Mr. Ensa Touray, a history lecturer at the
University of The Gambia is of the view that “knowledge” in all areas of human
interest has been embedded in Timbuktu, a place he regarded as a “centre for
intellectuals” across the horn of Africa.
Mr. Touray, who was speaking at a press conference
organised by the History Club of the University of The Gambia (UTG) at the
Brikama campus, denounced the on-going turmoil that led to the destruction of
several valuable shrines and historical heritages in and near Timbuktu, an ancient
town in Mali.
The destruction of ancient heritage followed the
establishment of three rebel movement- Ansar Dine, the Movement for Unity and
Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO), and Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) which
are alleged to have recruited dozens of children into their forces; carried out
executions, floggings, and amputations as punishment under Islamic law and
systematically destroyed numerous religious shrines of cultural and religious
importance.
According to renowned historian, this forum (press
confab) was long overdue and aggravated numerous anger from all those who
embrace the significance of historical values.
He explained that the action of the rebels has no
connection with any Islamic principles as widely claimed by the perpetrators,
while relating this action to a couple of Islamist armed groups controlling
northern Mali.
He alleged that these groups are committing serious
human rights abuses against the local population with the claim that they are
enforcing their interpretation of Sharia or Islamic laws at the expenses of the
civilian populace. He described these actions as “ungodly and inhuman”.
“In the olden days Timbuktu was one of those
fundamental points of reference for a number of intellectuals on research,” the
historian said, describing the actions of Islamists as “racial and
inter-generation injustice” which he believed is part and parcel of the unrest
in Mali.
Touray said: “What is going on in Mali is
non-political but rather terrorism and we need to substantially understand
history in a bit to protect our generation.”
He suggested that there is a need to fully protect
and preserve the cultural heritages that could serve as a tourist attraction
for African countries and that no religion teaches that one should burnt down
and destroy cultural heritages.
He concluded that they (historians) at the UTG
“vehemently condemn” the move he said is an “attempt to destroy their
heritages” which need to be preserved for Africans to known and trace their
rich cultural values for prosperity.
Mixed ideas
Also speaking, Mr. Saho Samba, a senior English
Language lecturer at the UTG said he disagree with the moved taken by the
Islamist groups who destroyed historical monuments in Mali’s northern region
that were built centuries ago.
He centred his argument on the significance of the
sites, as intellectual identity that contributes meaningfully towards knowledge
production for both learners and researchers.
When asked by a journalist on the suitable solution
to the turmoil in the West African country of Mali, Mr. Samba said he have
“mixed ideas” about what solution is best as of now.
“If people decided war as an alternative there is
high tendency that the war will eventually engulf the whole of West Africa and
several lives will be taken as a case study of Sierra Leone and elsewhere has
proven,” Mr. Samba said.
The senior lecturer was quick to advocate for
dialogue as a tool for solving the problem in Mali. Serious talks are needed,
he said while noting that a possible showdown by ECOWAS troops could have
serious consequence.
The President of Social Sciences and Humanity
Students' Association (SoSHSA) of UTG, Mr. Alieu Saidykhan corroborated the
senior lecturer’s position.
He pointed out that certain institutions such as the
African media, politicians and the academic spectrum has a significant role to
play in putting an immediate end to these inhuman acts rather than keeping mute
on the issues.
He argues: “If we the 21st century
generation didn't talk about this mischief in Mali, history will judge us. And
I strongly commend the History Club for this move (press confab).”
Ideological warfare ought to be instituted in a bit
to overcome appealing issues such as the crisis in northern Mali, said Paul
J.P. Gomez, a history major. University students should always think critically
on issues whenever they erupted and find out tangible solutions for it.
SOURCE: THE VOICE
No comments:
Post a Comment
The views expressed in this section are the authors' own. It does not represent The North Bank Evening Standard (TNBES)'s editorial policy. Also, TNBES is not responsible for content on external links.