African despots have never ceased to amuse global audiences with their absurd political theatrics.
However, leaders bent on manipulating electoral processes to remain in power have increasingly threatened democratic developments in the continent. Current events in Zimbabwe are a grotesque case of absolute power gone awry. The country faces a precarious political crisis. Incumbent Robert Mugabe’s government has refused to announce results of a presidential election concluded long ago.
The case in Zimbabwe comes just months after Kenya was paralyzed by tribal warfare fueled by a disputed presidential election.
Democracy in Africa is under siege. The word has no meaning if the process can be subverted by the whim of politicians.
In both Kenya and Zimbabwe, election results were delayed when it appeared the incumbent was on the brink of losing. In both countries, ruling parties lost a parliamentary majority. And in both cases, tribal militias were engaged to unleash violence on the opposition sympathizers.
Due to the timely intervention of the global community, Kenya was able to survive and create a unity government. However, the country’s legislators need to rebuild and encapsulate democratic and governance institutions in the constitution and protect them from a president’s manipulation.
Over the years, Zimbabwe has remained an eyesore on the face of Africa's modern civilization(African Renaissance) through disrespect to the people’s democratic freedoms leaving Zimbabwe both an obstacle and an embarrassment to Africa at large.
Leaving Mugabe to get away with the various crimes he has committed against humanity for close to 30 years will encourage more dictators to employ similar tactics to prolong their stay in power.
On that account,the Kenyan fiasco must have contributed negatively and positively to the outcome of the Zimbabwe's side.Positively in a manner that the loss of lives and property in Kenya must have made the peaceful people of Zimbabwe not to resort into violence.Negatively in a way that by Mr.Kibaki reaffirming his presidency must have been a contributory factor that encouraged Mr.Mugabe and his supporters.
The international community,United Nation,European Union etc must follow with strong steps to protect democracy in Africa.But African problem will be better sorted out by the African themselves,Is the African Union listening?
The international community,United Nation,European Union etc must follow with strong steps to protect democracy in Africa.But African problem will be better sorted out by the African themselves,Is the African Union listening?
