Ivory Coast - What Is The Real Problem?
This article is the personal view of the author and is the result of accumulated years of watching African Politics from a third world country on the outside.
The politics in the Ivory Coast is on TV stations across the globe and the world is watching to see what will happen in this cauldron of differing personalities. The sad thing about this drama is that this appears to be a repetitive pattern across the African continent.
My estimate of the casualties that will unfold from this drama is rather pessimistic and reflects the African story. Africa is filled with resources that could potentially feed the world many times over and yet the same natural resources present across the continent has been continually abused even after the departure of its many colonial masters.
The picture of malnourished young African children and their diseased mothers have been the regular feature of many Non-Profit fundraisers. This paints the picture that Africa is a basket case and just cannot help themselves. Whilst these non profits are doing a tremendous job, giving charity cannot be the solution to the African problems.
So what is the problem?
In my personal view, the problem lies in bad leadership. Leaders who cannot lead well must be willing to give others the opportunity to do so. But alas, in Africa, leaders who come into power, whether elected or otherwise, will use any means to remain in power. Many times, the result of this, is bloodshed and lawlessness.
A bright shining light remains for all those in current African leadership. This light is the example demonstrated by the South African Statesman, Nelson Mandela. When the time is right, move on and pass the baton to others. Nelson Mandela is now honored around the globe because of his example of leadership in the transition from Apartheid to Democracy in South Africa.
As we also celebrate Christmas, another example comes to mind, that of Jesus Christ. He humbled himself.
Leaders must learn true humility and even be prepared to step aside for the greater good. Africa is a great continent with a lot of potential. If leaders lead well in Africa and the Ivory Coast, then the world will see the greatness of its people. But if leaders don't lead well in Africa, then it will just remain a continent with potential.
My estimate of the casualties that will unfold from this drama is rather pessimistic and reflects the African story. Africa is filled with resources that could potentially feed the world many times over and yet the same natural resources present across the continent has been continually abused even after the departure of its many colonial masters.
The picture of malnourished young African children and their diseased mothers have been the regular feature of many Non-Profit fundraisers. This paints the picture that Africa is a basket case and just cannot help themselves. Whilst these non profits are doing a tremendous job, giving charity cannot be the solution to the African problems.
So what is the problem?
In my personal view, the problem lies in bad leadership. Leaders who cannot lead well must be willing to give others the opportunity to do so. But alas, in Africa, leaders who come into power, whether elected or otherwise, will use any means to remain in power. Many times, the result of this, is bloodshed and lawlessness.
A bright shining light remains for all those in current African leadership. This light is the example demonstrated by the South African Statesman, Nelson Mandela. When the time is right, move on and pass the baton to others. Nelson Mandela is now honored around the globe because of his example of leadership in the transition from Apartheid to Democracy in South Africa.
As we also celebrate Christmas, another example comes to mind, that of Jesus Christ. He humbled himself.
Leaders must learn true humility and even be prepared to step aside for the greater good. Africa is a great continent with a lot of potential. If leaders lead well in Africa and the Ivory Coast, then the world will see the greatness of its people. But if leaders don't lead well in Africa, then it will just remain a continent with potential.
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