Eflex Media

  Mobutu Sese Seko is a name often synonymous with corruption, dictatorship, and lavish extravagance, thanks to his long rule over Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo). The negative aspects of his governance—brutal suppression of opposition, personal enrichment at the country’s expense, and cronyism—are well documented. But Mobutu’s legacy is far more complex than the dominant narrative suggests. Beneath the layers of controversy lie actions and initiatives that reflected a genuine desire to shape the destiny of his country and the African continent. A closer look at his reign reveals a series of contributions that challenge the prevailing one-dimensional view of Mobutu as merely a tyrant. 1. National Unity: The Strongman Who Held Congo Together When Mobutu took control in 1965, the Congo was in chaos. The young nation, having just gained independence from Belgium in 1960, was on the brink of disintegration, with powerful secessionist movements and ethnic strife threate...

The Alekwu are the ancestral spirits of the Idoma people, an ethnic group primarily found in Benue State, Nigeria. The Alekwu play a central role in the traditional religion of the Idoma, acting as intermediaries between the living and the dead. They are considered protectors and moral overseers, ensuring the community adheres to social norms and punishing transgressions like adultery, theft, and murder. The Idoma people honor their ancestors through the Alekwu in various ceremonies and rituals. One significant event is the annual Aje Alekwu festival, where traditional religious practitioners gather to commune with the ancestors and perform sacrifices. This festival reinforces the community’s connection to their ancestral spirits and upholds the traditional belief systems despite the influence of Christianity and Islam​ ( HTS Teologiese Studies )​​ ( Wikipedia )​. Funerals among the Idoma are elaborate affairs, especially for elders who have achieved high status within the community. ...