The flower of democracy

Unrest in North Africa while the Countries in revolt are due to undergo a difficult transition to democracy: we broached the issue with Adnane Mokrani, Muslim theologian, professor at the Pontifical Gregorian University. “Western civil societies can help – he says – they can contribute, and most of all sympathize with these populations that are seeking freedom and democracy, motivated by the wish to share these universal values with Europe and with the rest of the world”. Maria Chiara Biagioni interviewed him on behalf of SIR Europe.Unrest in North Africa that began with Tunisia. Why? “Similar protests took place about two years ago in Iran: the green wave was marked by peaceful demonstrations, whereby the population took the streets protesting against the government. However, demonstrations had a positive conclusion in Tunisia, which took everyone by surprise. Interestingly, in Tunisia and in Egypt there was a strong identification with the innocent victims. A young Tunisian in the south of the Country set himself to fire because he felt he had been humiliated. The population’s upheaval that ensued, caused by long – dated oppression, humiliation and marginalization was characterized by remarkable national unity, while a new generation of youth skilled in the Internet tools initiated a popular and effective kind of journalism”. People take the streets in despair due to ongoing economic crisis. Is the situation that serious? “In Tunisia, in Egypt, a serious economic crisis is underway, along with unequal wealth distribution in the Country and an ever-increasing divide between the rich and poor population brackets. But it would be wrong to reduce these revolutions to mere economic reasons. Namely, to affirm that people take the streets because they’re hungry”. What are the other factors involved?“I believe that the three key words underlie the protests. These are: dignity, faith and hope. Dignity, meaning, in other terms, widespread solidarity; joint protest against ceaseless opprobrium caused by a ferocious, lambasting dictatorship. Trust: over the past days we have been witnessing the recovery of trust on the part of the population and amongst individuals who feel empowered to change their destiny and do something together. Finally, revitalizing hope in the future. For a long time these populations lost all hopes in change, whereas now there is a new energy, a new renaissance of the population, a positive climate”.But the specter of Islamic fundamentalism is hovering. What’s your opinion? “Fundamentalism, integralism and terrorism are the result of dictatorships. Indeed, they are the tools, signifying the reaffirmation of a dictatorship. Dictatorships present themselves to the West as the necessary barriers that will protect it from fundamentalism, while the opposite is true. Dictatorship produces integralism. Only democracy assures the country’s true progress, and the equal distribution of wealth. Democracy strips extremists of their foundations, preventing them to recruit new followers. For these countries the time of a new era has begun, an era marked by an increasing awareness of the importance of democracy, the respect of human rights, and full citizenship for everyone, and even Islamists will feel compelled to adapt to this new era”.Do you believe that democracy is possible in these Countries? “Yes, I fully believe in it. We made the first step. Nothing is guaranteed. Democracy is a flower that needs ongoing nourishment and protection. However, we’re witnessing a new dynamism, a new conscience. We must patch things up, recreate civil societies. Democracy doesn’t only consist in political parties. It consists also of an alert and attentive society”. What is the lesson that should be learnt from North Africa populations’ uprising, despite the bloodshed? “Much more blood has been sacrificed in silence under past dictatorships, when no one spoke about these issues. Current revolutions have caused innocent casualties and deaths, that I would describe as martyrs. Today we are facing a peaceful popular struggle that involves the population as a whole, which extends beyond ideologies. There is an exemplary photograph arriving from Egypt: young Christian Copts stand as they create a protection barrier for Muslims at prayer. We learn on the way. The democratic process is made of many steps that need to be undertaken and by many challenges that need to be addressed. Moreover, these challenges need to be addressed with dignity and courage”.