LONDON—Malawi born James Woods-Nkhutabasa, an entrepreneur-cum-African Affairs analyst was this week, on London based Arise TV, weighing in on leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) Joseph Kony. The LRA leader is Africa’s most wanted, most hunted fugitive and war criminal. Woods-Nkhutabasa, also discussed the big drawbacks and positives for the African continent in the just ending year, 2016.
On fugitive Kony, Woods described him as “a rebel leader…a leader who has had the belief that he is fighting for multi-democracy in Uganda, to bring the rights of people in the front, to oust (President) Yoweri Museveni, and to allow people elect someone else. Individually, he believes he is fighting for this cause to see Uganda ruled under the biblical Ten Commandments but has along the way broken all of them.”
Up to now, nobody really knows where he is despite efforts to track him down.
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Woods making a point
sked as to why he thinks it is taking time for the war criminal to be captured, Woods speculated that perhaps it might be because of the fact that He (Kony) lives in the Jungle, understands the terrain of the Jungle to which government forces find it difficult to operate in such terrains in their bid to capture him.
Commenting on Kony’s poaching behavior, Woods observed that this is perhaps his only survival tactic in his bid to try to still put together the remnants of his depleted forces, having stopped being funded by Sudan in the 1990s.
Tapping into Wood’s wider experience as an African Affairs Analyst, the Arise TV News anchor Charles Aniagolu broaden the discussion to review challenges and hopes for Africa in the year (2016) ending tomorrow.
Challenges
Woods singled out the lack of peace for the young nation in Africa, South Sudan, as one of the biggest challenges Africa experienced this year saying that “it’s about time South Sudan really gets herself and brings about peace.”
Positives
Woods, a holder of Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Politics, Philosophy and History and a Masters in Social Policy and Development from London School of Economics and Political Science, pointed out that several countries, about 20 countries, conducted elections (Presidential, National Assembly, Local and House of Representatives) in 2016 which saw “both sides of democracy being followed” like in Ghana and Benin notwithstanding the challenges in some countries such as Gambia, Gabon and DRC.
“Looking at the promotion of democracy, we have seen a changing tide of the nationals of these places demanding change, transparency and accountability; we have seen individuals having access to information” said Woods arguing this is good.
He added that even private individuals are doing their part to help government.
“We have seen individuals come in through private sector social enterprises to drive forward development. We don’t need to rely on governments and we look at Nigeria for instance, Tony Elumelu, the initiatives he is carrying out is developing the next generation,” concluded Woods.
Watch the Full Interview on the you tube link below.
The Malawi Achievers award red carpet event which took place at the CSN International Exhibition and Conference Centre in Birmingham recently saw youthful Malawian James Woods-Nkhutabasa being given a rising star award. Woods-Nkhutabasa did not receive the award in person as his official duties took him outside the UK such that he could not manage to make it to the event. Instead, Mvelani CEO Dumisani Kapanga received the award on his behalf.
According to the organizing committee of the event, the awards were given to individuals who are making a positive difference to the Malawi community in the UK and also to those individuals with varying potential to live their dreams and further their ambitions so they can put Malawi on the global stage.
Woods-Nkhutabasa is heavily involved in global issues concerning wildlife protection, education, bringing investors to the continent and is a highly sought after advisor on issues concerning Africa development and policy by leading international organisations. He is regular guest at international forums, travels Africa extensively to work with governments, private sector and NGO’s. Woods-Nkhutabasa is also a regular Africa affairs analyst on international media platforms.
In an interview, Woods-Nkhutabasa said he was excited to have been honored with the award.
“I am absolutely honoured and humbled to have been considered for the award and to have won it. This all came as a surprise to me as I was not aware that I was being considered to receive this award recognizing Malawians who are turning observations into obligations,” said the soft-spoken Nkhutabasa.
He added
“My life has been dedicated to creating a better Africa, a better Malawi and be the voice that makes this a reality. I would like to thank the Malawi Achievers Awards for being a shining star that inspires all of us to do great and recognizes those achievements. I would also like to thank those who nominated me but most importantly this award is not for James Woods-Nkhutabasa but for every Malawian with a dream to transform our nation and people.”
Woods-Nkhutabasa last year received a Young African Achiever award—an award given to a young African bringing forward development and change to the African continent. He was awarded alongside African heavyweights such as the African Union Chairperson H.E. Dlamini Zuma and the then President of Tanzania, H.E. Jakaya Kikwete.
James Woods is the founder of an independent advisory consulting firm providing services on Sub-Saharan Africa in areas of governmental relations, investor relations, geo-political risk, strategic communications, media, reputation and crisis management. Has an extensive knowledge of working with media and leading figures in government and private sector. He also serves as the Malawi Country Director at the UK based Business Council for Africa (BCA).
James
Holds B.A. Hons in Politics, Philosophy and History. Masters in Social Policy and Development from London School of Economics and Political Science, Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Finance (HABA & SOAS) and certificate in future of Work in Africa: Innovations for Youth Employment (Ashoka Changemakers).
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