MY MIND: Good cop, bad cop

What a sad scene that was, where a United Nation’s representative was bowing his head, talking to journalists and sobbing while apologising to the world about the behaviour of the ‘Peace Keeping’ troops in Africa. It is not the first time that we hear such news about people who are supposed to be protectors, yet they turned to be the enemy, worse still, wolves pretending to be sheep.

Trying to clean up
Maybe the high ranking UN official was trying to clean up some tragic events, but I won’t feel better. I have always been struck by how unreal the United Nation’s approach is to matters related to aid. So out of touch with reality! They live in big mansions and drive huge cars, hefty salaries and bonuses because of “hardship” that they are enduring. And you know what? The same people who come to help want to be the last to be asked for help once they step out of their offices.
Unfortunately, because some matters have to remain confidential, I will not share any of my experiences with these officials.

When I was a child, my parents taught me that in case I found myself in trouble, I should run to a policeman seeking help. However, it is interesting that some of my friends with whom I was at school, had heard the opposite from their parents. Actually, when they misbehaved they were threatened to be surrendered to the police, this weapon really worked. I have heard many families use the same threat, and for me this is the true meaning of dichotomy.
So, while I was hoping to investigate the truth through my experiences, the uniform and cap remained some comforting elements in my life. Of course, once I got my driving permit, traffic police were no longer my friends and their flashing blue sirens were not good news. Later on, things did not improve, while one cannot generalise issues related to police brutality and corruption keep appearing and reappearing.

While I was in Uganda
Like others, I was faced with a few issues during my stay in Uganda, and once in a while I found myself dealing with police. One unforgettable experience was the day we were robbed at 2am and the thieves got away with most of our belongings including our car. Once, a neighbour came to help and called the police. They asked to be picked up as they had no transport. Later on, their efforts in finding the thieves yielded no fruits. Although after a while we forgot about the missing belongings, the bitter taste of feeling unprotected and insecure remained very vivid in our lives.
Police, army and peacekeepers, are part of our lives, and in societies that are becoming even more chaotic and lawless every day. It is not an easy job and they should be commended for carrying it out. However, it is also a job that should have zero tolerance to abuse of office

AND…
When one needs a service in an emergency moment, the response should be swift. If you have to enjoy life, security is number one requirement.

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