There was an avalanche and outpour of messages of condolences from all over the world, especially Africa when tragedy struck China. It was an earthquake ? a by-product of natural disaster. Approximately 70000 people lost their lives and 300000 made homeless. Even poor African governments sent cash donations to the People's Republic of China. The Chinese acknowledged graciously what seemed a widow's might from concerned peoples of African descent. It was not about the scale of our donations, but the epitome or symbolism attached thereof folks.

 

The show of solidarity after the quake hit China sought to epitomize arguably that there is a cooperation threshold on mutual respect and understanding between Africa and China. It seeks to reinforce the essence and spirit of Sino-Africa relations.

 

The world mourned and sadly regretted the mishap that had befallen this great country. The images and television footage from the quake zone unmistakably arouse the sensitivity and humanity of all men and women of consciences. But there was some lessons learnt in the process. Africa must be prepared to follow in that path.

 

We have come to learn something important from the Chinese people. It is about their strong urge to believe in shaping their own destiny no matter what. At the head of relief and humanitarian efforts ? we saw how the Chinese army mobilized frantically to save lives, provide humanitarian assistance, rescue thousands of people, bring hope to those on the verge of drowning and help the distress rebuild their lives.

 

With our naked eyes we bear testimony to the swift and rapid para-trooping of the Chinese Armed Forces on the move to help the needy. Everything associated with rescuing and enlivening the plight of the plagued victims was propelled by the Chinese Army. China has every reason to be proud of its army, for these men and women have made their country elated at their intervention when the country wanted them the most.

 

The Chinese media, like the China Central Television and China Radio International, are reporting minute by minute as developments unfold from the disaster zone. Other foreign media do have access and report to the rest of the world. But there is something more amazing here, we want to emphasize the organized and professional manner in which the Chinese government and people have been able to muster the courage in responding to the disaster.

 

There is no doubt that the whole country is in a state of mourning and tepidity, but the Chinese people have tried to remain resilient more than ever. They see the tragedy as an act of the forces of nature at play like any other natural phenomenon as it were. Moreover, they continue to go about their normal businesses ? serving China delicately and with the greatest sense of love for their country.

 

We happen to have met a couple of African diplomats currently on a three-month orientation training at the China Foreign Affairs University. They were in China when the quake struck. They informed us how they were consumed by the anxiety that characterized the semblance of tremble that they experienced. One Liberian diplomat was doing a bit of exercise when the signs of the tremble occurred. He vowed not to return to his campus-based posh accommodation. He was jittery and was reminiscing the fate of his family he had left on the shores of West Africa. He tried to brood over his children's future.

 

As other colleagues came around, he managed to regain some confidence. That must have been like trying to put up a brave face. Quakes are such disasters that don't pre-announce when they would occur. The diplomat, like his colleagues, had no choice especially so, they knew no part of China and could not attempt to flee into the wilderness. It was a terrific moment and fear could be seen everywhere.

 

Amid the vicissitudes of life, there are people who brave the storm variously to put their lives on the line to save others. That was the real life story of the Chinese Army as they came to the aid of their compatriots at a critical time in their national history. Grief had combed one of the regions of the country. In a style of selflessness, the army has been doing a great job in the name of China. That is what we expect our national armies to do when there is a national call to duty.

 

The Chinese people did not look afar for any assistance, but mustered the resolve to squarely deal with the crisis at han. A true indication of a people bent on making a difference no matter teh circumstance. It was clear, vivid and conspicuous. 24 hours around the clock, we see the disciplined army of this Great Asian nation demonstrating to the world that China has the capacity to respond to any situation as it unfolds. We are encouraged by the high level of nationalism being exhibited by the Chinese nation at this very distressing moment for the country.

 

The Government of the People's Republic of China is in strong support of the humanitarian, cum re construction, efforts in the troubled area. On top of that, the Chinese have created a manmade lake to avert a potential disaster in the affected area. Talking to Chinese people here and there, they seem completely delighted that their army can deliver so exceptionally when a region of their nation is gripped with a crisis.

 

Africa can take a cue from China by preparing the kinds of armies that will be prepared to address multiple national assignments as they happen on the continent. We need to model our armies alongside the doctrine and inclinations that have passionately moved the Chinese people on. China remains Africa's strategic partner in all fields of human endeavors. At various levels, treaties and bilateral cooperation agreements have been signed to the ultimate benefit of Africa. The dividends are there to speak for so many a diverse outcomes.

 

Above all, we somberly share with the Chinese people in this hour of grief at a time we can all rally around this great nation. Out of the challenges the Chinese people face - grew an aura of resilience to press on in a typical nationalistic fashion. We implore the spirit of the Chinese nation while registering our condolences.

 

(Ekena writes from Beijing, People's Republic of China)

 

Source: The Heritage Newspaper, June 10, 2008