Tajudeen’s truth

Tajudeen Abdul-Raheem's immortal words 'Don't agonise! Organise!' ring particularly true in today’s political climate. What would Taju have done if he was here now? What would he have thought as uprisings and demonstrations built up a wave of popular support across the African continent? And what would he have written each week about Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya, as well as the less reported uprisings in Benin, Gabon, Senegal, Swaziland, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Uganda and in other parts of the African continent, all driven by the will of the people? Questions were a constant part of Taju’s rhetoric, with his aim to encourage reflection, discussion and forward-thinking action. As a supporter of Gandhi, he would have wished for a peaceful resolution to the current bloodshed in Libya, but as a witness to the immediacy of genocide in Rwanda, he would not shy away from facing up to the violence as it was happening.

His untimely death on African Liberation Day 2009 stunned the Pan-African world. But any who sorrowfully noted ‘Insha’Allah’ – ‘It is God’s will’ – after the death of our dear departed friend should have felt him turn over in his grave. As a constant proponent of action, Taju pushed for African people to unite, react and take their future into their own hands, no longer waiting for God or the North or for the leaders of corruption to do it for them.

Tajudeen’s determination to speak truth to power, his vociferous belief in the potential of Africa and African people and his discerning analysis of developments in the global and Pan-African world were demonstrated in his weekly Pan-African Postcards, which have been brought together in one collection by the progressive Pan-African publisher Pambazuka Press. ‘Speaking Truth to Power: Selected Pan-African Postcards’ presents Tajudeen’s philosophy on diverse but intersecting themes: his fundamental respect for the capabilities, potential and contribution of women in transforming Africa; penetrating truths directed at African politicians and their conduct; and deliberations on the institutional progress towards African union. He reflects on culture and emphasises the commonalities of African people. Also represented are his denunciations of international financial institutions, the G8 and NGOs in Africa, with incisive analysis of imperialism's manifestations and impact on the lives of African people, and his passion for eliminating poverty in Africa.

From humble beginnings in Nigeria, he soon proved himself to be a powerful thinker and speaker. He achieved a first-class degree from Bayero University, became a Rhodes scholar at Oxford University and earned his PhD from the University at Buffalo. Despite his international academic success, he was determined to return to his home continent where he engaged fully in Pan-African politics – as the general secretary of the Pan-African Movement, the director of Justice Africa and the deputy director of United Nations Millennium Campaign for Africa – as well as being a prolific writer.

In the aftermath of his death, tributes amassed from across the world:

'Taju spoke truth to those in power. He boldly took to task leaders who did not have the courage of their convictions.'
Dr Salim Ahmed Salim, former secretary general of the Organisation of African Unity (1989–2001)

'Tajudeen believed in the common citizenship of all humans and he used all of the resources available to him to stand up for dignity and common citizenship.'
Horace G. Campbell, professor of African-American studies and political science at Syracuse University

With his exceptional ability to express complex ideas in an engaging manner, his Postcards demonstrated the brilliant wordsmith that he was and his steadfast commitment to Pan-Africanism. They offer a legacy of his political, social and cultural thought and the book has won accolades from near and far. Desmond Davies in News Africa on 31 March 2011 writes: 'For those who never had the privilege of reading Taju's column, Pambazuka Press … has published a compilation of his Pan-African Postcards. It must have been an arduous task for Ama Biney and Adebayo Olukoshi who selected the Postcards because every column of Taju’s was a gem. This compilation will keep his indomitable pan-African spirit alive.' And Tukumbi Lumumba-Kasongo, in the Journal of African and Asian Studies, asserts 'Speaking Truth to Power is a testimony of a committed individual's contribution to Africa and the world. I highly recommend the excellent book to all those who would like to learn more about contemporary Africa as well as national and international institutions and political leaders from an unapologetic critical perspective.'

Tajudeen’s death was a tragic loss to the people of Africa but his influence and spirit have not died. 25 May arrives again to a continent that is ready to demand its liberation. And Tajudeen’s truths live on…

BROUGHT TO YOU BY PAMBAZUKA NEWS

* ‘Speaking Truth to Power: Selected Pan-African Postcards’ is available from Pambazuka Press.
* Please send comments to [email protected] or comment online at Pambazuka News.