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Some of your comments coming in.....

The continent of Africa is not only huge it is a patchwork of dozens of artificially created nations having little to do with natural boundries. Joberg is about as different from Algiers as one can imagine, for example. So it is pointless to speak of "Africans" as if one and all were identical. Doc Hilliard

One thing that got me thinking, was the issue of ABC, that was discussed when you were in Uganda.
For most African countries the tradition may not include being abstinent or faithful. But in Ethiopia our church (The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church) has taugh just that since 2000 years. Unfortunately, some people do not practice it. If everyone would observe the teachings of the church (which are in complete accordance with the teachings of Christ) I'm sure, AIDS would not exist anymore today.
Kalypso

Hi Atkins, Recently, ´óÏó´«Ã½ announced entries for competitions for the award in various catagories for radio stations in Africa. Many African radios sent entries. Radio Pacis was nominated as the best Newly established radio in the Eastern Region. My suprise was when i read one of the bbc website and found out that it was one of the two finalists for the final award for the best newly opened radio after september 2004. This for Uganda, and especially Arua District in Northern Uganda, is a big pride since Radio Pacis is well known for proffessionalism in pragramming and other radio services. Bravo Radio Pacis, keep Ugandan flag flying all over the African continent !!
Vince Ochaya, From Arua, Northern Uganda.

I have been travelling with you virtually for last two weeks, sitting before my computer, in Gujranwala Pakistan, far off from Africa. What I gather from this series of programmes is that Africans have trust in themselves, they have potential and above all countless opportunities are waiting for them. My best wishes are with Africans.
Muhammad Asim Munir, Gujranwala, Pakistan

Greetings. I believe that world news contains a diverse range of conflicting/interesting/inspirational and emotional reports on Africa... however the greater proportion of this does seem to be focused on iolence/crime/political/negative issues. This gives me the impression that, presently, that IS the general situation on the continent. Quite who is to blame is only part of the problem. But they are not ignored - they receive a lot of outside help, too much to discuss now, and more if they asked for it. Africans should unite and focus on the future.
Angus C

We should use this blessed Africa Day, to celebrate the great achievements of many Africans who are making a difference in the world; while simultaneously lamenting the State of our beloved continent. We should use this day as an opportunity to call on dictators and corrupt politicians across the continent to abandon their ways; which is eroding development in our continent and making us a laughing stock in certain diplomatic circles.
Jason, USA

Hi guys, Lubna, Iraq here, after listening to WHYS, I guess Africans are good people, have lots of problems but have faith in their future, and friendly.

Today being Africa Day, it should be marked with the call on the poltical leaders to stop constitutional and military coups for our betterment.
Muhamed, Ghana

Hello World Have Your Say. I am grateful for the program on Africa. Personally, I have forgotten that today was Africa Day. As an African, I am proud that we have a day to celebrate Africa. I am grateful for the creation of the AU, the peer-review program, and many good things happening in Africa. On the contrary, I am appalled by the frequent negative images of Africa painted by the western media. I want Africans to know that the problems in Africa are the same problems in most all non-African countries, except they are of a different magnitude. Please tell my fellow Africans that there has been enough complaints. Let's stand united, focused, and lets work to create a better Africa for the future.
Stephen, Nanuet, New York, USA

I have listened intently for the last 2 weeks & my observation overall is the beauty of the unity of the African people despite differences of opinion. There is no strength in a people divided. This is your greatest strength as a people & surely something to celebrate.
Kim from Detroit

I noticed that you're happy people,so what's your secret to keep optimistic, your friends in Iraq need to hear it urgently?
Lubna, Iraq

My opinions have changed as a result of this week, both about Africa, Africans, and about me. I’m shocked at how little patience I have to listen through the accent. Everyone is articulate, but I get exhausted and turn the show off after awhile. But, I’ve been fascinated by what I hear, saddened that I don’t feel connected to Africa already. Ashamed that I don’t make more effort to learn about it. Intrigued at how aggressive I judge the style across most of the different countries – especially the men. And curious to learn more! Thanks.
Jennifer

WHYS's glorious trip throughout Africa this week was a real delight. I could feel the warmth and hospitality and spontaneity of African people through radio waves. Thankyou very much and remember other parts of the world are eagerly waiting for your visit!
Hisham in France.

Thanks ´óÏó´«Ã½ for this topic. African Leaders need to reforms politics and leadership are different words
Dut Gak, Rumbek, Sudan

Your program has shown how empassioned, aware, and diverse the people of Africa are. What I dislike the most about the Western portrayal of the African continent is that it is always referred to as "Africa" as though it were one large country that only has problems. This completely denies the diversity of the African continent. I agree with the person who argued that there are many more negative reports than positive reports. Referring to the continent as "Africa" all the time perpetuates a "Heart of Darkness" attitude. My thoughts are with Alan Johnston and the Palestinian people.
Yasmin Zerhouni, San Francisco, CA

What bothers me the most about "African" news is the loose use of the name "Africa"; to me this is a continent not a country. Africa has so many countries within it each one with a different culture and each in different stages of development, industry, technology so on and and so forth. To those of us who are informed about world affairs it is not uncommon to hear what sound like idiotic comments about Africa being made by the media and common people, the comments may be true about a specific town or country within the great continent of Africa, but the perception is that such a report holds true for all of Africa.
Haresh R. Nagarajan, Florida, US

Alan - God be kind upon you. Everyone is praying for your recovery. Be couragous and stay hopeful.
Muhammad, Pakistan.

Dear, ´óÏó´«Ã½. The western Media always paint a negative picture of Africa and Africans to the exclusion of ´óÏó´«Ã½, I enjoyed your trip to Africa. Keep it up.

Africa should be happy! Defeatist attitudes will not give us the passion to forge ahead.
Togo Kasoro, Kampala.

Its only the young ones who have no idea of how life was under the colonizers can not appreciate the Africa day .
MAINA

Celebrate should not be the word .. reflect yes! Not about always morning slavery.
We are free but has it paid? Where are we wrong?
Yamikani Ngongonda, Malawi

There is no reason whatsoever to celebrate AFRICA DAY instead we should celebrate LEGENDARY AFRICANS TODAY...
INYANG MICHAEL, Nigeria

How would u tell my sister who was raped in the DRC, a Darfurian or a somali to celebrate this day. Am living as a refugee in uganda. How do you expect me?
Anon

It is not a matter of celebration, it is for our leaders to have attitudinal change so that we can develop...
Sa'ed-Kaduna, Nigeria

I don't Think so if African Union should do anything to us, they are just keeping a negative promise progarmme every time.
Peter Machar Kuol Garang a Sudanese leave in Kampala Uganda.

Africa's problem is just one. Capitalism only survives with someone down trodden and unfortunately its us.
Edgar Etyang, Tororo, Uganda

In Kenya we tried to celebrate until we thought to introduce a national dress then hell broke loose, we disagreed and we stopped there!
Agnes, Nairobi.

The word celebration doesn't fit in. The black nation's natives are tied hands by aged leaders who inherited monarchy from the colonists. We need re-independence for the next generation.
Otieno Anyango Thika Nairobi.

The foreign media is not only reporting negatively its true Africa is full of bad things as a reality.
Steven Soroti , Uganda

Africa is now developing well.
Chris Chikwendu

I have never heard of 'AFRICA DAY'. Sincerely, I doubt if this day has any positive effect on the average African, it's inconsequential.
Gabriel from Nigeria.