SADC causing Masisi sleepless nights
President Mokgweetsi Masisi has seen it all. His first tenure of office has been nothing short of blessing and a curse.
So far it has been an action- movie full of suspense, meandering plot and multiple antagonists. Just when one thought insurgency in Mozambique was headache enough, then Ramaphosa- Zuma political strife slides into a dangerous terrain.
As if that is not demanding enough, then, boom! Kingdom of Eswatini descends into chaos. Domestically, COVID- 19 is taking a toll. Poverty and rising youth unemployment are reigning supreme. Indeed, it has been the proverbial baptism of fire. Perhaps to his credit, Masisi has remained collected. It otherwise, could have been worse.
As a nation, we must learn to give credit where it is due. I am of the view that, under these circumstances, Masisi has done his utmost best to steer both the country and the SADC region clear of worst case. However, by that, I am not saying he should be spared from criticism and accountability. I am just saying let us subject him to fair criticism.
Besides, talk is cheap, especially when you are on complimentary coffee at Mugg & Bean and ‘ running’ a shell of a party, like Botswana National Front ( BNF). Being Chair of the SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security, is not a one- man show like the presidency of the Umbrella for Democratic Change ( UDC). It is a function of consensus. It is common sense that all
SADC member states are equal sovereigns. There is no how, no matter how pressing situations may be, member states cannot impose their will on the other. That would not only be gross violation of international law, but would even border on declaration of war. Further, countries do not rely on rumours and hearsays to formulate policy position on issues. There are proper communication channels informed by mutual respect and guided by facts. SADC unlike UDC is not run by emotions and individual’s feelings. It is governed by consensus informed by facts obtaining on the ground.
Hence the proposal by Masisi to urgently dispatch a Fact- Finding Mission to the Kingdom of Eswatini, constituted by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Republics of Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe. As stated, the purpose of the Mission was to “gather first- hand information” on the disturbances, including the state of security in the country, and to appeal for calm and restraint from all the stakeholders, as well as to propose consideration of an open national dialogue, as a way forward in the efforts towards finding a lasting solution. Although Amnesty International has described Eswatini’s response to calm the protests as “full- frontal assault” on ‘ pro- democracy’ protests, it is just one side of the three sides to the story. Besides, we are now fully aware of these Eurocentric ‘ Trojan- horses’ masquerading as ‘ rights- groups’ or ‘ think- tanks.’ For starters, the term ‘ pro- democracy’ is often used relative to one’s interests. For example, Trump supporters were branded “terrorists” for the same acts and behaviour displayed by Hong Kong’s “pro- democracy activists”. The point is, violence in whatever form and from whoever is hardly ever part of the cure. If we are truly guided by the rule of law, we should not be seen to be supporting violence from protestors and criticising the one from government. That is hypocrisy. Hence it is in order for Masisi to call for restraint from both sides.
Let us always remember that, no matter how strongly we feel about issues, there are always three sides to the story; my side, your side and the truth. And violence, from whichever side, does not make it right. Hence the second Mission dispatch to Eswatini to meet with other relevant stakeholders to find a common understanding on the issue. At the moment, it is clear that Masisi is overwhelmed and he needs our support as a nation because, his success is our success, and his failure, is our failure.
Therefore, instead of ‘ inciting’ people to ‘ revolt’ against COVID- 19 regulations, Kgosi Ngakaagae should be using his energy to mobilise people to be vaccinated against COVID- 19.
That would help Masisi to sleep.