The Council for Afrika International, a UK-based think-tank, has appealed for calm on the African Continent following the political instability in Tunisia, Algeria and Cote d’ Ivoire.
The council called for “uncosmetic, comprehensive cause and effect approach to permanently resolve the spate of socio-economic and political unrests that have rocked Africa at the beginning of 2011”.
A statement issued by Dr Koku Adomdza, President of the council expressed the need for “zero tolerance of bloodshed and respect for every African life, based on the cardinal fundamental principle of equality of human life, regardless of social standing or other backgrounds”.
Afrika International calls for a catalogue of new, creative, innovative and workable 21st Century paradigms to replace the tried tested and failed classical underdevelopment models that have sabotaged economic prosperity and justice in Africa.
The statement said history and contemporary socio-economic and political struggles for justice had depicted that there were limits to which brute force of armed forces could prevent the wheels of injustice from rolling forward.
“No brutal force, as long as it is against justice has ever thrived over the forces of justice and good, no matter how long it takes.
“Leadership in Africa must understand the locus of their power – the source of their mandate, the electorate, give due respect and radically change their unhealthy attitudes of condescension.
“Leadership in Africa must grasp the responsibility of governance, putting country and citizens first, and delivering economic prosperity to the majority of citizens- not only one’s family, ruling or economic elite as is an unhealthy trend.”
“Irresponsibility on the part of any sections of Leadership in Africa, jeopardises, endangers the safety and security of the ruling political and economic elite. Any hold on to power through armed forces is temporary.”
The statement said leaders in Africa must take the decision to responsibly lead their people.
The Council for Afrika International urged Africa and the world to embrace the new definition of democracy as “government of the people, by the people, for the people”.
It said injustice of any shape or form has no place in 21st Century Africa, adding injustice breeds, foments and precipitates instability.
“Afrika International condemns the savage and brutal repression of peaceful demonstrations in Tunisia, Algeria and the Ivory Coast as misdirected and cowardly.”
It suggested that such brutal force and savagery should be better directed at eradicating abject poverty, economic injustice and corruption.
“Given the tragedies and missed opportunities of the first decade of the 21st Century, the beginning of the second decade of the … Century – January 2011, is a good timeline to launch the much needed leadership, mindset, technological, scientific, engineering, manufacturing, agricultural and educational revolution in Africa to achieve holistic justice and liberation,” the statement said.