‘Why I fly round the world for Kosovo’s freedom’

What is your mission in Africa? I have been to sixty-five countries around the world, trying to create awareness and to urge the countries of the world to support the independence of Kosovo. We want to tell the world that we are a nation that has declared her independence and want the world to support […]

What is your mission in Africa?

I have been to sixty-five countries around the world, trying to create awareness and to urge the countries of the world to support the independence of Kosovo. We want to tell the world that we are a nation that has declared her independence and want the world to support her sovereignty. Obviously, Nigeria in particular is yet to recognize us as a sovereign state. Nigeria is a very important country in Africa, considering the huge role she plays on the continent. We want Nigeria to take a decision to support us as soon as she can. We want both the people and the government to recognize us.

Why is Kosovo facing difficulty in getting recognition, particularly in Asia and Africa?

Out of the 192 countries, 74 have recognized us. I think our people didn’t give the project the push it deserves. Also politics is playing a major factor. The major powers in the world are interested in the issue of Kosovo. There is U.S.A. on one side and Russia’s on the other hand. It is a situation where big powers play politics with the aspiration and future of others. However, Russia case is surprising because in the region, two countries were involved in a war in Georgia which was formerly  part of Russia and ended up separating and the same Russia recognized them but in our own case they (Russia)do not want us to go free, why?

What is the crisis situation in Kosovo presently?

Now it has improved tremendously. It is good now. The problem was actually compounded during the reigns of Milesovic, because of his dictatorial tendencies. He was using draconian laws to run the government. Kosovo is 99% Albanians, but being a dictator, he wanted to suppress the Albanian race. People were stopped from speaking Albania, you could not go to the church or the mosque or practice whatever religion you believed in. So he essentially suppressed the people and worsens the condition. But things are good now.

With the government in place now, how is the political and economic situation in Kosovo presently?

Politically, the system is relatively good. Though there is no perfect government anywhere in the world. It is a democratic system. The economy is also picking up. I have never in my life time seen a highway in Kosovo but now we have highways, lots of infrastructures are being put in place. No traces of war lately, things are back to normal. However, communism can be said to be dead in Kosovo, even though one way or the other, the government would want to impose some policies or ideas on the people, but the people are so much aware of their rights to freedom and choice now. It is difficult to achieve those little impositions amongst others. There private universities, young people are en rolling into schools and are fast learning modern ways of life.

Can you tell us more about the United Nations and the Super powers’ politics   that is affecting your independence recognition?

Yes, among the big five, we have the big powers supporting us. France, America, Britain all supports us.  But Russia is still clearly negative; China is also still hanging on the fence. It is neither here nor there. Though, it is a better stand than the clear negative before now.

Is `Flying for Kosovo’ a personal mission or one known and supported by your government?

I first started it as a personal mission, being a pilot, trying to use my wide network of coverage to create that awareness.Particularly, one year after we declared independence with the view to cover only the Western Hemisphere but when later on, people of Kosovo got attached to the mission that they started contributing, some $100, $200 and so on. However, the government is supporting the project, even though not financially but in all other possible ways. They have written letters to about 42 countries which I intend to deliver. I have brought that of Nigeria to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. So we need the support of Nigerian and Africa so as to be recognized as a nation. We do not want to live like abandoned children.