The Federal
Dark lessons Myanmar, Syria and Rwanda hold for India
Identification of people with religion, ethnicity, race and community has become so deep-rooted, it has become simple for any government to stoke differences among its people when required
COMMENTS
India has not yet reached the depths of Myanmar, Syria or Rwanda of 1994 as far as religious discrimination is concerned, but there is no guarantee it will not unless civil society sheds its somnolence. Representative photo: iStock
Over the last five months, Myanmar (earlier, Burma) has quickly descended from a hopeful democracy into the black hole of military dictatorship. At last count, around 900 civilians have been killed and thousands detained in the ongoing protests for the restoration of democracy.
A communication and journalism expert, Professor Kwame Karikari, has said the media in Ghana are well-positioned to promote a cohesive and harmonious society in which democracy and the rights of the people thrive.
He said suggestions that the media were promoting tendencies that could plunge the country into war were far-fetched as the facts did not support that position.
“The media cannot cause war; they can create an atmosphere which political forces can manipulate to create chaos or unrest.
“Wherever the media have been instrumental in creating unrest there is always a political force using a section as an instrument and tool to carry out a systematic agenda,” Professor Karikari, who is also the Board Chairman of the Graphic Communications Group Ltd (GCGL), said.
Media promote unity: Prof Karikari disagrees fourth estate incite wars graphic.com.gh - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from graphic.com.gh Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Universities have a role in Rwanda s reconciliation universityworldnews.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from universityworldnews.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Long hailed for his bravery during the 1994 Rwandan genocide, Paul Rusesabagina is now charged with being an insurgent leader. Did Rwanda change, or did he?