Enemy of the people? AU rolling out carpet to corrupt autocrats

Columnist

Nairobi-based political and social commentator

The recent coup attempt in Sudan, and the successful one in Guinea last month is a worrying indication that the age of soldiers or rebels forcibly taking power in Africa is still with us. Every time this happens, the African Union (AU), regional blocks, individual African countries, the UN and the international community go into frenzied diplomacy.

Statements of concern or condemnation are issued with appropriate histrionics. Especially energised, are the AU and regional blocks like Ecowas. The AU threatens to expel the new government from its membership. Regional blocks threaten sanctions and even military action. The flurry of statements and threats convey shock and disbelief that such constitutional abominations could occur.

This hypocrisy of the international community and, especially of the AU, regional blocks and African countries, must now be exposed. Surely, what did they expect to happen in countries where national riches are owned by a few individuals in government in conjunction with cartels, a situation former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga called “bandit economies”? What do they expect when those in power circumvent or ignore the constitution in order to perpetuate themselves in power? What do they expect when citizens lose faith in the ability of institutions of government to safeguard their welfare? What do they expect when avenues for redress of group grievances do not exist? What do they expect when resources and power circulate within a particular tribe or an alliance of tribes? What do they expect when elections do not mean change of policies and real transformation but replacement of one set of thieves with another? What do they expect when millions see a rickety boat across the Mediterranean to Europe as a risk worth taking?