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On 10 April 2008 Nobel Peace Laureate Wangari Maathai announced her decision to withdraw her participation in the Olympic Torch Relay set for Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Sunday, 13 April 2008.
Explaining her decision in a statement read in Dar es Salaam, Professor Maathai cited concerns about China's crackdown in Tibet, and its ongoing political, economic and military support for the brutal regimes in Burma and Sudan. She also acknowledged the important initiatives taken by China to create a "green Olympics".
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"I am troubled that these Olympics, rather than being a unifying movement, have become most divisive. Therefore, while acknowledging the extraordinary honor of having been asked to participate in the Olympic relay, I deeply regret that as a Nobel Peace Laureate, I shall not participate as a torch bearer in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on Sunday 13th April, 2008."
Professor Wangari Maathai |
Dar es Salaam, Thursday, April 10, 2008
Nobel Peace Prize Winner Wangari Maathai Pulls out of Olympic Torch Relay
In celebration of the “Green” Olympics in Beijing, I agreed to be a torch bearer to honor and support the athletes of the world who demonstrate the triumph of the human spirit.
With respect to the upcoming Beijing Olympics, I have been aware of the environmental challenges China has faced as a fast growing economy that is largely dependent on fossil fuels. Some of the environmental initiatives taken by China to comply with the spirit of a “green Olympics” such as planting trees and controlling pollution have been commendable.
Nevertheless, I have grappled with the contentious issues surrounding the Olympics and which are being raised daily by human rights and environmental activists. I am sensitive on the need to demonstrate our commitment to the issues of human rights and the environment. Here in Africa we have benefited greatly from the solidarity of the international community when we most needed it. Without such solidarity at the international level our own political crisis would likely have degenerated into unmanageable levels.
These Olympics have focused the world’s attention on the political and humanitarian crises in Darfur, Tibet and Burma. However, such challenges are also being faced in many other corners of the world. In Kenya, we are faced with a political and humanitarian crisis that is in great need of the solidarity of the international community, and without which the State could easily collapse. Just a week ago, my own efforts to bring about a more just and fair representation in the cabinet was met with teargas and gross violations of our fundamental rights of assembly and expression. Closer to home are the untold trials and tribulations of the people of Darfur, which the world seems to have forgotten. In all of these issues China can make a difference and that is what the world is urging them to do.
I am troubled that these Olympics, rather than being a unifying movement, have become most divisive. Therefore, while acknowledging the extraordinary honor of having been asked to participate in the Olympic relay, I deeply regret that as a Nobel Peace Laureate, I shall not participate as a torch bearer in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on Sunday 13 April, 2008.
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The press release can also be accessed on The Greenbelt Movement website.
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For more information:
- For more information on Darfur, Burma and the Beijing 2008 Olympics, click here.
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2008 Beijing Olympics 
