The recent SADC statement condemning "in the strongest terms the circumstances that led to the ousting of a democratically-elected president of Madagascar" comes as a breath of fresh air to peace loving people who are tired of the theatrics in our African politrics. How I wish this had been done in many other African countries! SADC is finally displaying some political maturity.
Though Andry Rajoelina, the 34-year-old former mayor, who is six years too young to be elected president, has promised a new constitution and elections within two years and may even have a moral case against President Marc Ravalomananato, his rise to power should be condemned in the strongest possible terms. The poor may be on his side and he may have a good case, but he has done this the wrong way at the wrong time.
It does not matter whether one uses an army of soldiers wielding guns or pens to steal power from the rightful winner of an election- it is simply unacceptable. SADC should always stand up against any power grabs. I wonder whether SADC is standing up this time in support of democratic ideals, or the leaders simply do not like young men with the testicular fortitude taking power from the old boys.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
South African Court grants citizens living abroad right to vote: should the African Diaspora demand same rights?
As much as I would like to celebrate the recent ruling by South Africa's Constitutional Court to uphold the voting rights of citizens living abroad, there is something bitter- sweet about seeing other countries make strides in the right direction while my own continues to languish in untold suffering. But, for what it’s worth, SA must be congratulated for joining other enlightened countries that recognize their citizens’ rights to vote.
All African countries should follow suit and pass laws allowing their citizens abroad to vote. In fact, they should follow in the footsteps of Algeria, Angola, Cape Verde and Mozambique, which not only allow their citizens abroad to vote, but also let them elect their own representatives to the national legislature. African Diasporas should have their own representatives but, for that to happen, I am sure citizens abroad will have to organize themselves to fight for that dream. The idea that this should be granted on a silver platter by the political elite is a dream that will not come true. Everyone must fight for their own dreams.
While I can appreciate the challenges facing many countries, including lack of capacity, resources, and statistics to enable citizens abroad to vote, I find it inexcusable that voting in Africa is a life threatening exercise. During elections, lives are lost, homes are burnt down and people are brutalized- just for exercising their right to vote. I know that many countries (politicians) do not seem to aspire to much for their citizens but, would it be too much to ask African countries to conduct free and fair polls and ensure that voting does not pose the same risk as HIV/AIDS?
If only we could organize free and fair polls, the verdict of those living in the country could be a fair reflection of the wishes of the electorate, including those living outside.
All African countries should follow suit and pass laws allowing their citizens abroad to vote. In fact, they should follow in the footsteps of Algeria, Angola, Cape Verde and Mozambique, which not only allow their citizens abroad to vote, but also let them elect their own representatives to the national legislature. African Diasporas should have their own representatives but, for that to happen, I am sure citizens abroad will have to organize themselves to fight for that dream. The idea that this should be granted on a silver platter by the political elite is a dream that will not come true. Everyone must fight for their own dreams.
While I can appreciate the challenges facing many countries, including lack of capacity, resources, and statistics to enable citizens abroad to vote, I find it inexcusable that voting in Africa is a life threatening exercise. During elections, lives are lost, homes are burnt down and people are brutalized- just for exercising their right to vote. I know that many countries (politicians) do not seem to aspire to much for their citizens but, would it be too much to ask African countries to conduct free and fair polls and ensure that voting does not pose the same risk as HIV/AIDS?
If only we could organize free and fair polls, the verdict of those living in the country could be a fair reflection of the wishes of the electorate, including those living outside.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Bashir must be locked up, but, what about Bush & Blair?
Judges of the ICC issued a warrant of arrest for President Omar Al-Bashir for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in Darfur, Sudan. In light of this expected development, I wonder whether Sudan will finally know any peace.
Many will be quick to point out the hypocrisy of the ICC in issuing this warrant while George Bush walks free in Texas, while others will note that this warrant highlights a new form of colonialism. But, I have always wondered why African blood has always been in such a fragile vase that it continues to flow. And if you are African like me, you should be wondering about whatever happened to African solutions for African problems.
I wonder what a child who has never known their parents or parents whose children have vanished because of this war will say. I wonder what the girl whose innocence has been stolen from her by some gun-carrying, horse-riding-soldier will say. And what are you going to say?
Should n't the Darfur situation be a thing of the past only to be found in the history books? Should not the mission of every leader and country be to defend the well being of their people against all threats, not to take lives away in pursuit of power? In that light, how helpful is it to kick out NGOs who are helping the poor when there is no plan to meet the needs that will arise? Is it useful to have to be begged to protect lives? Most importantly, why should Westerners have to protect Africans, why can't our leaders protect Africa? The suffering in Africa has gone on for far too long. The length and breath of our continent is covered in blood and tears. Tears that continue to flow into a red river whose source never seems to run dry. Why?
Perhaps the sun will dry our tears? Perhaps global warming will burn through the fog of impunity and dry away the red rivers? Perhaps this is something for you to pray about and go about your day? Perhaps this is something for you to protest about? Perhaps this is something for you to sing about? When will Africa know peace? I wonder!
Many will be quick to point out the hypocrisy of the ICC in issuing this warrant while George Bush walks free in Texas, while others will note that this warrant highlights a new form of colonialism. But, I have always wondered why African blood has always been in such a fragile vase that it continues to flow. And if you are African like me, you should be wondering about whatever happened to African solutions for African problems.
I wonder what a child who has never known their parents or parents whose children have vanished because of this war will say. I wonder what the girl whose innocence has been stolen from her by some gun-carrying, horse-riding-soldier will say. And what are you going to say?
Should n't the Darfur situation be a thing of the past only to be found in the history books? Should not the mission of every leader and country be to defend the well being of their people against all threats, not to take lives away in pursuit of power? In that light, how helpful is it to kick out NGOs who are helping the poor when there is no plan to meet the needs that will arise? Is it useful to have to be begged to protect lives? Most importantly, why should Westerners have to protect Africans, why can't our leaders protect Africa? The suffering in Africa has gone on for far too long. The length and breath of our continent is covered in blood and tears. Tears that continue to flow into a red river whose source never seems to run dry. Why?
Perhaps the sun will dry our tears? Perhaps global warming will burn through the fog of impunity and dry away the red rivers? Perhaps this is something for you to pray about and go about your day? Perhaps this is something for you to protest about? Perhaps this is something for you to sing about? When will Africa know peace? I wonder!
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