Whomsoever might come after

In light of Ouyahia’s representing Algeria at the G8 Summit, in place of Bouteflika, recall this post from last year.

Addendum on Boulkheir and Obama

To clarify the intention of the post “Messaoud Boulkheir: the real Obama story,” it is necessary to witness this occurrence, brought to this blogger’s attention by a reader: at a recent rally, Boulkheir was incapable of finishing a speech, overcome with emotion at the spirit with which his Moorish countrymen have embraced his campaign. He welled up with tears, as supporters chanted “Obama! Obama!” and he told the crowd:

لم أكن أظن يوما في حياتي أن الشعب الموريتاني يمكنه أن يقبلني فردا منه فبالأحرى رئيسا له..إنك شعب عظيم وأقدم اعتذاري لك

[. . .]

إن كنت يوما قد دعوة ضد العبودية في موريتانيا فإني بعد هذا اليوم، وهذا الحضور أهب نفسي عبدا لهذا الشعب العظيم

I did not think for one day in my life that the Mauritanian people would accept me as an individual, let alone as their president . . . I apologize to you great people, to this great people.

[. . .]

Daily I stood for the end of slavery in Mauritania and after this day I can say at this occasion that I am a slave of this great people.

He repeated this last line over and over until he shattered into tears. This is the sort of thing for hyperbolic history books and nationalist tracts (except that it is real). Still, the previous assessment stands in light of this incident: he will not be president. The commentary on the Taqadoumy article is generally sympathetic, but is also evidence of the folly of crying in public in Mauritania: readers wonder, Why does he cry so often? If he can’t get through a speech, what will he do in office?

Scoundrel or Statesman? The case of Ely Ould Mohamed Vall

It was a stirring start. Before some two thousand supporters, many of them former ministers and high power business people, fmr. Colonel Ely Ould Mohamed Vall began his address. Immediately, the power at the convention center cut out, leaving the entire venue without light. Through the darkness, Vall announced to his supporters that not even electrical failure would stop him from being elected president of Mauritania.