africanreality

What is the purpose of the African Union(AU)? To promote African economic, social, and political integration, and a stronger commitment to democratic principles,good governance, peace and security and human rights.

Africa celebrates 49 years of the existence of the Union of African states. Happy celebrations to all Africans. What is important to the people of Africa is not the glamorous halls, expensive hotels and millions of dollars of the tax payers money spent on conferences on end without visible progress of the union. No; but the leadership of Africa working in the common interest of its people and improving their living standards adequately.

So far, the AU has been able to promote trade among member states and contributed troops in maitaining peace in conflict-inclined states within the continent. More trade among Africans states must be enhanced to improve living standards on the continent and reduce poverty.

Where is the leadership direction? It is important the AU know exactly where this Union is heading and put in the commitment to get there. The dependence of the AU on external donors to support its missions is a slap on the faces of Africans who desire to see a break-away from that dependency status. The truth is that Africans must find solutions to their own problems rather than running to western nations continuously. Can't over 50 states in Africa pull their resources together and support a single union adequately without looking elsewhere?

The African leaders should not just talk the talk but they must also walk the walk as well as practise what they preach. Put your money where your mouth is. Several African nations have not been paying their dues regularly; this leads to a setback in the organization plans and programs.

All Africans on the African continent should stand up and take their place as leaders as well in helping to solve conflicts and bringing relief to their brothers rather than ignoring the situation, hoping someone else will patch the pieces for them.
The AU must exist as an organization for all rather than a play club for the rich who use it as they want and camouflage the actions of their friends by diverting attention to other issues.The era of paying lip service is over. Bold moves towards Unity in Africa led by Gadafi were criticized and ridiculed, but his intentions were noble and in the continents interest. He wasen't a demon as some wanted Africa believe. One governmnet, one currency, one market, one military etc is not asking for too much. When the AU is supported and strenghtened, Africa can move to other levels of integration.

Bigger and richer nations on the continent must take the lead. Nigeria, SouthAfrica, Egypt, Ghana, Angola have sat on the fence for long.Its time to take their place. This is not a popularity contest or a show of ego but a step toward greater unity. . This is where good leadership comes in.

The AU must work effectively and speak with one strong voice on issues regarding a memeber state going through difficulties. The AU handling of the Lybian conflict was not at all impressive. She became helpless and watched NATO and its Allies do as they pleased on African soil. We hope that lessons have been learnt form this conflict.
No one will do it for Africa. Africans must walk the talk.

Africa has hope because Africa has you.


References

http://answers.encyclopedia.com/question/why-african-union-created-79018.html
http://www.siiga.org/articles-and-interviews/the-aus-successes-and-failures-to-date-in-human-rights-and-peacekeeping-conflicts.en.html
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Succeses_of_the_african_union
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_Union

Africa is a beautiful continent with a lot to be proud of interms of history, culture, tourism, mineral wealth, sporting exploits, spirituality etc. Elections are one of those things that have either enhanced her existene or threatened to setback the progress of the continent by decades if not centuries. In recent years, governments, civil society and the international community have played major roles in ensuring peaceful elections across Africa.

Some elections in Africa have been characterised by the following descriptions.....stuffing of ballot papers, multiple voting, thugs snatching ballot boxes, arm men intimidating voters, hijacking of results, refusing the final virdict etc. Despite these challenges, African nations are beginnin of  to show good leadership, dedication and the will power to ensure that elections are conducted in a peaceful atmosphere and the lives of its citizens protected.

Some notable examples of good electioneering in Africa are worth mentioning. Nigeria in 2011 demonstrated to the world that Africa`s most populated nation can conduct itself in a responsible and peaceful manner and elect Goodluck Jonathan to the presidency without resulting in excessive violence. The elections was reported in the international media as having run smoothly with relatively little violence or voter fraud in contrast to previous elections.

The Zambian elections in 2011 was also a great improvement on previous polls conducted.Though some skirmishes were reported in the run up to the polls, electoral observers said that the election was "generally well administered," but that there was not equitable access to resources, resulting in the lack of a "level playing field" in the campaign. This is a challenge that can be overcome by good electorial reforms.

 The people of Liberia also in 2011 conducted what many believed to be the most orderly and peaceful polls conducted in Africa`s oldest republic.President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf winning another 6 year term with diverse economic opportunities for more investments in Liberia.

Senegalese were proud of a peaceful election after opposition leader Macky Sall won the polls. With the incumbent Abdoulaye Wade accepting defeat, the overwhelming feeling was one of great relief not only in Senegal but across Africa. Earlier in the evening, as the local media were still tallying the vote, Mr Wade, made a personal phone call to Mr Sall and congratulated him_the ultimate sign of a mature democracy. Such moments are worth celebrating giving the lives that have been spared by that sigular significant gesture. A similar move by Laurent Gbagbo of Cote D`ivoire could have save the nation the bloodshed and destruction.

In Guinea Bissau, elections were held in a peaceful manner with observer missions from ECOWAS, UN and international partners pleased with conduct of the polls.Our expectation is that the runoff poll on 22nd April, 2012 would be a resounding success.

These peaceful elections not withstanding, still had their own challenges such as pre and post election tension, acussations of vote rigging etc.What is most important in these elections was the determination and the commitment by stakeholders to arrive at a peaceful end.

Ghana will go to the polls in October 2012. A new biometric voter registration system is currently in place to ensure transparency and reduce multiple voting.Continual voter education is essential to ensuring a tension free process. knowledge, skills and relevant information is necessary to fosteriig a peaceful electioneering campaign and easy decision making on the part of the electorate.Patience and tolerance from voters and politicians must be preached again and again. All politicians must tone down on the use of language interspersed with threats, insults and incitement to commit violence. Let us all walk the talk.

As a famous political thinker says.....

“Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.”
—Thomas Paine, 1777.
Peaceful elections in Africa is possible. It is the way to go.We invite God`s presence in the affairs of Africa. We pray that hearts and attitudes be changed so that a more peaceful Africa emerges.

Africa has Hope Because Africa has you!

References

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guinea-Bissau_presidential_election,_2012
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17514530
http://www.voanews.com/english/news/africa/UN-Mission-Pleased-With-Peaceful-Election-in-Guinea-Bissau---143271766.html
http://crs-blog.org/thomas-awiapo-peace-elections-for-africa/
http://allafrica.com/stories/201110140302.html
http://www.africagoodnews.com/governance/democracy/2739-largely-peaceful-elections-in-zambia.html
http://www.brookings.edu/opinions/2012/0326_elections_senegal_songwe.aspx

Africa is beyond bemoaning the past for its problems. The task of undoing that past is on the shoulders of African leaders themselves, with the support of those willing to join in a continental renewal. We have a new generation of leaders who know that Africa must take responsibility for its own destiny, that Africa will uplift itself only by its own efforts in partnership with those who wish her well." ............Nelson Mandela

This is why military adventurism in Africa should also be a thing of the past. the case of Mali a definite case in point.men determined to make a change in their nations  do not prove this point by hijacking the presidency. we know these tricks....they dont work anymore..

let us all take responsibity in our little areas of influence.true leadership does not equate to the presidency. Are u a taxi driver, a street sweeper, a soldier or banker, take the lead in your area of influence and the world will sit up and take notice of you. be the best at what your hand finds to do.

Africa has hope because Africa has you!