Corruption, misrule undermine Africa’s independence
Last month saw Ghana become the focal point of African politics as the country celebrated its 60th anniversary of independence from British rule.
Ghana’s independence is crucial for it opened a floodgate for many African countries. The “Osagyefo”, or the redeemer of Ghana’s revolution, Kwame Nkrumah, once proclaimed: “We must set an example to all Africa.
“We have a duty to prove to the world that Africans can conduct their own affairs with efficiency and tolerance and through the exercise of democracy.”
Indeed, as envisioned by Nkrumah, many African countries followed suit as they unshackled themselves from colonial rule.
As we celebrate Ghana’s independence and the memories of the Pan-African man who made it possible, it will be disingenuous of us not to reflect on what happened since and where Africa is today.
Failure to do that will be a sheer betrayal of Nkrumah’s legacy and vision, a selective application of history and his philosophy.
Today Africa is far from Nkrumah’s vision of conducting its own affairs with efficiency and tolerance and through the exercise of democracy.
Ignoring Morocco’s continued occupation of Western Sahara reflects the highest degree of ambivalence and indictment on the part of the African Union and its principles. Many communities, women and children, continue to be displaced by the raging civil wars in many parts of the continent. Elections continue to be rigged and the will of the people is brazenly subverted.
The continent is a safe haven for dictators, warlords and corrupt leaders. Africa’s economies, despite immense potential given the abundance of natural resources in countries such as the DR Congo, Nigeria, Angola, Equatorial Guinea and South Sudan, are weak and in a perpetual state of development.
The political elites continue to loot with impunity while citizens live in abject poverty.
Why is it so difficult to reproduce inspirational and visionary leaders like Patrice Lumumba, Nelson Mandela, Thomas Isidore Sankara and Julius Nyerere?
Democracy or economic prosperity without the rule of law is only a pipe dream and a sham.
The AU needs to promote the rule of law among its member states and shun dictatorship. Withdrawing from the International Criminal Court is immaterial. Leaders who undermine the rule of law and perpetrate human rights violations in Africa must not only be condemned, they must be banned from participating in the activities of the AU. They must be forced to step down. Africa deserves better.