Of Flags & Their Messages

Introduction
Vexillology is the scientific study of flags.Coined by an American scholar Whitney Smith in 1957, vexillology as a term originates from the Latin word; _vexillum_ (Roman word for military banner) and Greek suffix, _logia_ (meaning "study of"). The writer of this piece though not a vexillologist (flag expert), is going to discuss a curious case of two Africa nation's flags. One uses a modern warfare weapon, an assault rifle, the other uses traditional weapons of traditional warfare, an oval shield and two spears. In spite of differences of weapons attached to the national emblem of these two countries, both weapons, though different, in essence communicate the same messages.These are the flags of Mozambique and Kenya respectively.

Meaning of a Flag?
A flag is a piece of cloth that represents a country, group or institution.Usually a flag is compose1ad of distinctive colours and design. Normally, flags are flown from a pole for symbolic, signalling or decorative purposes.

Significance of a Flag
Every nation of this world has its own different and unique flag of its own. A flag is more than just a symbol.The uniqueness represents the values, culture, heritage and history of a particular country. The national flag is also a supreme visual symbol of a nation's sovereignty. The flag represents a nation's history, shared heritage, core values and even aspirations for the future. A flag is a rallying point which can unify citizens and foster patriotism.

Mozambique National Flag
Adopted in 1983, the Mozambican flag is a unique flag for Mozambique and is the only sovereign state in the whole world with a modern assault rifle (AK- 47) emblazoned on its national banner. The AK- 47 is featured alongside a hoe and a book.

Meaning of the flag
1.AK- 47 , the AK-47 itself represents defence, vigilance, and the country's struggle for independence from Portuguese colonial rule. 2. Hoe, represents agriculture and production. 3, Open Book, an open book, representing education. 4, Yellow star, the star symbolizes international solidarity. 5, Red Triangle, the red triangle, represents those who sacrificed for independence. 6, White, stands for peace.

Not Glorifying Violence But Signifying Defence

Among the world' s nearly 200 countries,it is only Mozambique that chose to have a modern assault rifle, the AK- 47 on its flag.To onlookers, this is unexpected but for Mozambicans, it is a reminder of a past of five hundred (500 years) under colonial oppression, armed struggle and eventual liberation from colonial yoke.Thus, the AK- 47 embalmed at Mozambican flag is not glorification of violence but rather it signifies defence, vigilance and determination of a nation that won its freedom through armed struggle and resistance.

The Debate
In 2005, in Mozambique,a competition was launched to redesign the Mozambican flag and possibly remove the weapon (AK-47) from the flag.This was after international curiosity and domestic debate about the "weapon on the flag". However, the ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique, FRELIMO- led parliament stood its ground. Proponents of the AK- 47 to remain on the flag argue that the assault rifle does not represent violence but liberation and the price paid for the liberation. Hence, removing the rifle from the flag would tarnish the meaning of the struggle. Therefore, the rifle should remain as a lasting symbol of resilience and revolution.

Kenyan National Flag
At the center of the Kenyan flag adopted in 1963 when Kenya attained its independence, is an oval traditional Maasai warrior shield and two crossed spears.The shield is said to represent the defense of freedom, the bravery of the Kenyan people and their readiness to protect and defend national sovereignty and cultural pride.

Meaning of the flag
1. The Shield, symbolizes the country's ongoing will to defend its freedom, liberty, and the sovereignty of the nation. 2. Black, represents the majority of African people. 3. Red, represents the struggle for independence. 4. Green, symbolizes Kenya's rich land and natural beauty. 5. White, stands for peace.

Not Glorification of Violence But Defense of Freedom

The shield and spears traditionally known across most of Sub- Saharan Africa as weapons of pre-colonial wars and violence have another meaning on the Kenyan flag.The shield and spears on the Kenyan flag signify the nation's ongoing will to protect itself and its people. So in essence, the shield is standing for the defense of freedom. And the two spears crossed behind the shield reinforce the concept of defending Kenya's national sovereignty and cultural pride.

AK-47 & The oval Warrior Shield; Similar Core Messaging

The iconic AK-47 assault rifle on the Mozambique flag does not just remain as a souvenir of the past (armed struggle), it is very much relevant to present-day Mozambique, for it represents, vigilance and defense of Mozambique against its enemies.The Maasai oval warrior shield on the Kenyan flag means that Kenya is ready to defend herself from enemies.Thus, both the traditional warrior shield and spears on the Kenyan flag and the AK-47 on the Mozambique flag carry similar core messages. These are: defense, national vigilance, and the protection of freedom.

Conclusion
For both national flags,(Mozambique and Kenya) the symbols carry historic weight, modern perspectives may differ on their appropriateness in a peaceful society. Some observers advocate for removal, especially of rifle on Mozambican flag, however, others differ arguing that such weapons do not represent or glorify violence but are indicative of a deep historic symbolism and meanings behind these weapons.Though differing in national imagery, both the Mozambican and Kenyan flags share and are deeply rooted in the Pan-African struggles.Both share a very similar overarching message: a commitment to Pan-African sovereignty.Though the flags are not exactly alike, they do share a very similar deeper, meaning , deeper message.Mozambique uses AK- 47 assault rifle, Kenya uses oval warrior Maasai shield to communicate the same messages. A symbol of each nation's fight for independence and its ongoing readiness to defend that freedom.The weapons on the flags are a strong visual declaration that Africa, or its people are ready to defend their sovereignty. Though different (weapons on their respective flags), both are emblems of defense.

F. Madondo (African Teacher) fortmada123@gmail.com

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