Samba For District 17

Samba For District 17 Samba Baldeh is running for Madison's Common Council, District 17

A Shifting World Order: The Dangers of a New AxisA dangerous alignment is emerging among China, Russia, India, and North...
09/03/2025

A Shifting World Order: The Dangers of a New Axis

A dangerous alignment is emerging among China, Russia, India, and North Korea; an informal but strategic bloc aimed at undermining U.S. global influence. From military support in Ukraine to deepening economic ties and nuclear advances, this coalition poses serious challenges to U.S. security and alliances.

North Korea is openly supplying Russia with arms, while China keeps Moscow’s economy afloat through expanded trade. India, though a U.S. partner in some forums, continues to balance ties with Russia and China, complicating American strategy. Together, these moves embolden authoritarian powers, weaken sanctions, and threaten regional stability; especially in the Indo-Pacific where North Korea’s nuclear ambitions grow more dangerous.

Africa is also on the front line of this shift. China and Russia are expanding economic and military influence across the continent; securing access to vital natural resources that have long been looted without lifting African people out of poverty. From rare earth minerals to oil and gas, Africa’s wealth is being leveraged in ways that risk dependency rather than development. These dynamics threaten not only Africa’s stability but also its role in shaping a fairer world order.

Yet Africa’s leadership and the African Union, much like Donald Trump, appear distracted; focused on short-term politics, personal power, or narrow priorities while ignoring the larger storm forming around them. What is needed instead is a shift in focus: strategies that strengthen alliances, confront authoritarian threats, and place people’s security above personal.

This new axis is not just a challenge to America or Europe; it is a collective threat that will shape the balance of power across Africa, Asia, and the wider world. Meeting it requires clear-eyed leadership, unity, and the courage to put people’s future above personal ambition. African leaders, the AU, and American leadership alike must rise to the moment; or risk being swept aside in a world rapidly reshaped without them.

11/06/2024

WORDS?

11/03/2024

**CHANGE & HISTORY MAKERS**

Today, history was made in the United Kingdom as Kemi Badenoch was elected to lead the Conservative Party! Her rise to this position represents a milestone for British politics, as she steps into one of the most powerful roles in UK politics.

Badenoch’s leadership brings a fresh perspective and demonstrates the growing diversity in global governance.

Meanwhile, here in the United States, we, too, have a chance to make history with the potential election of our first woman president. In the mean time I still don’t see how new Americans can rise to this level because of the “… National born citizen…” clause in our constitution limiting the presidency to only “natural born”. These milestones however, still remind me of the progress being made worldwide and the new doors opening.

I encourage us all to run for something, or at minimum, participate one way or another in the governance of our community. Don’t let fear hold you back; it could be the biggest failure of all.

To Africans / Black people both on the continent and abroad let’s learn from this. When we step up, we drive the change we want to see.

10/30/2024

**ELECTIONS**

With next week’s election, the entire world order is on the line. This is not the time to vote based on a single issue. The complexities of today’s world mean that no one candidate or party will address every concern perfectly, but thoughtful leadership is essential.

Many of us are deeply concerned about the state of the world - both the challenges we face at home and global unrest. Now, more than ever, we need leaders who bring empathy, respect, and a true commitment to all communities. We must reject divisive policies, especially those that target or marginalize entire groups of people or disrespect entire nations.

As global citizen who identifies as an African-American & a Muslim, I’m especially disheartened by rhetoric that dismisses countries with harmful slurs, as we’ve seen with Puerto Rico and others. Every country deserves respect and dignity; any administration should be rooted in these principles.

Similarly, the situation in the Middle East is an issue that affects us all, and it’s crucial to have leadership that approaches it thoughtfully.

To build a world based on empathy and accountability, we must choose leaders who reflect these values.

For this reason, I believe the Democratic Party offers the best chance to address the issues we face and to push for positive, meaningful change.

Let’s vote Democrat, hold our leaders accountable, and work toward a better future for all.

10/25/2024

**SENEGAL**

Politics in Wisconsin and the United States is a constant focus for me and what I’m most familiar with. However, a well-written opinion on Senegal’s political climate by Dr. Ebrima Ceesay inspired me to write this post.

He concluded with a wise reminder: “The truth is that no one has a monopoly on knowledge… we can choose to differ on the subject.”

The unfolding political scene in Senegal illustrates a critical misstep in effective governance: insufficient time spent defining the country’s real issues before diving into socio-political confrontation or conflicts. Albert Einstein’s wisdom—“spend 55 minutes defining the problem and 5 minutes finding the solution”—highlights the importance of deep analysis before action. Here, leaders appear to have done the opposite, quickly engaging in political struggles rather than thoroughly examining the underlying challenges in Senegal’s political and social landscape. This lack of definition has perhaps diverted valuable energy away from solutions that could address Senegal’s core needs.

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye are seen as symbols of change, particularly for Senegal’s youth, who have long desired an end to the dominance of the old political and economic structures. However, jumping directly into political battles without laying a clear groundwork for policy solutions risks entrenching these very problems. Their failure to focus on root causes—such as economic inequality, entrenched corruption, and the power of the politico-religious-business elite—means that immediate confrontations will likely limit lasting reforms. By neglecting a comprehensive problem definition, their initiatives risk being reactive rather than transformative.

Furthermore, Senegal’s historic model, as Professor Mamadou Diouf explained, is rooted in complex identities and values. Without fully understanding these dynamics, current leaders risk creating deeper divides, especially as social and economic tensions rise. It’s not just a battle of old versus new but a challenge to weave modern aspirations with long-held traditions. Instead of rushing into confrontations with the entrenched elite, defining the problem clearly might have revealed practical steps toward progress while respecting the sensitivities within Senegal’s diverse communities.

Ultimately, the PASTEF leadership’s tendency to prioritize political gains over deep problem-solving may erode the trust of the very people they aim to inspire. Taking the time to define and address Senegal’s challenges holistically could have built a strong foundation for genuine reform, ensuring that the country’s young voters feel empowered by solutions rather than frustrated by prolonged power struggles. A shift in focus from confrontation to problem definition would likely yield a more stable, unified path for Senegal’s future.

I have just used my most powerful tool in a democratic society - MY VOTE. Voting is crucial in the democratic process be...
08/13/2024

I have just used my most powerful tool in a democratic society - MY VOTE.

Voting is crucial in the democratic process because it empowers us to have a direct impact on how our country, state, or community is governed. It is a fundamental way to participate in and uphold democracy.

Please remember to VOTE today. Polls close at 8!

I am joined by Representative Moore Omokunde and Senator Johnson in the following call to action after the recent vote t...
07/20/2024

I am joined by Representative Moore Omokunde and Senator Johnson in the following call to action after the recent vote to uphold the ban on Female Ge***al Mutilation in The Gambia. The rights of women to bodily autonomy should never be infringed upon- not in Wisconsin, not in The Gambia, and not anywhere in the world.

As a young boy growing up in The Gambia, I knew that the United States was a beacon of hope, inspiring fights for justic...
07/04/2024

As a young boy growing up in The Gambia, I knew that the United States was a beacon of hope, inspiring fights for justice, equality, and democracy around the world.

When I moved here, I was able to experience these powerful values firsthand. We may not be perfect, but we are still the greatest country in the world.

Happy Fourth of July! Let’s all stay committed to holding up our values of freedom and justice for all, and honor the work of all of those who have come before us and fought to make our country the great place that it is.

Government should work for the people.We, the people, should also do what we can for the community. That is why I decide...
07/03/2024

Government should work for the people.

We, the people, should also do what we can for the community. That is why I decided to open a grocery store in the former Visions building on East Washington in Madison and offer affordable housing above it. Politics alone was not going to fully meet these needs.

It was an honor to welcome Governor Tony Evers and give him a tour.

What a day to go door-knocking! If you haven't picked up a yard sign yet, please stop by and get one. We also have T-shi...
06/28/2024

What a day to go door-knocking!

If you haven't picked up a yard sign yet, please stop by and get one.

We also have T-shirts available for a $25.00 donation. Nas

Happy Father’s Day from Team Samba! Fathers play a crucial role in our lives, helping us to learn how to distinguish bet...
06/16/2024

Happy Father’s Day from Team Samba! Fathers play a crucial role in our lives, helping us to learn how to distinguish between right and wrong, being strong for us when we cannot be for ourselves, and instilling in many of us the values and ethics that drive our lives.

Let’s honor all of Wisconsin’s fathers and those who have stepped into that role today and every day! And let’s work together for policies that strengthen and support our families.

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5150 Crescent Oaks Dr
Madison, WI
53704

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Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

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+16085011424

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