The state of democracy on our Continent

[Comrade_007]

Here's a quick overview of some facts and figures about the state of democracy on our Continent. For anyone who calls himself/herself a democrat and who favors government by the people or by their elected representatives as well as the rule of law it makes for rather depressing reading and shows just how far we still have to go. It also shows why we probabvly cannot expect the African Union to put Mugabe and ZANU-PF in their place by not recognising the recent elections. SADC is probably the body better positioned to do so from a moral point-of-view, given that 5 stable democracies are in the region and neighbours of Zimbabwe.

Whether democracy is the best form of government for our Continent is a separate discussion, and one that mus tbe had. But let's assume we agree that regular free and fair elections, the right to free and open political association, respect for universal human rights, a free and unfettered media, and limited terms for our Presidents is something we aspire to for our countries, then the picture that emerges of democracy in Africa is disturbing:

• AU member countries: 52
• Stable democracies: 13: Ghana, Benin, Mali, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Senegal, Tanzania, Mozambique, Zambia, Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, Nigeria
• Transitional/uncertain democracies: 17: Mauritannia, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Burkina, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Angola, Zimbabwe, Malawi
• One party rule: 7: Uganda, Egypt, Algeria, Libya, Sudan, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea
• Disordered or collapsed states: 1: Somalia

[Comrade_007]

And let us also consider this:

Namibia: Although Namibia can be called a stable democracy, our SWAPO leadership has not spoken out about the atrocities inflicted on the Zimbabwean people by Mugabe and the ZANU-PF regime. The opposite is true: President Pohamba has not only failed to speak out, he maintains the strong alliance forged between Nujoma and Mugabe and the political elite in our nation. Namibia's Chief of Staff was in Zimbabwe recently to underline the close military alliance between the two countries. That in itself is disturbing. If anything, it indicates that Namibia's political elite cannot and should probably not be trusted and entrusted with protecting our democratic rights asnd freedoms. Vigilance is required. Stable democracies have an obligation to support emerging democracies and to speak out about blatant, apparent, and organised violence and political repression. It is a moral and political responsibility that does not come lightly. If it does not happen, it means something.

Botswana: One of Africa's most stable and old democracies, President Ian Khama has threatened unilateral action against Zimbabwe if southern Africa fails to take action.

South Africa: Thabo Mbeki has failed to criticise Mugabe in his "quiet diplomacy". Foreign ministry called for negotiations on transitional government. The ANC, though, has spoken loudly and clearly that the violence and repression has to end.

Angola: A relative newcomer to the democracy club and definitely in a transitional phase and not a stable democracy, President Jose Edurado dos Santos is a close ally of Mugabe who has publicly urged him to end the violence.

[Jay]

You are being most kind to Zimbabwe. I thought it would the classic example of what is left after "locusts" have moved through a area.

[Comrade_007]

YOu are right. The bones have been picked clean by Mugabe's cronies. In many ways Zimbabwe is a failed state. It will take generations to rebuild.

[Uncle Paul]

The road is long, and it is winding.

[Jay]

I've seen that road before and it will never disappear.You left me standing here a long long time ago.

Don't leave me waiting. Lead me.

[Jay]

I've seen that road before and it will never disappear.You left me standing here a long long time ago.

Don't leave me waiting. Lead me.

[Uncle Paul]

When considering the state of democracy on our Continent, let us consider the following poem by Martin Niemoeller (1892-1984) which - if anything - is thought-provoking and reminds us of our duty to speak up and to speak out when we witness something that is obviously not right, and that is causing undue suffering to our fellow brothers and sisters:

When the Nazis came for the communists, I remained silent; I was not a communist. When they locked up the social democrats, I remained silent; I was not a social democrat.
When they came for the trade unionists, I did not speak out; I was not a trade unionist.
When they came for the Jews, I remained silent; I wasn't a Jew.
When they came for me, there was no one left to speak out.

[Comrade_007]

One of my favorutie poems on the topic by the great Pablo Neruda:

The Dictators
BY
Pablo Neruda

An odor has remained among the sugarcane:
a mixture of blood and body, a penetrating
petal that brings nausea.
Between the coconut palms the graves are full
of ruined bones, of speechless death-rattles.
The delicate dictator is talking
with top hats, gold braid, and collars.
The tiny palace gleams like a watch
and the rapid laughs with gloves on
cross the corridors at times
and join the dead voices
and the blue mouths freshly buried.
The weeping cannot be seen, like a plant
whose seeds fall endlessly on the earth,
whose large blind leaves grow even without light.
Hatred has grown scale on scale,
blow on blow, in the ghastly water of the swamp,
with a snout full of ooze and silence