeria particularly; given the massive potential for that nation and its various progressive consequences for the rest of the continent. While to me both major religions have created major problems, Islam is even more pernicious and destructive. In fact Yole Soyinka, in one of the recent and excellent books he wrote on African and pan African reparations, urges us to not forget the destructive effects of Islam and those who brought it into our lives and a fight we will have to confront sooner or later.

I was pleasantly surprised on the documentary I saw, which is part of a series called "Holiday Hotspots" [eg the places by implication you would not want to go and all in Africa by the way], but I was at least pleased and I cannot remember the State in question but the legislators tried to ban traditional practices generically and incorrectly called "witchcraft" Juju or what we called Obeah in my parts and I was born into particulary my mother's people who are strong believers. But the outcry was so strong the government had to do a U turn.

This is not because I see traditonal practices as unproblematic, as any system of power, especially under the dominant culture both in Afirca and the Caribbean these systems are open to abuse for all kinds of reasons eg money making, selling expensive protective charms, or for influence and power etc. For example many CAribbean leaders buy off orsurround themselves with reputed powerful practioners, given the strength of traditional African belief systems in the region,for their own political gains and manipulation. For example Edward Seaga in Jamaicaandthe Duvalliers in Haiti.But my reasons for at least drawing some some comfort from the programme is at least other traditional practices are still observed.

By the way off the point, a sister ,and Nigerian doctor in the Caribbean, told me there is a town or place in Nigeria name Obeah... coincidence ?

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