Lesson in Amin's passing | Monitor (Kampala)

[Ediacara]

Lesson in Amin's passing
Editorial
August 18, 2003

The passing of former President Idi Amin Dada has brought with it a singular matter: national reconciliation.

There can be no denying that the deceased former leader's regime was a murderous one that took impunity to levels almost unparalleled on the continent. Even in death, many of those who lost their kin to the ogre that was the regime cannot bring themselves to forget or forgive. This is not difficult to understand.

Nevertheless, we have heard voices of conciliation above the general din of condemnation. There are those among us who feel that Amin's illness and eventual death has given the country the opportunity to consider setting up a truth and reconciliation commission. In this commission, those who committed past crimes against humanity would own up to their heinous actions and be forgiven in a manner similar to what happened in post-apartheid South Africa.

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[GainesT1958]

1. It would be a great thing, indeed, to see Ugandans do that...

The South African Truth Commission set an example for the world--one which needs to be attempted in a lot MORE of the world, quite frankly. I'd love to see the current Ugandan Government set up such a commission in their country, to finally get out in the open the atrocities committed under Idi "Vidi" Amin.

B-)

[dad]

2. Is Amin a worse national leader than Bush?

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/17/international/17AMIN.html

"For much of the 1970's, the beefy, sadistic and telegenic despot had reveled in the spotlight of world attention as he flaunted his tyrannical power, hurled outlandish insults at world leaders and staged pompous displays of majesty. "


I'm thinking, comparing Amin to Dubya, the difference is
- Bush isn't beefy