Our Message on Africa Day

This year has witnessed the demise of Ben Ali of Tunisia, Hosni Mubarak of Egypt and Babgo of Ivory Coast. There is one thing in common with these former presidents. They all tried to cling to power when the people power was indicating that they should exit and they faced embarassing forced exits. Today as we celebrate Africa Day, Gaddafi of Libya is at war because he is refusing to exit from power.Mubarak is now facing criminal charges for abuse of power and having a role in the killings of Egyptians freely expressing their wishes. This is the sad story of Africa. Africa's greatest problem is that of career politicians who are power hungry and are prepared to see their countries go down the abyss at the alter of their selfish interests.Laurent Babgo was shmefully arrested and is likely to face criminal charges at the Hague. Amnesty International is reported as holding evidence of unlawful killings of Ivorians. Charles Taylor is awaiting his fate at the Hague for atrocious human rights violations.   These politicians are unaccountable to the people yet the legitimacy to rule is given by the people. Power, thus, belongs to the people and not to the individuals.Like the Bouborns Monarchy of France, 'Africans learn nothing and forget nothing'. Africans have matured in the wrong ideologies and motivations. Power is so sweet that we forget where it belongs. The club of African political buddies, the so called 'African Union' is puportedly meeting today to discuss the Lybian question and yet Libya has been under fire and burning uncontrollably over the last two months. What is there to meet for these guys who can't even protect their fellow Africans from their ruthless governors? Do we really need the African Union in its current status? A union that is powerless and indicisive, one that promotes instead of deterring bad governance? What legacy are we going to leave for the generations to come? A legacy of misgovernance and shameful disrespect of the wishes of the people? Shame on Africa! What we need is an Africa Union that is prepared to hold African Leaders to account for their misdeeds. A Union that enforces good political governance and promote transparency and accountability in political goverance. A Union that does not wait for the United States of America and the United Kingdom and their NATO allies to protect fellow Africans from dangerous political leaders.We need a Union that enforces respect for fundamental rights of the people on the continent. Today, Africa is facing a leadership crisis. We want better Governance for Africans for Better lives for Africans!