fathers of nations essays and answers

Fathers Of Nation Questions And Answers

1) Discuss the relevance of the Title ‘Fathers of Nations ‘by Paul B.Vitta (20 marks) 

2) Effective leadership guarantees its people security and equitable distribution of resources and opportunities, discuss the irony of this statement basing your arguments on the novel fathers of nation by Paul B, Vitta (20 marks) 

3) Change implies making either an essential difference often amounting to a loss of original identity or a substitution of one thing for another. Discuss the validity of this statement drawing examples from fathers of nation by Paul B Vitta (20 marks) 

4) Discuss the theme of Betrayal as brought out in the novel fathers of nations by Paul B. Vitta(20 marks) 

5) The novel ‘Fathers of nation’ by Paul B. vitta exposes a number of incidents of conflict or disagreement. Write a composition in  support of this statement (20 marks)   

6) Discuss the following themes as depicted in the novel   

a) Loss and Pain(20 marks)   

b) Marriage and Family(20 marks)   

c) Moral Decay/Decadence(20 marks)   

d) Corruption/Dishonesty (20 marks)   

e) Religion/Religiosity Piety(20 marks)   

f) Poverty/destitution (20 marks)   

7) "Change is inevitable in any society." Using illustrations from Fathers of Nations by Paul B. Vitta, write an essay to justify this statement. (20 marks) 

8) "Despite the obvious human weaknesses, Abiola is an adorable man." Making close reference to the novel, Fathers of Nations by Paul B. Vitta, write a composition to validate this statement. (20 marks) 

9) "Alienation is not only painful but also stigmatizing." Using Fathers of Nations by Paul B. Vitta for your illustrations, write an essay to show the truth of this assertion. (20marks) 

10) "Conflict and society are inseparable." Using Fathers of Nations by Paul B. Vitta for illustrations, write a composition to validate this statement. (20 marks) 

11) "Life is full of ironies." Using illustrations from Fathers of Nations by Paul B. Vitta, write an essay to justify this statement. (20 marks) 

12) "Betrayal pervades every level of the society." Basing your illustrations on Fathers of Nations by Paul B. Vitta, write a composition to show the truth of this assertion. (20 marks) 

13) The death of a beloved one can cause intense response. Basing your argument Paul Vita’s Fathers Nations, discuss this statement. (20 Marks) 

14) Write an essay on the disputes that arise in the novel Fathers of Nations and how each is resolved (20 marks) 

15) Identify and illustrate any stylistic devices Paul B. Vita has used to tell the story in Fathers of Nations. (20 marks) 

16) Write an essay on the disputes that arise in the novel Fathers of   Nations and how each is resolved. (20 marks) 

17) A person controlled by a desire for power has no sense of justice. Drawing your illustrations from Fathers of Nations by Paul B. Vitta write an essay supporting this statement. (20 marks) 

18) Money and desire can change an individual. Basing your illustrations on Paul Vitta's Fathers of Nations, write an essay to back up this statement. (20 marks)   

19) Betrayal causes pain and strain in society. Using illustrations from Paul B. Vitta's Fathers of Nations, write an essay to validate this statement. (20 marks) 

20) Professor Kimani and Dr. Afolabi are portrayed as voices of reason   in Fathers of Nations. Basing your illustrations on Paul B. Vitta's Fathers of Nations, write an essay to validate this assertion." (20 marks)   

21) Rejection can be a source of agony both to ourselves and society. Using illustrations from Fathers of Nations, write an essay in support of this statement. (20 marks) 

22) Cultures can disintegrate families. Using the marriage of Dr Afolabi and Pamela in Fathers of Nations, write an essay on how bad cultures are to marriages.(20 marks).   

23) Show how the author has brought out the theme of poverty and underdevelopment in Fathers of Nations by Paul B. Vitta. (20 marks) 

24) Discuss the character traits of each of the following as illustrated in Fathers of Nations by Paul B.Vitta. 

a) Karanja Kimani   

b) Comrade Ngobile Melusi 

c) Pastor Chineke Chiamaka 

d) Dr.Abiola Afolabi

R ead the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow. (25 marks)

When all four were back at their seats, the Chair began to wrap up."Excellencies, we've come to the  end of our summit." He smiled, and why not? Had The Trick not saved the day? Had it not  eliminated the need for the consensus he could not achieve? "Go back home safely, Excellencies.  

As we say in my country, travel like lions, without fear of attack or worry about supper. And,  

speaking about supper, the Pinnacle informs me that, to cap our summit, it has organised a closing ceremony on the mezzanine floor. Things will start sizzling in thirty minutes. So we'll meet there soon." Gavel hit wood.Bang. "I now declare the summit itself formally closed." Bang. Bang. President Dibonso sprang to hit feet at once. "Mr Chairman, don't insult our intelligence withthat rubbish." His voice was grating on all ears with tones of rage. "What rubbish are you referring to? President Dibonso?" asked the Chair. He was rising tothe challenge. "The Choice Matrix indeed! Do you really expect us to buy into that madness? Can't you seethat some of us are not senile? We reject the matrix, lock, stock and barrel." "I said the summit stands closed," insisted the Chair. Bang. Bang."And I say it is open again," retorted President Dibonso. 

"But, President Dibonso, you do not have the power to do so." "Who says I do not have the power to do so? See this?" He pulled out a pistol, pocket-size.The other heads of state scrambled to hide under their desks. "President Dibonso, put that thing away!" demanded the Chair."Make me!" retorted President Dibonso, The pistol clicked, It was ready to start spitting fire at the Chaire. 

QUESTIONS  

a)  Briefly explain what happens just before the excerpt.  (4 marks)  b)  Identify and illustrate two-character traits of the Summit Chair and one of PresidentDibonso.  (6 marks) 

c)  What two themes come out in the excerpt?  (4 marks)  d)  (i) We reject the matrix, lock, stock and barrel. (Write beginning with "Lock ") (1mark)  e)  Discuss two stylistic devices used in the excerpt.  (4 marks)  f)  I said the summit is closed. ( Rewrite using a question tag) (1 mark) 

g)  Explain the meaning of the following words as used in the excerpt.  (3 marks)  i.  Consensus 

ii.  cap 

iii.  sizzling 

R ead the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow. (25 marks)   Professor Kimani joined the University of Nairobi directly as a senior lecturer. Even before taking off, he was already flying. There was a reason. Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda had justdismantled théir University of East Africa. Kenya's part of the university, now renamed  the University of Nairobi, found itself with a vacancy it had to fill immediately in its  Institute of Development Studies. 

Professor Kimani, who had just completed his studies at the University of Oxford, wrote from there to say he wanted to fill it. To ensure he came and filled it for sure, the University of Nairobi raised his entry point from that of a lecturer to that of a senior lecturer. 

He came. Only a month after his arrival, he launched a noisy debate in which he demanded that the University of Nairobi henceforth strive for relevance to the society rather than simplyexcellence of its work. It was not clear exactly what he meant by relevance to the  society rather than simply excellence of its work. It was not clear exactly what he meant by relevanceto the society. However, a short six months later, he prevailed. The university's  official mottobecame, 'Relevance to the society'. 

After winning this war, he started another war which was even noisier. Now he wanted the university to be an agent of change, not a mere spectator of it. This was when people still thought this view was too radical and ridiculed it as simple- minded. So, not surprising, someof his colleagues, puzzled by his refusal to see that it was simple-minded, did or said  

little, convinced that he would fall on his face before long and self-destruct on his own  

without their help. 

He did not care. After all, his antics in wars that he had started, and won, had also won him the heart of a campus beauty queen. Her name was Asiya Omondi. He married her on a rainy but approving Saturday, to claps of thunder and flashes of lightning. How marriage then accelerated academic success! A professorship soon followed. After that achievement, he feltfulfilled. His persona now was complete. Had anyone told him this happiness would  CONTACT 0756710486 FOR ANSWER S

one dayend as it did, he would have laughed himself upside down. 

a)  After Kimani fills a vacancy in University of Nairobi's Institute of Development Studies,he  demands for two changes at the university in quick succession. What are these changes?  (2 marks) 

b)  Identify and illustrate three characters traits of Kimani brought out in this excerpt.  (6marks)  c)  Discuss three themes raised in the excerpt.  (6 marks)  d)  (i) To ensure he came and filled it for sure, the University of Nairobi raised his entry point from  

that of a lecturer to that of a senior lecturer. (Write beginning with the mainclause).  (1 mark)  ii) His persona now was complete . (1 mark)  e)  Identify one stylistic device used in the excerpt.  (4 marks)  f)  Explain the meaning of the following words used in the excerpt.  (4 marks)  g)  The writer says, 'Had anyone told him this happiness would one day end as it did, hewould have laughed himself upside down." What later happened to Professor Kimaniin the text?  (2 marks) 

R ead the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow (25 marks)  

"Tad," said the cranky passenger as he was settling down in economy class, in a seat next toDr  Afolabi's. "Tad Longway," he added. His voice, deep, lingered on like the boom of a bigdrum. He held up a card. Dr Afolabi took it. It said the man was a Director of Special Projects at the  

Agency for Governance and Development in Africa. "Pleased to meet you, Mr Longway," Dr  CONTACT 0756710486 FOR ANSWER S

Afolabisaid. "My name is Abiola Afolabi. I teach at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. " "You gave an excellent keynote the other day, Dr Afolabi," said the cranky passenger. Sparksof  earnestness were crossing his eyes, both crystal-green like toy marbles, confirming the compliment was sincere. "Your keynote address at the Foundation for Democratic Rule, I mean. It was brilliant." "I'm glad you liked it, Mr Longway," Dr Afolabi said. His voice had become warm. "Youwere there, then, Mr Longway?" 

"Yes, but back in the last row. As a mere spectator, I did not want to be obtrusive. Anyway, you were superb, Dr Afolabi. If you don't mind my adding this, I was more impressed by thepoints that the audience raised afterwards, during the question-and-answer period. " 

Dr Afolabi felt the praise he had just heard turn into reproach. "So what were those points,Mr Longway?" he asked. His voice was less warm. "Remember the guy from Grassroots International: short fellow, round of body andoutspoken of manner? What was his name? It's on the tip of my tongue." 

You must mean the fire-eater who kept accusing me of looking for answers where I shouldnot even look," Dr Afolabi said. "Exactly, that's our man. Yes, I thought he was right on point, Dr Afolabi. He too wasunhappy with the present state." 

"Wait, the present state of what?" "Africa.""I don 't understand. " "No problem. I'll spell it out for you. You see, Dr Afolabi, Africa, in its present state, has twonew arrivals: corruption and  impunity. The first is a crime the Second protects from punishment, the second is another crime the first rewards with kickbacks. That is Africa in its presept state. Now can it change?" "Tell me. Can it?""Well, let's ask the Law of Will." '"' What?" 

"Unless there is will to change, there will be no change." 

(a) Briefly explain what happens before the excerpt.  (3 marks)  (b) Discuss one-character traits of Dr Afolabi and two of Mr Longway.  (6 marks)  (c)  Highlight two themes evident in the excerpt.  (4 marks) 

(d) (i) It's on the tip of my tongue. (Add a question tag)  (1 mark)  CONTACT 0756710 4 8 6   FOR ANSWER S

iii) Unless there is will to change, there will be no change. (Rewrite using "if ") (1mark)  (e)  Identify two stylistic devices used in the excerpt.  (4 marks)  (f)  (F) Explain the meaning of the following words and expressions used in the excerpt. (4 marks) 

R ead the excerpt below and answer the questions that follow (25 marks)   Cute as a button and sharp as a needle, he thought. Her eyes were wide and white like a pairof moons.  She continued. "My natural parents were Gambian, but I will never see them. aredead. Oh, well."  She wriggled in her chair. "Goodness me, what am I doing? Dictating my autobiography?" She  waved that idea away. "Let's talk business now, shall we?" She pulledout of her handbag a small device then switched it on. "Mind if I start recording?" 

"You're a reporter?" He had not thought she was."Yes, for the Gambian News." "I see. Now, how can I help you, Ms Mckenzie?""I'd like to ask you a few questions, if I may." "Yes, you may. In fact, why don't I start you off? My name is Abiola Afolabi, which you seem to 

know already. But you can just call me Abiola, my first name. Take it from there." "I will: you studied at Harvard University in the USA. Now you teach at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria." She smiled. "I got that from the cover of your book: Failure of States." Heaverted his  eyes to enjoy this fame in the correct manner— with humility, he hoped she would easily see through. This black Scotswoman surely knew her tread, he thought. 

"when I heard you were heard at The Seamount Hotel, Dr Afolabi, I decided to come and seeyou. So 

here I am. This is also funny." 

"Funny?" 

"Yes. I expected to see an academic scarecrow dressed in jeans. Instead, I see a well- dressedman who might well be a business person..." 

v)  Menacingly

a)  Explain what happens immediately g) Explain the meaning of the following before thisexcerpt.  (4 marks) 

b)  Identify and illustrate two aspects of style in this excerpt.  (4 marks)  c)  Discuss one theme evident in this excerpt.  (2 marks)  d)  Discuss two-character traits of Fiona in the excerpt.  (4 marks)  e)  Briefly explain what happens what happens after this excerpt.  (2 marks)  f)  How are Afolabi's thoughts in his book fulfilled later in the book? Briefly explain 

(4marks) 

g)  Explain the meaning of the following words as used in the excerpt.  (5 marks)  i)  Averted 

ii)  Autobiography 

iii)  Wriggled 

iv)  Tread 

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Fathers of Nations Study Guide PDF - EasyElimu (4)

Get the Fathers of Nations novel summary guide here on EasyElimu.

The set book Fathers of Nations  is written by Paul B.Vitta and published by Oxford University Press .

This guide to Fathers of Nations consists of the following sections:  

• Fathers on Nations Synopsis and summaries of all the chapters 
• Characters and characterization in Fathers on Nations
• Themes in Fathers on Nations
• Fathers on Nations Language and style 
• Fathers of Nations questions and answers
• Sample and practice excerpts and extracts with answers for Fathers on Nations 
• Essay questions on Fathers on Nations . 

You can read these Fathers of Nations notes for free by downloading and registering on the EasyElimu Study App . 

Also: On the EasyElimu Study App you can download the Fathers of Nations summary notes PDF

Coming soon: Fathers of Nations movie and Fathers of Nations video by EasyElimu

About the book 

As mentioned before, Fathers of Nations is a novel written by Paul B.Vitta and published by Oxford University Press.

It is the approved set book for the years 2023-2026 that has been approved by KICD.

Before even getting to Fathers of Nations chapter 1 you need to read the foreword. Very interesting and it communicates something fundamental that will be seen throughout the novel: corruption, poverty and poor leadership .

Frequently asked Questions

Are these fathers of nations summary notes pdf.

Yes, you can get these Fathers of Nations guide  in PDF.

Any section you want you can get it in PDF format on the EasyElimu website and on the EasyElimu Study App .

Are these Fathers of Nations notes professionally written?

Yes, this EasyElimu Fathers of Nations Study guide has been written by a certified highschool english teacher.

Have a question? DM us on any of our socials to get it answered.

Why is the book called Fathers of Nations? /  What is the meaning of Fathers of Nations?

Because essentially, a president is the Father of nation he leads.

And in the novel Fathers of Nations we have many presidents congregating in the Gambia for the summit hence, Fathers of Nations :).

What is the relevance of the title Fathers of nation?

Universally, the title "Fathers of the Nation" highlights influential figures who play key roles in the establishment, liberation, or unification of a country.

These fathers of nations are highly regarded for their contributions to the nation's history and identity.

Most fathers of nations recognized currently in the world include famous figures like Nelson Mandela in South Africa and Jomo Kenyatta in Kenya.

Most fathers of nations are presidents.

Taking that into account, we can see that the fathers being referred to in the novel, Fathers of Nations , are the presidents of the various countries that attend the summit in the Gambia.

They intend to play a pivotal role in the shaping of Africa by ratifying the document titled  Way Omega , whose main ideas are listed here .

What is the summary of Fathers of Nations?

Find the complete summary to all the chapters in Fathers of Nations here .

What is the theme of the Father of Nations?

Fathers of Nations is a somewhat long novel.

As such, it has many themes which you can find on EasyElimu -  Themes in Fathers of the Nations

What is the plot of Fathers of Nations set book

(foreword all through to chapter 14).

The general premise of the novel is about a summit meeting that will be held at the Pinnacle Hotel in Banjul, The Gambia.

All African heads of states (fathers of nations) will be in attendance at the meeting to discuss a a document titled ‘ Way Omega .’

However, others (AGDA) have come to disrupt the meeting and introduce their own document ( Path Alpha ) that they believe is way better than Way Omega.

The other document is called ‘Path Alpha’.

What does Way Omega Entail in Fathers of Nations?

Way Omega is a document containing a way to develop Africa.

Way omega was developed and published by twenty Nobel laureates.

A laureate is a person who is honoured with an award for outstanding creative or intellectual achievement.

Africa’s ministers of planning had a look at Way Omega and liked it and now the Summit meeting is being held so that all countries can adopt it as a common development strategy.

It is a common development strategy for Africa whose main ideas are: 

• Change African politics 

One major idea of Way omega is changing the way politics are handled/conducted in Africa (pg.7).

Historically, African presidency have been won through military coups and rigged election.

These are illegal ways that presidents use to gain and keep power.

They are bad because they lead to the disenfranchisement of the people that they want to govern.

Disenfranchisement is taking away a people's right to vote. In essence, way Omega proposes that there be no more foul play when it comes to politics in Africa.

• End Africa’s misery 

Way Omega is also a development strategy crafted to end Africa’s misery. 

Africa has many problems including poverty, disease, ignorance, corruption and impunity (see page 40-41).

The first three according to Mr. Longway were the original problems that the elect leaders after gaining independence promised to eradicate.

The last two are problems created by the breed of leaders that we keep electing into office whereby the politicians are the ones who are the main beneficiaries of the two latter problems that have wrecked and keep wrecking the lives of the normal African.

However, politicians are not the only ones who are corrupt as we have police officers in The Gambia as illustrated in the incident of the Taxi Driver (see page).

Moreover, other problems afflicting Africa include insecurity, apathy and unemployment. 

What does Path Alpha Entail in Fathers of Nations?

Path Alpha  is a development strategy that AGDA believes is a superior alternative to Way Omega (pg.16).

They hope to slip it in to replace Way Omega with it during the summit.

Many students may find the set book difficult. However, this EasyElimu Guide to Fathers of Nations will help simplify the book and makes it easier for students to understand it so that they can pass their exams. 

Sections of the Fathers of Nations  Guide by EasyElimu

Foreword and chapter summaries in fathers of nations.

The novel Fathers of nations has 15 chapters in total including the foreword.

This EasyElimu guide offers a summary of all the chapters in the novel Fathers of Nations . 

• Summary of Fathers of Nations chapter 1 to 14

Characters and characterization in Fathers of Nations 

This guide provides an in-depth analysis of all the characters in the novel Fathers of Nations .

If you do not know the characters in the novel or their characterization, you will not be able to get a good grade on any question regarding this book.

This EasyElimu study guide contains character traits in Fathers of Nations

All the characters in Fathers of Nations are:

Note: The ones that are in bold are the main characters in this story by  Paul B.Vitta

Themes in Fathers of Nations

Themes are issues that are consistent in a creative work.

They are sub categories or sub topics of the subject matter or the main idea in a work of art.

They constitute the entire message the writer wishes to put across to his or her readers.

Therefore, themes are the messages put across by a writer in a work of art.

There are major and minor themes. Major themes cut across the text and are the main ideas the writer intends to pass to the readers. Minor themes are minor ideas which are still important in the text.

The novel addresses a number of issues including;

Language and style in Fathers of Nations

The language used in literature is different from that used in other disciplines.

Language in literature goes a notch higher because it is not only used originally but also innovatively.

This contributes to aesthetics or beauty in literary texts hence appealing to the readers.

Style on the other hand can simply be defined as the unique manner of doing something.

Just like everybody has a walking style and hair cutting style, playwrights have unique ways which they use to pass their messages to the audience.

There are a number of stylistic devices in the novel Fathers of Nations . This guidebook will enumerate some of these devices inclusing;

Excerpts and extracts with answers in Fathers of Nations

With 15 chapters, Fathers of Nations could have very many excerpts.

Note: 15 includes the foreword section.

With this guide, you can get Fathers of Nations excerpts and answers in pdf format.

Essays in Fathers of Nations

This section contains general Q&As for Fathers of Nations , which you can use to test yourself or get ideas for an essay.

Conclusion  

This guide provides a comprehensive analysis of the novel  Fathers of Nations which will surely help students get a good grade when it comes to exam questions related to the novel.

Additionally, this guide provides essay questions and answers about all aspects of the novel as shown above and can be downloaded in PDF format from our website .

Moreover, you can access it for free on the EasyElimu Study App . 

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Foreword and Chapters Summaries - Fathers of Nations

Characters and characterization - fathers of nations, themes - fathers of nations, styles and stylistic devices - fathers of nations.

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Fathers of Nations summary, analysis, theme, and characters

Fathers of Nations (2013) is a satirical novel set in Africa. The author brings to date all that has gone wrong in Africa. He explores the frustrations that African experience under corrupt leadership. Fathers of Nations summary explains what the novel is about and points at the key themes.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Fathers of nations setbook characters, fathers of nations novel summary, leadership crisis, about paul b vitta.

Fathers of Nations was written by Paul B. Vitta and printed in 2013 by Oxford University Press East Africa . The highlight of this book is a summit attended at the Gambia by African Heads of State. Its subject is the awakening of Africans to come out from their status quo. Here is the synopsis of Fathers of Nations, theme analysis, and characters.

Here are some of the main characters in the book.

• Karanja Kimani : Kimani is a Kenyan, 60 years old is a professor at the Institute of Development Studies at the University of Nairobi.
• Comrade Ngobile Melusi : Ngobile is from Zimbabwe and is aged 70 years old.
• Pastor Chineke Chiamaka : He is a male Nigerian clergyman based at the Lagos branch of the Church Inside Africa.
• Dr. Abiola Afolabi : He is a Nigerian academician and has an American wife.
• Engineer Seif Tahir : He is a Libyan formerly employed by Tripoli's Ministry of Defense.

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Fathers of Nations is a satirical novel, and it is set in contemporary Africa. It is a story that brings to the readers all that has gone wrong in Africa, but in a humorous way. The continent is depicted as a valuable place that lacks a sense of direction. The majority of the leaders have made their people voices, rendering them silent as these leaders continuously destroy their livelihoods.

The plot revolves around the lives of four men from different parts of Africa. Amid their various misfortunes, the men get together to try and make a change. They want African heads of state to ratify a document that could transform the continent's economic fortunes.

These four men have suffered under unwieldy political systems in their respective countries. Each bears a grudge against the system and has a reason for wanting it to change. They represent the values of humanity, empathy, and vulnerability.

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Prof Karanja Kimani has lost his wife to a former university colleague and now turned politician. His only daughter dies in a fatal accident in Nairobi. Pastor Chineke, on his part, is a fierce man. His insistence on government accountability earns him days in jail. He is also prohibited from preaching.

Dr. Abiola Afolabi is ditched by his American wife. He advises African heads of state but detests offering theoretical solutions. The last character, Ngobile Melusi, is projected as a failed politician. He finds himself on the wrong side of the political divide after independence. He goes through affliction for being Ndebele when the Shona president undertook to suppress his community.

Analysis of the themes in Fathers of Nations

The symbolism in this book is enough to make you sit back and marvel at how Africans have accepted the status quo. It's an enjoyable read, and above all, it speaks to the frustrations we still experience in Africa under corrupt leadership. Below are the themes in Fathers of Nations.

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Poor leadership is one of the main themes in the novel. African leaders are portrayed as people who cannot give a sense of direction to their countries. Instead, they are shown as flawed human beings who cannot rise to the challenges of their times.

They are people experimenting with various ideological positions originating from different places. In the book, two groups develop two development agendas referred to as Path Alpha and Way Omega.

The book goes ahead to portray how dysfunctional most African countries are. They are readily buy anything from anywhere. Unfortunately, in their hopelessness, the citizens continue to entertain a leadership that is blind to their plights.

The novel also paints a devastating picture of people on a knifes' edge of daily survival. International imperialistic networks of control have captured and imprisoned the continent. African countries are sucked into meaningless loans with international financial institutions.

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These development loans, though luring, have unrealistic demands. As a result, the continent continues to sink into the abyss of poverty.

Paul B Vitta also shares that corruption is endemic in Africa. The vice has disastrous effects on the continent's economies. It also affects the cohesion of communities and social contracts, which are vital pillars of building nations.

Wars and organised criminal networks distract the developments of some countries. The networks control all the political powers and economic opportunities.

The image readers also get of African leaders is that of a coalition of confused and manipulated people. They have suppressed the voices of the civilians, who are mere spectators as leaders destroy their sources of livelihood. The book is a bold portrayal of post-colonial African countries.

It is a continent where the most learned are impoverished because society doesn't value knowledge. Instead, it cherishes ignorance.

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Who is Paul B Vitta? He is the author of Fathers of Nations. Vitta was born in Tanzania and received his Ph.D. in physics from Emory University of Dar es Salaam. He worked briefly for the African Regional Center for Technology in Senegal.

Later, he moved to the International Development Research Center in Canada. He also served as a Director of UNESCO'S Regional Office for Science and Technology in Africa before retiring.

Fathers of Nations summary and analysis above will undoubtedly give you a reason to read the book. As an African living in the continent, you will notice that the book captures everything you have seen. The book reminds you that some of the plights are of your own making because of the kind of leaders you elect.

Are you a young woman who needs inspiration? Tuko.co.ke published a list of the 15 empowering books for young Black women. Something supernatural can happen if you read a book. Therefore, the right books for young women go a long way in creating empowered, purposeful, and assertive ladies.

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In a society full of gender, sexual, and religious discrimination are a reality, women need something to keep them focused. Appropriate books inspire young black women to work towards their goals. It will highlight that colour or gender has nothing to do with their potential.

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Fathers of Nations Chapter Six Summaries and Analysis (Episodic Approach)

Chapter six episode 19: the essence of security clearance summary pages 82–85.

The episode begins with a description of the day the summit was opened: the weather is hot, and comrade Melusi is in line waiting to be cleared. Before his time, he appears engrossed in thoughts about security clearance and concludes that they are meant to not only detect but also deter and punish potential criminals everywhere.

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Finally, after an x-ray machine scan, the young security officer sees a needle in his briefcase. He informs the young officer that the needle is for his diabetic medication. We learn that Comrade Melusi was diagnosed with diabetes during a medical check-up that AGDA required of him after joining Patha Alpha.

The young security officer maintains his position and emphasises that he will not allow Comrade Melusi to enter the summit with the needle because it is dangerous. Comrade Melusi informs the young officer that thirty percent of one hundred people aged 70–75 are diabetic, meaning they are unable to regulate the sugar level in their blood, which kills most of them. The survivors are kept alive by the medicine. He argues that he cannot live without his cellophane pouch.

The young officer still refuses to allow him to take the needle in the peak, even suggesting that Comrade Melusi leave it with him and return for his shot when the time comes. Comrade Melusi persists in entering with his medicine pouch, and the young officer threatens to summon the guards to take care of him in the best way they know how.

Comrade Melusi claims that abandoning his medication pouch forces him to climb a steep mountain, which results in blindness, kidney failure, foot ulcers, leg amputation, and other serious consequences. With this, the officer has faith in Comrade Melusi and allows him to enter the summit.

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Stylistic Device

The episode describes events that occurred on the day the summit formally opened in Banjul, Gambia, with fifty heads of state as its main participants. A  vivid description  of the day is presented, which is reported to be scorching due to the sun and the Atlantic Ocean.  '... the sun, very; and the Atlantic Ocean, not far away... when it came.’ Page 82.  Both the sun and the Atlantic Ocean are personified in this illustration, and they are supposed to set the tempo.  Personification  as a style is also evident when Comrade Melusi ponders the logic behind the security clearance. Time has been personified and is supposed to have been murdered here.  ‘To kill time, he was reflecting... page 82  

There is also the usage of a  figure of speech  in which it is claimed to be a picture of tranquilly, which is a  metaphor . On the other hand,  rhetorical questions  arise when Comrade Melusi inquiries about security clearance. ‘ What was the big idea here: to detect or to deter? Page 82 .

 We learn through  flashback  that comrade Melusi found out he was diabetic during a medical check-up requested by AGDA while he was joining Path Alpha. When we learn that Comrade Melusi's interest in reading diabetes leaflets is compared to the interest with which first-time vehicle purchasers read user manuals, we see the use of contrast. The young officer's chat with Comrade Melusi at the security checkpoint also involves  dialogue . There is also the use of direct address, which is defined as a discussion between two or more persons; however, direct address requires the exact words of the speakers, whereas dialogue can be paraphrased.

The Episode's Thematic Concerns

The exchange between comrade Melusi and the young security officer, on the other hand, emphasises the topic of  security . ‘ So, security was at its tightest.’ Page 82.  

The episode also highlights the predicament of diabetes patients, shedding light on the  pain and suffering  these people undergo. Comrade Melusi informs the young security officer that 30% of people aged 70–75 are diabetic and hence unable to regulate their sugar levels, which kills the majority of them.  ’ … you forcing me to climb up a steep mountain of risk here. It ends in blindness, kidney failure, foot ulcers, leg amputation, and many other bad things like that.’ Page 85.

Characterization

Comrade Melusi is presented as  informed or educated  in this episode; after learning about his diabetic condition, he read extensively about it.  ‘This attitude had paid off because he was now an authority on diabetes.’ Page 83.  In this story, he also comes across as  persuasive  when he ultimately convinces the young security officer to let him attend the summit with a needle and a cellophane medicine pouch. He is also  steadfast or firm; ‘Comrade Melusi decided to get firm.’ Page 85.  

The youthful security officer, on the other hand, is portrayed as  unconcerned. ‘The youth yawned, making even more obvious his indifference to what he had just heard.’ Page 83.  The youthful security officer is also  trusting  of Comrade Melusi.  ‘The more I look at you, I see somebody I can trust.’ Page 85.

Characters' Roles in the Episode

The role of Comrade Melusi is to develop the theme of the plight of diabetic patients, as illustrated above, while the young security officer develops the theme of security. Both contribute to the development of the other's personality features.

Episode 20: The Origins of Comrade Melusi Summary Pages 85–92

The episode describes Comrade Melusi and Mr. Tad Longway eating lunch at Chaminuka Restaurant in Harare, Zimbabwe's capital. This was before Comrade Melusi earned the moniker comrade from the head of his group, with whom they fought the colonisers in Zimbabwe. As they enjoy their lunch, Comrade Melusi notices that people can no longer afford to eat at the restaurant because the Zimbabwean economy has crumbled. Mr. Tad Longway, AGDA's Director of Special Projects, apparently invited Comrade Melusi out for lunch because he wanted to recruit him to team Alpha, but he delayed asking him to enlist because Comrade Melusi was giving details about what had occurred to him and Zimbabwe after they gained independence. We notice that the group's commander became the new government leader. And the government was constituted quickly, but Comrade Melusi was betrayed by his companion in the struggle, who is now the leader of the state. Since they struggled for independence together, the new ruler did not pick Comrade Melusi as a minister as anticipated. We observed that the new boss had completely different ideas. He was increasing his fans while simultaneously weakening his opponents. We find that the new leader saw everybody who was not from his tribe as an enemy and an opponent to be defeated, which explains why Comrade Melusi was not selected as a minister as he expected because he was a Ndebele and the new leader was a Shona. This new leader did not remain in charge of the government for long. A stash of weaponry was discovered at his residence, indicating that he was planning a coup, and he was ousted. When word of his departure as government leader reached his hometown of Southern Zimbabwe, where the Ndebele tribe lives, anti-government protests erupted. The Ndebele, enraged by their man's humiliation, went on a rampage, attacking any government supporter in their path. The government took revenge on them. A branch of the army known as the Gukurahundi, which represents in Shona the first downpour of the year, washing chaff off the field so that soil tilling can begin. The Ndebele militants were washed away like chaff. We find that comrade Melusi's wife, Ziliza, perished in this manner, strangled in their kitchen. Comrade Melusi arrived home from work in Bulawayo, where he runs a company, to discover her dead. After the Ndebele insurgency, the new leader changed. He could not trust the people he had once viewed as allies, not only his fellow Shona tribalists but also Ndebele tribesmen who had fought for Zimbabwe's independence. He now solely trusted his Shona tribesmen, and the Ndebele tribesmen became rivals and opponents to be killed. Mr. Tad Longway suggests they end their discussion there and continue the subject the next day.

The episode uses  flashbacks  to reveal more information about comrade Melusi prior to joining AGDA as a Path Alpha follower. 

Thematic Concern 

The dominant theme is  betrayal ; we encounter instances of betrayal coming out through comrade Melusi, who is betrayed by the leader of his group after fighting alongside him against the colonisers:  ‘The new ruler did not appoint you minister.’ Page 87.  

Also, there are examples of  treachery  when the new ruler, a Shona, discovers that Comrade Melusi is a Ndebele, thus thinking him an opponent, presuming him guilty, and kicking him out of his government, which is an example of betrayal. 

The subject of  nepotism  is also there; we learn that the new ruler changed following the Ndebele insurrection. The man, who had previously considered the Ndebele as allies as well as his Shona tribesmen, now exclusively trusted his Shona tribesmen. All Ndebele tribesmen were turned into rivals and foes to be eliminated.

 The notion of  change  is also present in the episode, as comrade Melusi observes that it is around 1:30 p.m. and the restraint is empty. People in Zimbabwe no longer eat out. Because of  bad leadership , their economy had crumbled.  ‘How the new ruler changed after the Ndembele insurgency!’ page 91.  Another problem presented in the episode is the government's use of Gukurahundi to deal with Ndebele militants, which resulted in Comrade Melusi's wife Ziliza's death. 

Stylistic Devices 

The author employs a variety of literary devices to convey his message, including  personification,  a figure of speech that involves imbuing non-human objects with human characteristics. ' Banjul would soon lie firmly on their trajectory.' Page 86.  Banjul, Gambia's capital city, is personified here by being stated to be lying solidly.  ‘Hunger does have a dark side.’ Page 87.   You know, just to see if it is as creamy and yummy as their menu brags it is.’’ Page 89.  Both hunger and the menu are personified in these circumstances. The Chaminuka Restaurant is also said to have the sorrowful appearance of a funeral parlour. Page 89.  Finally, slaughter is deemed to have run its course. Page 91. 

Symbolism  is employed. Comrade Melusi and his comrades fought against the colonisers, who are referred to as  'Smith'  in the text. ‘ After defeating Smith,’ page 86.  Gukurahundi also represents the army that the new commander will use to deal with the Ndebele insurgents.

 The writer employs instances of  repetition , a style employed to emphasise a repeating point or notion.  'No, no, no. page 86, ‘Well, well... page 87 . 

There is also the usage of  local dialect  in the text to provide local flavour, originality, realism, and to imply setting. Local dialects employed to spice the text include  'Simudzai mureza weZimbabwe, 'Kalibususwe ilizwe leZimbabwe, page 87,  and  Gukurahundi .

  Rhetorical questions  are also employed: ‘ Unity, Freedom, and Work. But what unity, what freedom, and what work? Page 87.  The questions are intended to elicit thought from the reader for them to comprehend the meaning of the book. 

The episode also has a  vivid description , which aids the reader in better understanding the meaning of the text.  ‘He was toying with his food. Having tried stabbing his pepper steak with a knife in search of flaws, then flipping it over on its other side to search for more, now, with a fork for a pen, he was drawing lines in his mashed potatoes, smoothing the figures out, and then drawing them again.’ Page 87.

Character Role in the Text

 Comrade Melusi and Mr. Tad Longway are employed in the episode to develop each other's character attributes as well as the thematic concerns discussed above.

Episode 21: Settling Political Scores Summary Page 92-99

The events of this episode take place at Muponda Restaurant, which is located on the outskirts of Harare. Comrade Melusi invited Mr. Tad Longway to Mupanda Restaurant, which claimed to be the mother of Zimbabwe's traditional cuisine, since he wanted to experience traditional food. After they had given their orders, Comrade Melusi resumed where he had left off. He claims that he was naive because he chose to aggravate the 'bomber,' which represents Zimbabwe's ruler, who was blasting the country's economy back to the Stone Age. Comrade Melusi irritated the new ruler by founding an opposition group called 'the New Independent Party' and running for the country's highest office, the presidency. The new leader, the bomber, won the elections with 99% of the vote, while the opposition received only 1% of the vote. Comrade Melusi claims that he expected them to lose but did not expect them to lose so heavily. Comrade Melusi believes that things could have turned out differently if they had been able to band together as the opposition and fight the new ruler as a unit. The attempted collaboration by comrade Melusi and the leader of the Reformed Union of Freedom Fighters, who later did not compete as a result of a lack of a university degree, brought no fruit, and each party went it alone in the end. After losing the polls, the opponents came together in about a half-hour and declared the elections a fraud, with charges of rigging filling the air. At the same time, Comrade Melusi observes that defeating the ruler would have been simple because the odds were stacked against him, with the country—Zimbabwe—facing the worst drought in history, to the point where the sitting president called it a national disaster. The international community had also imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe's SAP (Structured Adjustment Programme), which intended to restructure the country's economy but failed. Comrade Melusi returned to business, and due to inflation, which was eroding his earnings faster than they could expand, he chose to relocate to a slum in Harare's poor suburbs since he couldn't afford to pay rent in the clean suburbs. Comrade Melusi revealed bad leadership when he talked about bulldozers that were sent to slums to evict families by pulling down their homes without providing early notice or alternative lodging. There is also the ‘Murambatsvina, which in Shona means expelling the trash. This occurred under the pretence of simulating diseases and reducing crime. Comrade Melusi observes that it was a government effort to punish the urban poor for voting for opposition parties in the just-finished elections—a political witch hunt. Mr. Tad Longway feels sorry for Comrade Melusi and, at the end of the episode, hands him a stack of American cash, which he joyfully takes. A Path Alpha whitepaper designed to mobilise people's dissatisfaction with Africa in its current status into a desire to change it He then asks Comrade Melusi whether he wants to join the project, and he agrees and joins AGDA.

Using flashbacks, the episode continues to reveal details about Comrade Melusi's past life before joining Path Alpha.

Thematic Analysis

The African politicians are satirised as Zimbabwe's leader constructs the image of  poor leadership ; in the episode, he is referred to as the bomber since he was blasting the country's economy back to the Stone Age. Africans' misery is further highlighted when African leaders are represented as self-serving—they solely serve their personal interests and aspirations. The opposition leaders, for example, are portrayed as lacking unity—they do not have the people's or country's interests at heart—because everyone is focused on their personal objectives rather than the country or its residents, who are suffering and looking up to them to initiate change. Furthermore, the fact that elections in Africa do not produce the desired results reinforces the notion that they are only a formality marred by rigging and labelled as a sham. The subject of sorrow and suffering is also present when Comrade Melusi tells Mr. Tad Longway about his struggles to make ends meet, including opposition from the government, the destruction of his home, the murder of his wife, Ziliza, and inflation. ‘Inflation was eroding incomes faster than they could grow. But I survived. I didn’t live and work in as clean a suburb as I did before. I just could not afford the rent there anymore. No, I had relocated to a slum in a poor part of Harare. But, hey, I was alive. He laughed falsely. Sorrow was in his eyes.  ‘Then there came Murambatsvina, Page 97 . All of this was done in order to settle old political scores.

 Characterization

When Mr. Tad presents Comrade Melusi with a stack of American money, the author paints him as  benevolent . ' He reached into a side pocket for another stack of American dollars this time and handed it to him.’ Page 98.  

Comrade Melusi, on the other hand, is  grateful and thankful  for Mr. Tad's generosity.  ‘Thank you, Mr. Longway.’ Page 99. 

The new president of Zimbabwe, dubbed the 'bomber' in the text, is  spiteful,  going so far as to punish anyone who supported the opposition.  ‘Its true aim was to punish us, the urban poor, for supporting opposition parties.’ Page 98.

On the other hand, the opposition leaders are portrayed as  self-serving  because, rather than banding together to confront a shared adversary, everyone prefers to go it alone, resulting in an easy electoral defeat.  ‘I begged them to lay personal ambitions aside and combine our effort and then fight the bomber together. They booed me.’ Page 96.

 Literary Devices

 In this episode, there is use of  dialogue;  Mr. Tad and Comrade Melusi are having a conversation about Comrade Melusi's prior life and Zimbabwe after independence. 

Direct speech  is a style with a similar definition to dialogue, but when illustrating it, the exact words of the people involved in the conversation must be presented in quotation marks. 

Repetition  is also used stylistically to emphasise or bring attention to a point addressed in the text.  ‘Looking good, looking good, ‘page 95.

The episode also makes use of  vivid descriptions. ‘Comrade Melusi was working on his sadza, licking his fingers and smacking his lips from time to time.’ Page 96.  This technique helps the reader realise Comrade's terrible living; he is described literarily eating like a poor person—it emphasises poverty. 

Local dialect  is employed in literary texts to add flavour, imply setting, and offer authenticity and originality to the supplied piece. Words like  'sadza', 'page 97,' and 'Murambatsvina'  are all examples of local direct. 

Situational irony  occurs in the episode where the Murambatsvina true goal is to prevent diseases and reduce crime, but in the end, diseases and crime increase as a result of individuals being made homeless and their source of income being destroyed. This also satirises Africa's terrible leadership.

 There is use of  personification  when Comrade Melusi states that  ‘Murambatsvina chewed me up then spat me out.’ Page 98.  Murambatsvina is symbolised in this scene by his capacity to chew and spat.

Role of Characters in the Episode

Comrade Melusi, the opposition leaders, and Mr. Tad are used in this episode to build on poor leadership, misery and suffering, poverty, and each other's character attributes, as illustrated above.

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Kushner Developing Deals Overseas Even as His Father-in-Law Runs for President

Donald Trump’s son-in-law, who was also a senior White House official, said he was close to finalizing real estate projects in Albania and Serbia.

By Eric Lipton ,  Jonathan Swan and Maggie Haberman

Reporting from Washington

Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of Donald J. Trump, confirmed on Friday that he was closing in on major real estate deals in Albania and Serbia, the latest example of the former president’s family doing business abroad even as Mr. Trump seeks to return to the White House.

Mr. Kushner’s plans in the Balkans appear to have come about in part through relationships built while Mr. Trump was in office. Mr. Kushner, who was a senior White House official, said he had been working on the deals with Richard Grenell, who served briefly as acting director of national intelligence under Mr. Trump and also as ambassador to Germany and special envoy to the Balkans.

One of the proposed projects would be the development of an island off the coast of Albania into a luxury tourist destination.

A second — with a planned luxury hotel and 1,500 residential units and a museum — is in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, at the site of the long-vacant former headquarters of the Yugoslav Army destroyed in 1999 by the NATO bombings, according to a member of Parliament in Serbia and Mr. Kushner’s company.

These first two projects both involve land now controlled by the governments, meaning a deal would have to be finalized with foreign governments.

A third project, also in Albania, would be built on the Zvërnec peninsula, a 1,000-acre coastal area in the south of Albania that is part of the resort community known as Vlorë, where several hotels and hundreds of villas would be built, according to the plan.

Mr. Kushner’s participation would be through his investment firm, Affinity Partners, which has $2 billion in funding from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, among other foreign investors. In a statement, an official with Affinity Partners said it had not been determined whether the Saudi funds might be a part of any project Mr. Kushner is considering in the Balkans.

“We are very excited,” Mr. Kushner said in an interview. “We have not finalized these deals, so they might not happen, but we have been working hard and are pretty close.”

Mr. Kushner set up his investment company after he left his White House job as a senior adviser. He capitalized on relationships he had built in government negotiating in the Middle East, which included a close relationship with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia.

Mr. Kushner ended up securing the $2 billion from the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia and hundreds of millions of dollars more from wealth funds in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar . He has taken few public steps so far to actually invest large chunks of this money.

Mr. Grenell also made valuable connections while in government, including some that appear to have given the Kushner team an inside track for investments in the Balkans. During his time in the Trump administration, Mr. Grenell worked on resolving disputes between Serbia and Kosovo.

These discussions indirectly involved Albania, as most citizens of Kosovo are ethnic Albanians and Albania plays a role in the regional discussions.

Mr. Grenell has remained close with Mr. Trump since the former president left office, defending him publicly and speaking to him regularly.

Mr. Grenell has said privately that he hopes to be secretary of state in a second Trump administration, according to a person who has discussed the matter with Mr. Grenell and who described the conversations on the condition of anonymity.

Mr. Grenell, in an interview, declined to address on the record any interest in potentially taking a post as secretary of state. He said only that he had not decided whether he would join any future Trump administration.

Robert Weissman, president of Public Citizen, which tracked business deals it considered conflicts of interest during the Trump administration, said these planned deals were unethical and would only raise new questions about the Trump family, particularly if Mr. Trump was re-elected.

“At this point in the election cycle Jared Kushner should freeze any new investment plans,” Mr. Weissman said. “This particular investment plan seems to involve the worst of every corrupt tendency of the Trump administration and Trump family.”

The Trump family’s involvement in foreign business deals became a major focus during Mr. Trump’s term, with critics ultimately suing and alleging that the family was illegally profiting from foreign payments — referred to as emoluments in the Constitution — while Mr. Trump was in office. These cases were dismissed as moot by the Supreme Court when Mr. Trump left office, but they could be reopened if he was back in the White House.

Since leaving office, Mr. Trump has become a partner in a development project in Oman , a deal he was brought into by a Saudi real estate firm that has ties to the Saudi government.

Mr. Kushner rejected any suggestion that he was getting preferential treatment because of his time in the government, or that any of the work was connected to the former president.

“No one is ‘giving’ me deals,” said Mr. Kushner, who insisted he was not planning to return to Washington should his father-in-law win the presidency again. “I operate fairly meticulously, and these investments will create a lot of value for the local communities, our partners and our investors.”

Representatives for Mr. Trump did not respond to multiple emails seeking comment.

Mr. Kushner and his wife, Ivanka Trump, have largely stayed away from Mr. Trump’s political activities since the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.

The New York Times first approached Mr. Kushner on Wednesday morning about his prospective projects in the Balkans. He initially declined to answer questions, responding only after he disclosed his plans to Bloomberg News on Friday.

Mr. Kushner and Ms. Trump visited Albania twice since Mr. Trump left office. They traveled the country with Mr. Grenell, and even met with Albania’s prime minister .

Mr. Kushner and Ms. Trump, along with Mr. Grenell, have been focused in part on Sazan, a Mediterranean island in the south of Albania that until the end of the Cold War had been used by the Soviet Union and the Communist-led government of Albania as a secretive military base for submarines. The plan is to build a luxury hotel and villas on the island.

The rugged two-square-mile island has hundreds of Cold War-era bunkers and tunnels designed to withstand nuclear attack and has been largely vacant since the end of the Soviet Union. But it is only a half-hour by speedboat from Vlorë, a resort destination in southern Albania where the government of Saudi Arabia is already spending money to improve electricity service and other public utilities to help promote tourism in Albania.

Mr. Grenell, a former Fox News contributor and media consultant, has been working closely with Mr. Kushner and his investment firm.

Mr. Grenell has been vocal about his efforts to turn relationships he built in Albania and elsewhere in the Balkans into personal profits. He has returned to the region repeatedly and met with hotel industry executives, as well as Albania’s prime minister, Edi Rama.

“We are looking for opportunities to invest through foreign investment in the Balkans, but more specifically in Albania, and the Albanian coast is wonderful,” Mr. Grenell said in one of a series of television and newspaper interviews he has done in Albania in the last three years.

The day-to-day management of the projects would be handled by Asher Abehsera, a California-based real estate developer who has done projects in Brooklyn with Mr. Kushner, and who traveled to the Balkans with Mr. Grenell and Mr. Kushner to check out the development sites, Mr. Kushner said.

Mr. Grenell added in a nearly 90-minute television interview in Albania last year that there was nothing wrong with his deal making because he was now out of government. “I’m working on projects, private equity projects, that I get to make money on,” he said. “No one should ever apologize for wanting to make money.”

Last July, Mr. Grenell, along with Ivanka Trump and Mr. Kushner, also met with Mr. Rama in Tirana, the capital of Albania, and they were all photographed together.

Mr. Rama has been pushing for nearly a decade to open Sazan up to redevelopment as a tourist destination, as well as looking for other ways to attract foreign investors to Albania to expand its tourist economy.

Auron Tare, a former member of Parliament in Albania who has served as an adviser to Mr. Rama, took Ms. Trump and Mr. Kushner to Sazan Island in 2021 as part of a visit of Albania that included a cruise on a yacht and a helicopter trip across the coast.

Mr. Tare, in an interview, said he discussed with Mr. Kushner and Ms. Trump the desire to develop Sazan, but to do so in a way that would preserve its history and environment.

Mr. Kushner and Mr. Grenell have been working closely with a billionaire Albanian business executive named Shefqet Kastrati and his son, Musa Kastrati. Their investments include a concession to run the international airport in Tirana, a chain of gas stations in Albania and hotels and other businesses, according to business associates and Mr. Kushner.

“They have helped us understand the cost of construction and how to operate locally,” Mr. Kushner said in an interview.

In October 2022, Shefqet Kastrati bought a $7.5 million house in Indian Creek, Fla., land records show, a property that is near where Ms. Trump and Mr. Kushner now live. The Kastrati family also last year purchased a hotel in the Brickell section of Miami for $55 million from the Qatari royal family.

Musa Kastrati, in an interview, said that the role his family company would play in Mr. Kushner’s Albanian projects was still not clear, but that it would probably involve helping build some of the complexes. Mr. Kastrati also confirmed that he visited Mar-a-Lago, Mr. Trump’s Florida resort and residence, in December 2022 with Mr. Grenell and that he also briefly met Mr. Trump when the former president arrived as they were having dinner. Mr. Kastrati said he did not discuss the potential deal with Mr. Trump.

Mr. Grenell has repeatedly taken to Instagram and other social media accounts to promote tourism in Albania and to praise Mr. Rama, the prime minister.

“I support Rama’s vision for the Balkans,” Mr. Grenell said in a television interview in 2021 , after he met with another hotel industry executive in Albania named Irfan Hysenbelliu. “I love Albania and I invite U.S. investors in the country.”

The government of Saudi Arabia recently announced that it was looking for ways to increase its investment in Albania, first by helping build water, electricity and sewer services next to beach areas in Vlorë, which is the launching point to Sazan and where a new international airport is already being built. It has said it wants to invest up to $300 million in the nation .

Earlier this month, Saudi officials traveled to Albania to announce the creation of what they are calling the Saudi-Albania Business Council “to forge a new economic partnership between the two countries,” including in tourist projects. The Saudi chairman of the group, Abdulrahman Al-Mufarreh, did not respond to requests for comment.

Michael S. Schmidt contributed reporting.

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