By Majid Morceli
San Francisco - African Cup of Nations (CAN) organizing committees are an example of exactly what’s wrong with Africa. They place zero value on human life.
When Morocco rightfully asked for the games to be postponed until the Ebola virus is under control, Issa Hayatou and his crew, chaired by Moroccan Hicham El Amrani, wrote a secret letter to 7 African countries asking them to form a “Plan B”.
So far, we know that Algeria and South Africa have declined their invitation to the games. Their reason for excusing themselves is based on lack of funds and preparation, not based on the devastating spread of Ebola.
Any country that cares about the welfare of its people would never even entertain the thought of organizing such a large event when the World Health Organization is discouraging such gatherings in Africa. We already know that Ebola has killed more than 4500 people have so far.
While Issa Hayatou is frantically searching Africa for someone to host the games, Michel Platini, the UEFA president, said, “We must take into account the decision of global health authorities, due to tight schedules I understand the wish of Issa Hayatou to not postpone the games, but people's health should be a priority."
Even our own Sports Minister, Mohammed Ouzzine, said, “What’s the significance of the financial losses compared to human losses? A human being is priceless.”
Now that more people are speaking against going on with the games, and countries like South Africa, who is perhaps the only capable country to host the games, have refused Hayatou’s invitation, CAN 2015 will most likely be postponed, and Issa Hayatou will be seen as someone who should not be in his current job.
When you next ponder the reasons why Africa has not advanced, now you know whom to blame: those with Hayatou’s mindset, those who do not value African life and don’t see is as a life that needs to be nurtured and saved.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Morocco World News’ editorial policy
© Morocco World News. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten or redistributed.