For years North Africa has been under a yoke of undemocratic rule characterised by dictatorship and autocratic dispensations. The recent and ongoing uprisings in certain countries in the north could not have come at the right time. The need for reform is long overdue Africa has an obligation to redeem itself and show the world that embracing democracy is the only way to fit in the political scheme of things. Clamouring for change in these countries has set in motion a series of events that can only culminate in total dismantling of totalitarian governments that have been part of the African political scene for decades. This domino effect has resulted in one of the greatest political changes ever to occur in Africa. One cannot, but marvel at ordinary people standing up and demanding change in their respective countries. What happened in Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen, and Bahrain and currently in Libya is not a mistake but a calculated and perfectly orchestrated move to remove despotic powers that have long smudged African political arena.
Africa is entering a new political epoch. This is what the world has been impatiently waiting for, but no one could have imagined that the sweeping political changes could have taken on a more violent turn. Sometimes to effect change more drastic measures have to be employed, especially when those at the helm resist reforms. The intransigence of certain people to relinquish power in Africa is legendary. Taking up arms against these people sometimes is the only option, if not the only necessary evil. It is humbling to see ordinary people rising to the occasion and toppling undemocratic governments. What took place in North Africa is not unprecedented, but it has surely pricked the consciences of those who willfully cling to power and thrive on repressing and oppressing the masses, amassing untold wealth at the sacrifice of ordinary people. It is disheartening to learn of certain heads of states that are richer than their own countries. Such debaucheries exceed even the most depraved governments. I was astonished to see wads of notes from various countries belonging to one head of state stashed in drawers and hidden in cupboards. The cash amounted to several millions. This particular head of state has since been ousted and exiled to Saudi Arabia There are unconfirmed reports that the said head of state died of stroke
Personally, I am disgusted at this massive degeneration that has insidiously permeated Africa's political landscape. Years of misrule has created dysfunctional institutions which have infringed on peoples civil liberties to such an appalling degree that it was painfully necessary to determine a way to end this political malady. For the first time in ages something positive has developed in Africa that will help redeem its tattered image. Maybe the recent events will usher in a brand new era in how Africa should acquit itself politically. North Africa will serve as a template to map out political reform elsewhere in the continent. Indeed if you juxtapose many African countries you will notice overlapping differences in terms of how each perceive democracy. Many governments in Africa leave so much to be desired. Events in North Africa have put in sharp relief the unbecoming political nature of certain African states. It is patently clear that there is absolutely no room for dictatorships and repressive governments. It is unthinkable that somebody could rule a country for 42 years unopposed. Surely there is bound to be a clarion call for change. For years people have bottled up their pent-up anger. Now the time is ripe to give vent to that anger. There is no turning back. Those that find themselves at the receiving end of the flak should do the honourable thing and step down. But it seems some leaders are still deluded into thinking that they are loved.
