Fourty-six years-ago, one of the greatest optimists of all times JFK, speaking on World Peace at American University, said: “Let us examine our attitude toward peace itself. Too many of us think it is impossible.
States like Botswana, Cape Verde, Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, and South Africa who consider themselves to have gains on the democratisation are likely to disdain with contempt his scheme as trying to entrench despotism at continental level. They would perceive his scheme as several steps backwards on progress of a democratisation on the continent. Also political, economic and cultural realities on the continent — this is the most diverse region in the world, via culture, religion, ethnicity, language, political systems and wide gaps within levels of economic development. The first route to bring cohesion amidst this diversity is to bring on board the voices of the ordinary Africans. Ordinary masses will be vital in attaining collective choice and responsibility as the key ingredients of any sustainable political or unification effort if it has to outlast itself and Gadaffi. So, where are the voices of ordinary Africans? Finally, marginalisation of the African continent in the 21st century internationally is a real challenge for every African leader. It transcends every ego and personal ambition. It will need new good ideas and commitment by everyone on the continent. There is no single formula to overcome this challenge. It is a challenge that needs dynamic approaches. As a matter of priority Gadaffi should instead use his financial chest to focus on more practical and attainable goals. Things like strengthening the AU organs, help it resolve its financial problems, make it an effective instrument of peace and development.
Create new and comprehensive sustainable building blocks, that will guarantee a smooth, coherent, democratic, accountable and viable integration and consequent unification of the continent. This would guarantee him a historical place and lasting legacy on the continent than his theatrics.
The writer is an International Trade Economist based in Geneva, Switzerland /b>