As Sierra Leone today celebrates 46 years of independence, Sulaiman in Kenema, recalls a conversation he once had with his father.

"Was there really a need for Sierra Leone to have become independent? I think we should have remained under colonial rule", I suggested to my dad.

"Don't say that my son!", he cried. "With colonial rule, the British people were our masters and we were their servants. So, we decided to become the masters of our own destiny. Independence Day is a day to always remember," he said.

"In principal I agree with you dad", I answered. "But does independence mean corruption, tribalism, civil war, poverty and depending on the same white people to make donations to us for our survival?"

My dad was silent so I went on. "You see, the idea of independence was good but we can only say we are independent when we are able to economically take care of our own affairs as a nation. We need people that are committed and have a passion to move the country forward - not those who are committed to demonstrating bad examples."

"I can't agree with you more, my son", my dad replied.

So, as my country marks Independence Day, I say loudly: Wake up great people of the Lion Mountain! Wake up from your slumber and move your country forward!

Thursday 26th April

Peter Kuol Lual in South Sudan has a message for the two sides involved in the peace talks taking place today in his town of Juba

The Ugandan Government and the Lords Resistance Army must remain committed in their peace negotiations so that freedom is achieved for the northern Ugandans who have suffered enough over the last 20 years.

Mr Kony, this is your last chance and if you violate these current peace talks in Juba then you must not blame the Government of South Sudan.

Remember being in the bush is not the solution to your problems - you must come to the negotiating table.

Wednesday 25th April

Martin Sahr Goba in Enugu, Nigeria, writes concerning the latest fighting in Mogadishu, the Somali capital.

I condemn Ethiopia's blatant act of aggression against the people of Somalia who continue bearing the brunt of it all.

It is heart-breaking when civilians suffer heavy casualties while the presidential palace is heavily guarded by Ethiopian troops and African Union forces.

Please United Nations - respond adequately before its too late.

Tuesday 24th April

Jimmy Acridi in Kampala, Uganda, writes following the outcome of elections in Nigeria.

It is really flabbergasting to see the Nigerian electoral commission and President Obasanjo pleased with the results of these elections, which have been marred by irregularities and have attracted much condemnation from both local people and foreign observers. Does this mean that they are going to uphold the results of these elections?

If so, it is really unfortunate. The electoral commission must try to think about the repercussions of these elections before they decide what to do. They must know that asking the opposition to concede defeat on such unfair grounds is difficult to swallow.

Monday 23rd April

A busy weekend of election news prompted Kwaku Antwi-Boasiako to write from Accra, Ghana.

I believe that what happened in Nigeria and France over the weekend will go down in history as a tale of two elections. There were so many contrasts between the two elections:

1. While every French person who wanted to vote got the opportunity to do so - many Nigerians who wanted to vote were denied that opportunity.

2. While issues and ideas took centre-stage in the French elections - issues and ideas as to how politicians can solve socio-economic problems took the back-stage in Nigeria's elections.

3. While French voters cast their ballots without any reported acts of violence or intimidation - Nigerians had to vote amidst violence, intimidation, threats and death. Is that what President Obasanjo called for when he said that the elections were a do-or-die afffair?

I want to give praise where praise is due: bravo to the French authorities, but a big SHAME to the Nigerian authorities - especially INEC!