Letter to Editor,
I have been following the
national reconciliation debate very closely since the architect of the coup
d`etat, Albert Rene, has thrust it at the forefront of the nations mind. Before
I go on I would like to quote a colleague as it summed up my thinking at the
time “it's an insult to the nation that persons who are the main reason for the
need of reconciliation are the ones promoting it. It's like someone throwing
garbage everywhere then complaining about the mess and asking everyone else to
clean up.” However, upon a long reflection I now feel as someone affected, it
is my duty as a citizen to meet them halfway so reconciliation can be given a
chance. Reconciliation is now very necessary
but it cannot be on their terms and conditions as that will defeat the purpose.
Mancham is right in saying that
it is easier said than done but what is he harking on about when he says we
need to establish the truth concerning the coup d`etat? Everybody knows the truth;
even Michel describes the truth on that treasonous day in his book.
So thus Rene is correct in that we
need national reconciliation; in fact we needed it yesterday. Being a victim
and an opposition that has been constantly victimised like many others I feel
if there is National reconciliation, it has to be on my terms and my
precondition, as examples from the pass has shown they may not be sincere and
trusted. As I don’t want to be taken for a ride or made to look like a fool
under these circumstances, preconditions I feel is the only way. The recent
electoral reform promises and public order act shoot down is a reminder of
that.
They must be open and truthful about
the past and after all these years of oppression it must be remembered that Rene
and his clique have become extremely wealthy, with their loot now having been
redirected into legitimate businesses not only in Seychelles but abroad. Today
they still control many business activities of our islands. So with that in
mind and as someone brilliantly articulated reconciliation cannot simply be the
act of sitting around a table so that Rene can proclaim a limp and general
sorry, then everyone goes home. This would be nothing but a cheap and
fraudulent trick to protect his clan and cronies after he has gone.
Reconciliation is vital for the wellbeing of our country and it can and must happen.
It can lead to healing of our nation provided the process is sincere and fair
to the victims. And it is all about the victims.
So therefore If Albert Rene really
means what he says about reconciliation these must be the preconditions:
1) A National apology to
broadcast live on TV to the families of those killed and disappeared.
2) The abolishment of June 5th
celebrations and removal as a public holiday.
3) The removal of Zomn Lib.
4) The government must then pay
full compensation to all families: whose land have been confiscated, businesses
taken away, members of families killed, disappeared and forced into exiled and people
who lost their jobs because of victimisation.
5) Allow all Seychellois living abroad able to
cast their vote.
6) The repealing of the unconstitutional
new Public order act and deliverance into law of the electoral reform
recommendations.
There are points that I probably
have missed but I feel the ones mentioned are essential. And finally only then,
will I be on the way to be reconciled.
Alexander Pierre
