Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 17-07-2018
Advocacy group Cage Africa has criticised the Nelson Mandela Foundation’s decision to allow former US President Barack Obama to deliver the centennial celebrations of the late struggle icon saying he has blood on his hands.
The group wrote an open letter to the foundation querying the inclusion of Obama in the annual lecture which will focus on “Renewing the Mandela Legacy and Promoting Active Citizenship in a Changing World”.
The lecture, organised by the Nelson Mandela Foundation in partnership with the Motsepe Foundation, is a flagship programme to honour the late statesman.
Every year since 2003, global leaders have used the lecture to raise topical issues affecting South Africa, Africa and the rest of the world.
Cage Africa’s Feroz Boda says during his eight-year tenure as president and commander-in-chief of the US army, Obama was directly responsible for a massive expansion of US military operations in Africa, including special operations and drone attacks.
“How can you invite a man like Barack Obama to speak to celebrate the life of Nelson Mandela. Nelson Mandela fought an armed struggle, we know that. But his struggle was a just struggle and when he was the president of this country, he had no blood on his hands. He used his power to try and unite people.”
The lecture will take place on 17 July 2018, a day before Nelson Mandela International Day, and will be held at the Bidvest Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.
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