Reconciliation begins at home |19 November 2013

It is interesting to note that the photo depicting myself in the company of President James Michel and former President France Albert René taken at State House last week on the occasion of the reception for the senior citizens, have not only made front-page news in several of our newspapers but have also attracted diverse comments. Some have even written and elaborated on what has been described as “the body language”.

Briefly, there are some who believe that I should have said "No" to President Michel's invitation, given the particular attention provided to President René on such occasion, against the background that Mr René, as my Prime Minister, "masterminded" the coup d'état of June 5, 1977.

Mr Editor, I would like to avail of your column to make a few points clear.

Over the last few years, I have made a special name locally, regionally and internationally as "a statesman" rather than a mere political leader.

 In fact, a few years ago, I won the Gusi Peace Prize for Statesmanship. Now, how can I allow myself to go to Nairobi, Kenya, endeavouring Uhuru Kenyatta to work together with Raila Odinga for the sake of a more united Kenya?; How can I allow myself as a member of the Council of Elders and Wise of Comesa (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa) to lead a delegation to Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo in order to get their leaders to work with the leaders of the Republic of Rwanda in order to find a solution to the M23 rebel revolt that was about to bring these two African States to war?; How can I allow myself to go to Belgrade to appeal to the leaders of Serbia to work with the leaders of Kosovo in order to dry up the water of hate in which these two nations have found themselves "swimming" for more than 15 years?; How can I take all these external initiatives – but when it comes to my own country adopt a negative attitude in the much-needed healing process? It is in this light that my acceptance of President Michel's invitation should be viewed.

Mr Editor, after winning the Second World War, Winston Churchill went out of his way to finally acknowledge that "Talk, talk" is better than "War, war" – and in Seychelles, which considers herself a more or less Christian nation, let us not forget the words of the Bible – "Blessed are the peace-makers for they will be called the children of God" - (Mathew 5: Verse 9).

James R. Mancham