Spectacular prehistoric depictions of animal and human figures created up to 6,000 years ago on Western Saharan rocks have been vandalised by United Nations peacekeepers The Times has learnt.
Archaeological sites boasting ancient paintings and engravings of giraffes, buffalo and elephants have been defaced within the past two years by personnel attached to the UN mission, known by its French acronym, Minurso.
Graffiti, some of it more than a metre high and sprayed with paint meant for use for marking routes, now blights the rock art at Lajuad, an isolated site known as Devil Mountain, which is regarded by the local Sahrawi population as a mystical place of great cultural significance.
Many of the UN "graffiti artists" signed and dated their work, revealing their identities and where they are from. Minurso personnel stationed in Western Sahara come from almost 30 countries. They are monitoring a ceasefire between the occupying Moroccan forces and the Polisario Front, which is seeking independence.
One Croatian peacekeeper scrawled "Petar CroArmy" across a rock face. Extensive traces of pigment from rock painting are visible underneath. Another left behind Cyrillic graffiti, and "Evgeny" from Russia scribbled AUI, the code for the Minurso base at Aguanit. "Mahmoud" from Egypt left his mark at Rekeiz Lemgasem, and "Ibrahim" wrote his name and number over a prehistoric painting of a giraffe. "Issa", a Kenyan major who signed his name and wrote the date, had just completed a UN course, Ethics in Peacekeeping, documents show.
Julian J. Harston, the UN's representative of the Secretary-General for Western Sahara and head of Minurso, said that he had been shocked by the scale of the vandalism. After visiting two of the sites, including Devil Mountain, this week, he said: "I was appalled. You'd think some of them would know better. These are officers, not squaddies." The UN would take action against any officers "kind enough to leave their calling card. We will report it to the troop-contributing countries. We can move them."
The extent of the damage is revealed in a report by Nick Brooks, of the University of East Anglia, and Joaquim Soler, of the University of Gerona, Spain, which was passed to The Times yesterday. It outlines the "severe vandalism", saying that it "now appears to be an essentially universal practice when Minurso staff visit rock art sites . . . Minurso staff have felt entitled to destroy elements of Western Sahara's and the Sahrawis' cultural heritage, despite being aware of UN ethics in peacekeeping, and in breach of legislation enshrined in the 1954 Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict."
It concludes: "Minurso personnel have played a major role in damaging archaeological sites, and such staff are engaged in the systematic defacement of valuable archaeological sites over a large area . . . the recent damage at Lajuad is unprecedented."
The vandalism will reignite the debate about the conduct of UN peacekeepers after a series of scandals. Last January the UN admitted that more than 200 of its troops had been disciplined for sex offences, including rape and child abuse, in the preceding three years; in May it emerged that Paki-stani peacekeepers had been trading weapons with Congolese militia.
markellion Member # 14131
posted
So much of the world's heritage ignored, forgotten, or destroyed
Djehuti Member # 6698
posted What the f***!!
This is just the continued rape of Africa since colonial times, except worse!! At least some European colonists were respectful enough to leave such artwork intact for historical sakes!
Minurso staff have felt entitled to destroy elements of Western Sahara's and the Sahrawis' cultural heritage, despite being aware of UN ethics in peacekeeping, and in breach of legislation enshrined in the 1954 Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict."
And what entitlement exactly is this?!! That they were white Europeans in an African nation and they could do whatever the hell they want!!
How would they feel if foreigners came to their country and vandalized their ancient historical property?!!
quote:The vandalism will reignite the debate about the conduct of UN peacekeepers after a series of scandals. Last January the UN admitted that more than 200 of its troops had been disciplined for sex offences, including rape and child abuse, in the preceding three years; in May it emerged that Paki-stani peacekeepers had been trading weapons with Congolese militia.
Oh yeah all of this sh*t done by the so-called "peace-keepers" including rape and child sexual abuse! And exactly what discipline did they recieve for such crimes?!! What discipline are they going to recieve for this crime?!!
Habari Member # 14738
posted
I think you are going too far, even a Kenyan was part of it...the average intelligence of UN peace keeper is below yours if my estimate is good...they were just having fun...
Djehuti Member # 6698
posted
'Having fun' at the expense of thousands of years of human history. This is the equivalent of me spraying graffitti on the Lascaux cave paintings in France or something!
alTakruri Member # 10195
posted
Yes, this is a crime against humanity and the perps should be swiftly and severely punished by all governments with a claim on the territory and/or by any African multi-national political agency. And if they aren't brought up on charges its because African man have Head side down nyash side up -- Fela
Habari Member # 14738
posted
Well the majority of the average human beings don't care about this human heritage...I mean they don't read as much as you guys...why do you want to hold a UN peace keeper to the same level as scholar? I don't understand that kind of debate....
Djehuti Member # 6698
posted
^ Why in the world are you giving excuses for these scoundrels, especially as an African??!!
Of course the majority of human beings don't care simply because they have no knowledge of such historically significant works of human art! If they did, they too would be outraged! Again, it would exactly be like foreigners coming into Europe and spraying graffitti on their prehistoric artwork that is cherished by the European communities by and large as part of their heritage!!
What the hell do you mean "hold them to the same level as scholars"?! What does this have to do with scholarship??! This is all about basic respect for a people's culture and heritage!
Habari Member # 14738
posted
quote:What the hell do you mean "hold them to the same level as scholars"?! What does this have to do with scholarship??! This is all about basic respect for a people's culture and heritage! [Embarrassed]
What is the average education of a UN peace keeper?
abdulkarem3 Member # 12885
posted
quote:Yes, this is a crime against humanity and the perps should be swiftly and severely punished by all governments with a claim on the territory and/or by any African multi-national political agency. And if they aren't brought up on charges its because African man have Head side down nyash side up -- Fela
cant u take a joke u afro-facist freak
Ebony Allen Member # 12771
posted
Abdul, you think that destroying cultural art history is some kind of joke? How is Takruri an Afro-fascist freak for that quote? Would it be a joke if Asians or blacks destroyed rock art in Europe or vandalized the Eiffel Tower in France or other European monuments? Would it be funny then?
alTakruri Member # 10195
posted
Abdul, being a genocide cheering islamo-facist freak, is against art picturing forms of living creatures. His Arab masters taught him such such is idolatry and must be destroyed. I suspect abdul would with glee religiously murder Rushdie should he chance upon him. Abdul may've blown up those Buddhist statues (GOOGLE blowup buddhist statues) for his bosses. He wets himself everytime his mind turns to the effacing of the Sphinx and other AE art. After all, all that stuff was done in the time of ignorance before the glory of Islam enlightened backward Africans.
As long as no Arab Muslim calligraphy or architecture is vandalized abdul is all for the destruction of relics of Africa's past achievements in the name of his Prophet and God so if others do it for kicks well, inshallah.
argyle104 Member # 14634
posted
Djehuti wrote:
---------------- ----------------
LOL at this `_` trying to feign anger to deflect from his I ain't black but you negroes are rants and raves.
Take your Tojo ass somewhere and obsess the Phillopeeenes. Oh that's right, they don't have anything for you to obsess about don't they? : )
Habari Member # 14738
posted
argyle, please refrain from your racist remarks it's not healthy....
Ebony Allen Member # 12771
posted
I say he needs to be banned. Theres already a thread on him about his comments.
markellion Member # 14131
posted
quote:Originally posted by Ebony Allen: I say he needs to be banned. Theres already a thread on him about his comments.
Nominate me for forum moderator
HORUS^*^ Member # 11484
posted
quote:Originally posted by Djehuti:
How would they feel if foreigners came to their country and vandalized their ancient historical property?!!
This will happen eventually (unfortunately?), when the force of Set turns its back on them as it does to all nations that serve it, periodically.
Johnny Blaze Member # 13931
posted
Straight up bastards.
abdulkarem3 Member # 12885
posted
quote:Arab masters taught him such such is idolatry and must be destroyed.
true dat
quote:I suspect abdul would with glee religiously murder Rushdie should he chance upon him.
i dont really have the time, but yes, he deserves it.
quote:Abdul may've blown up those Buddhist statues (GOOGLE blowup buddhist statues) for his bosses
no! really though, It wasn't me however, i did cheer. So, I dont know if that counts or not. I mean, it is basically muslim owned land just like america is disbeliever(in islamic monotheism) owned land and nobody stops them from setting up brothels in Vegas, or the klu klux klan headquarters in rurual america or pornography in where ever or etc. Anyway, maybe you were involved with murdering six people and injuring nineteen others on the Long Island Rail Road in Garden City, New York on December 7, 1993. <<GOOGLE IT>>
quote:As long as no Arab Muslim calligraphy or architecture is vandalized abdul is all for the destruction of relics of Africa's past
Nobody cares about arabic calligraphy. Islamic past in the lands of africa are preserved in the hearts, so all of this hollywood takes a backseat. We dont linger on history, we make it.
quote:in the name of his Prophet and God so if others do it for kicks well, inshallah
either u r a muslim with a name like al-takruri, which is wrong phonetically it is at-takruri, or u grew up in the states or some western bandwagon.
HistoryFacelift Member # 14696
posted
Disgusting, but why isn't protection of such sites enforced?
HORUS^*^ Member # 11484
posted
There's a strategic insurgency on this forum. Don't ask me how I know but it's not a divine revelation or anything wacky like that
quote:Originally posted by Ebony Allen: I say he needs to be banned. Theres already a thread on him about his comments.
Nominate me for forum moderator
Sounds like a good idea to me.
alTakruri Member # 10195
posted
abdul asspipe
Petty little piss ant. There are more alternatives in this world than your mustard seed size brain can divise.
Arabic borrowed Takrur from my people. Else Arabic takrur is wholly different not referring to the Tekrir or Tekrour.
But I wouldn't expect a chauvinistic sychophant like you to know that fact.
BTW - I know full well uses of al es at pending the following consonant. Do you know how to be Muslim without kissing Arab ass? Let me guess. No!
While I was not involved in the LIR massacre a despicable act with my deepest sympathies to all the bereaved my ancestors were responsible for killing the kin of your admitted masters when they first entered the Hodh but it didn't lead to preventing you from becoming a slave to the Arabs rather than embracing an African Muslim brotherhood such as the Sanusiyya or Qadiriyya or Tijjaniyya or Mahdiyya or Salihiyya or Idrisiyya or Khatmiyya or etc. But then maybe you do belong to one tariqa, the SuckAss-iyya.
Now enough of this silly game in which you have no more serious interest in than I do. when
HistoryFacelift Member # 14696
posted
I agree about the insurgents. A shame that they need to resort to such tactics as posing on the forum simply to attack others of any race that support the fight against Eurocentric bias.
quote:Do you know how to be Muslim without kissing Arab ass?
Oh please with the american blame it on this crap to cover up the real issue ranting. U know as well as i, this is not about any ethnic groups. Dont take me there. i have no beef with artificial things such as ethnic or regional or national groups that never existed in the past. i told u before you obtained fibromyalgia that my beef is with the jew who made the heinous comment about musa(peace upon him).
quote:didn't lead to preventing you from becoming a slave to the Arabs
dude u are wasting your freaking life with this. playing this call people uncle tom thing. Listen!! the world does, absolutely does not, revolve around your storybook fantasy race lord of the rings we will claim our kingdom back thingy. If you dont have power then you dont have the mic. and please please please(like james brown) y r u fronting arab slavery when the most slave owning africans( im not knocking it) were your people. In 1416, al-Makrisi told how pilgrims coming from Takrur (near the Senegal river) had brought 1700 slaves with them to Mecca. Nobody is free from that economy except broke fools.
quote:African Muslim brotherhood such as the Sanusiyya or Qadiriyya or Tijjaniyya or Mahdiyya or Salihiyya or Idrisiyya or Khatmiyya or etc
see this is were u clowned yourself hard ya miskeen. I rather be in the sucka-iyya butt-naked with roller skates and a pair of blue blockers on flatbush singing "dont front u know i gotcha opin" with a frank sinatra twist than be in any of those loser tariqas. This is not the religion. sufiyya is forbidden. This is so funny that u bring these up because these are not even african lol. all sufiyya groups have their origins in basra. Tijjaniyya is from the north of the continent and not as popular as it used to be but its remnants are in west africa in the senegambia area and mauritania. yeah these are outdated. nobody rocks that anymore. They are old innovations in the religion. more people are starting to embrace the religion as it was revealed. quran and sunnah
abdulkarem3 Member # 12885
posted
quote:Not sure our boy's an insurgent as much as a fencewalker
johnny cochran, you are. Its called telling the truth. not leaning to arabs or blacks or mexicans or pygmies. leaning to what is in the text. Thats y u cant pinpoint me. Because my endeavors r for textual proofs and not wanton desire. im not even sure if you are a muslim. what team r u on.
alTakruri Member # 10195
posted
yawn walk on walk on when u run outta fences gimme a call & i'll build ya a new 1
btw: unca tom was a good guy never sold his soul but 2 his own self b true so unlike u sidi fencewalker
Djehuti Member # 6698
posted
quote:Originally posted by argyle104: LOL at this `_` trying to feign anger to deflect from his I ain't black but you negroes are rants and raves.
Take your Tojo ass somewhere and obsess the Phillopeeenes. Oh that's right, they don't have anything for you to obsess about don't they? : )
And the words of a neo-nazi desperate for Asian action (or any kind of action at all) mean absolutely NOTHING to me!
quote:Originally posted by HORUS^*^: There's a strategic insurgency on this forum. Don't ask me how I know but it's not a divine revelation or anything wacky like that
posted
As for abdul, the reason why Takruri called you islamo-fascist is because of past disparaging comments about Jews. Of course this is nothing new as Jews have been used as a scapegoat for any crime, real or imagined. Jews who make up the smallest among the world's major religions are talked about as having powerful strangle-hold over the globe. So if Muslims in Iraq and Iran are being killed by their Muslim brothers it would only make sense to blame it on Israel and the Jews as some part of Zionist conspiracy. The same holds true for Muslims killing Christians in the Philippines and Hindus in Pakistan. So watch out, since Takruri is Jewish he might be a rich billionaire who might make your life miserable. But I digress...
Djehuti Member # 6698
posted
quote:Originally posted by HistoryFacelift: Disgusting, but why isn't protection of such sites enforced?
They likely are protected... on paper!
But the question is who if any anyone is being sent to actually monitor the area, especially as desolate as out in the middle of the Sahara??
Then again what protocols do places like in Europe have in place to protect their prehistoric artwork?
hey that sounds pretty tight somewhat like the grip you and your cronies have on usury. u might want to take some advise from your algerian and tunisian expats
Yonis2 Member # 11348
posted
quote: Djehuti wrote: So watch out, since Takruri is Jewish he might be a rich billionaire who might make your life miserable. But I digress...
LOL, is Takruri Ashkenazi? Just being "jewish" is not enough these days you know, it's more of a lifestyle and "chosen" genetics, very "modern" aplied complications
I'm quite sure muslims don't have the hierarchy where it subtly states that the latest converts of european descent muslims are the gatekeepers and decides through genetic tests who's a real Muslim or not.LOL
KING Member # 9422
posted
This is shameful, The UN peacekeepers are people who are supposedly there to defend. Yet as you can clearly see they instead descrate valuable Art.
You would think these "International" forces would of been told to respect the Ancient Art of the Saharans. I mean they are in the country, you would think that they would of been told some stuff about the Country and the Countries Claim to Fame. Sadly this is not the case.
It just goes to show you that in the minds of some people Africa is not a place to be respected. Sad to hear about this.
Peace
HORUS^*^ Member # 11484
posted
quote:Originally posted by Djehuti: So watch out, since Takruri is Jewish he might be a rich billionaire who might make your life miserable. But I digress...
Wow, now, that's interesting. I could do with some of that Jewish money. al~Takruri, if Djehuti's suspicion it true ... why don't you invest in a Software House owned by yours truly, YH. What you will see is better quality software and web applications (on subjects you care about) on the Internet ...
... plus, a very good R.O.I
alTakruri Member # 10195
posted
I have no responsibility for what issues from DJ's mouth. I am al~Takruri and that's the only identity I've revealed on this forum.
As for qualification of Jewish identity, those who've spoken on it obviously know nothing at all about it.
HORUS^*^ Member # 11484
posted
^Yeah I know. But I'm not one to ever close my mouth, lest I don't get fed
alTakruri Member # 10195
posted
If I had resources to steer to investments other than those ongoing I would definitely bank on you. I see from your posts that you're industrious and greedy enough to be well worth any risk involved.
My know-nothing comment was directed to Yonis and his usual misinformational miso-Judaic tripe.
HORUS^*^ Member # 11484
posted
^You are reading my mind , I do have a fierce Robin-Hood type greed rushing through my veins.
Thanks for the confidence ... you don't know how motivating that is to me.
Fyi, with some cunning research and intuition, I think I know who you are
I may be delusional (as I often am) in which case it doesn't matter. But I shall say no more .
HistoryFacelift Member # 14696
posted
quote:Originally posted by Djehuti:
quote:Originally posted by HistoryFacelift: Disgusting, but why isn't protection of such sites enforced?
They likely are protected... on paper!
But the question is who if any anyone is being sent to actually monitor the area, especially as desolate as out in the middle of the Sahara??
Then again what protocols do places like in Europe have in place to protect their prehistoric artwork?
But even if the site was not protected as in assigned guards on location the locals didn't deface it, it was outsiders who came in and did it, that would never go down well in Europe.
alTakruri Member # 10195
posted
Without the right modicum of greed a person will have no aspiration to even attain the basic life necessities for themself less lone turn over a profit for investors.
If someone is greedy for fine cars they have the ambition to produce profits in ventures for others if for no other reason to obtain that car.
Once generated the resources can be applied to both selfish and altruistic ends, but if never generated can't benefit anyone be they greedy or needy.
HORUS^*^ Member # 11484
posted
^My greed for fine cars was satisfied years ago when I bought my Cabriolet ... it has since been a disturbance/annoyance, but I do get your point. It is that greed that drives when no other form of motivation has been given.
Thanks for the thirdworldpress recommendation, I spent the whole day perusing books on there today and bought a bagfull - I couldn't believe it, so many Africana books all in one place! I think my amazon addiction is officially broken . Do you know if they have a "web services" interface? It would be a very excellent/cutting-edge way to create more "web fronts" for essentially the same database of products.
alTakruri Member # 10195
posted
I dunno, give Haki a call, he might like your ideas.
HORUS^*^ Member # 11484
posted
^Yep, did some research on the company, . It reminds me of amazon in many ways except it hosts exclusively Africana books. The presentation is real neat and user friendly. I imagine there are website owners out there looking for African-oriented content for their pages. There is a lot of futuristic e-commerce power in Web Services.
posted 
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What the f***!!![[Embarrassed]](redface.gif)
Why in the world are you giving excuses for these scoundrels, especially as an African??!!![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
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