THE DECORATED CONSTITUTIONS OF AFRICA
In the late 1990’s African countries had acquired independence and the continent was filled with songs of happiness and joy because colonialism came to an end. History reveals how our fore-fathers united against the common enemy, and, through amicable or the contrary, independence was assumed in all countries of Africa. Today the headquarters of African Union are decorated by the flags of independent African countries and we must admit this is a prestigious thing to be proud of.
Having won the battle for independence, countries adopted their own mode of governance: legal systems and constitutions enshrined with principles of democracy. Eventually our fore- fathers and leaders had an aspiration of the better and brighter future for our independent countries.
Yet with all post-independence joy and pleasure, things started changing with time. New battles began, including but not limited to, fights against corruption, impunity, violation of constitutional and democratic principles. Battles are won or dishonored given the context. But it is worth noting that, similar struggles have led some countries into endless wars and conflicts that keep sparking within the continent of Africa. However the reason, why are we fighting against one another and not for one another as our fore-fathers did in the days of ending colonialism? Ongoing conflicts among us are probing the young and future generations of what is rightfully theirs; Who among us is not aware of the role of the current generations-and headed nationalistic obligations? What standard are we setting for the future generations?
Why are we not standing united for each other in upholding the principles of democracy as our forefathers did to ensure that Africa is liberated? When the late Kwame Nkrumah was giving his first speech at the OAU back in 1963 he said that “If we do not approach the problems in Africa with a common front and a common purpose, we shall be haggling and wrangling among ourselves until we are colonized again and become the tolls of a far greater colonialism than we suffered hitherto”. Kwame Nkrumah feared that without unity we will crumble and the problems of Africa will not be solved.
There is an African proverb that says “If there is no enemy within then the enemy outside can do us no harm”. Whenever I think of this proverb I think of Africa. I stand worried that maybe we are united in the statements of our countries’ constitutions and the conventions of our region but the enemies living among us cause us harm. The enemies of true democracy and its principles, enemies that violate the code of humanity, do not protect their own people, hide under the umbrella of impunity. These enemies fear revolution that brings change in the communities and societies. It is because of these enemies that Africa is not being sure of a secured future. And until we unite to fight the enemies among us then these battles shall be endless.
Because of all this, African countries remain with constitutions decorated by the principles of democracy but led by the tales of impunity and violation of human and peoples’ rights. Africa bleeds from the death tolls that keep rising from ongoing conflicts within the continent. With these continuous conflicts that have innocent civilians as their targets, civilians grow tired and now risking their lives to cross high waters of the Mediterranean Sea to find better lives in the other continents. Eventually the enemies will not only face only a few of the African countries but all of the countries in the continent. Prophecy to reality; Future generations will ask us “What did you do when all this was happening?”
Article Written By
KEN EDWIN
Law Graduate and Independent Legal Consultant
Based in Dar Es Salaam
E-mail: kenedwin9@gmail.com
