If this decade has taught us anything, it is this: the weapon of choice for modern warfare is now found in the hands of every citizen.
Really, I’m not kidding. I hereby give you the soldiers and guardians of Senegal’s democracy.
I’m just a bystander here, but this week I was fortunate enough to be invited to a “TweetUp” that was organized in honor of Senegal’s peaceful transition of power- better known as Sunu2012. All of the available bloggers and users of Twitter were brought together for an “in the flesh” kind of meeting. Me, I don’t even own a smartphone- nevermind would I normally want to attend some techie gathering with people I’ve never met. But I did want to see the faces of the men and women who were sur le terrain and bravely keeping people like me abreast of events as they were unfolding.
Those who couldn’t make it got to be included as Tweets were projected onto the side of the restaurant’s terrace wall. I will say that many if not almost all of the attendees sat at tables and continued to Tweet to each other as if we were still in different corners of the city. One of my favorite Tweets on the screen noted that they needed to cut the internet so we would actually talk to one another en live.
It was really cool to shake someone’s hand, hear their real name- and then ask what their Twitter handle was before I really knew who they were. About 50 people showed up, and from what I could see it was an impressive swath of Senegalese from different walks of life- but all united under a singular cause. Well, if you understand French, then this video might lead you to believe that there were other underlying reasons for this gathering (think DateUp instead of a TweetUp). Chalk this up to your stock Senegalese humor.
And here is the result of the collective effort: “Tears at the Palace”- the developments over the past year have comprised efforts stretching far beyond 140 characters.
One thing’s for sure: change and normalcy are in harmonious interplay this week.
The big Wade triptych has been taken down and replaced by the original (and less austere) triptych of a family. Priorities in Senegal remain the same.
This week’s rain has brought new verdure in Dakar. You can see it here at the rond point– and this growth is almost as impressive as these fancy new arrow signs that were just installed yesterday. Sure, you all might think that these arrows go without saying…but you’d be amazed at how often cars end up going the other way. So let’s just say improvements continue.
Ndank ndank. Even if we have to push our vehicle, we’re all moving forward together, one way or another. Whether it’s via Twitter or in sunu gaal, I am shown time and time again that I live amongst a united and determined people. A real example for the rest of the world.
Next week is Senegal’s Independence Day, among other things. After that, the sky is the limit. Et maintenant on va où?