It is a sad reminder and perhaps a spirited return to the dark ages of the continent shortly after the long fought for independence was attained. This was a time when the dreams of many, which had just come to view were disappearing at disturbing rates as the oligarchs who had just been weaned by the colonial master took over power.
Lessons from Previous Classes
It is perhaps interesting to note that though the tactics employed by Gbagbo do not necesarily replicate the gorilla tactics of the 70s, its inidicative of lessons learned from the over 70 coups which took place in the aforestated period strongly come in handy. The rise of the incumbents would best title this argument.There is a growing realisation by incumbets of the need to stay another day in power to safeguard interests acquired during the (il)legimitate terms. In a bid to protect these interests-both individual and communal, they have earnestly and faithfully drawn lessons not only from fellow African heads and former but also got inspiration from such other places as Latin America.
The Three Tier Approach
The tactics takes a three tier approach: Manipulate and own the electoral stystem, terrorise and endear parliament to change constitutional provisions for extension of term limits or as a last resort, act arrogantly, throw caution to the wind and deny ever losing any elections even when the whole world is cock sure you lost the count.The million dollar question is, did Laurent Gbagbo have to scratch his head on choice of these options? Obviously not. He only had to engage in a picky pong game, close his eyes and there he was with the third option skillfully crafted as a hybrid system by borrowing a little from the first option.
Who thou art inspired thee?
But how and where did he get this idea of sticking to power? Fellow octogenarians and faithful students of the yester year schools of politics were a great inspiration to admire. Zimbabwe, which is still grappling with a fledgling coalition governement wasn't far to draw inspiration from. However, research requires a corroborative design and to achieve this end, Kenya, the maiden example of bungled elections came in handy.Now the irony is that the home of phony politics provides the best choice for African Union as a mediator.
Not a bad choice though as he(the Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga) can apply some of the skills by Koffi Annan to box him into a power sharing deal.
But what becomes of Africa after the Ivory Coast affair? Your guess is equally as good as mine.
