WHAT MUST AFRICA DO TO STEADY THE SHIP OF STATE?
“First, we must complete the democratic transition. The wind of change proved that democracy provides an enabling environment to ensure that public goods and resources are put to much better use by the government. This will require the establishment of electoral institutions which all can believe in.
Second, we must establish truly independent and respected Judiciary whose rulings everyone has to adhere to.
Third, we must reduce centralization of power in any one person or agency, including the presidency. Devolution is an effective way to bring government and decision-making closer to people and make government more inclusive.
Fourth, we must minimize inequalities between ethnic, racial, religious or regional groups, with particular focus on those that have been marginalized. Here, we mean inequalities in terms of not only income but perhaps more pertinently, in access to education, health care, water, and electricity.
Fifth, we must ensure that a country’s natural resources, including land, water, forests and oil, are shared fairly by all.
Finally, we must fight corruption openly and honestly. We need not look far for examples. Rwanda has done it under the leadership of President Paul Kagame. The new President of Tanzania is doing it. President Buhari is showing the way. It is not a matter of creating new anti-corruption institutions or revamping the existing ones. It requires a change in the political landscape. The key is a President or a Prime Minister who (a) is genuinely committed to eradicating corruption; (b) commands the trust and confidence of the people; and (c) is prepared to lead from the top,” Raila Odinga
