African leaders are known for their anti-democratic decision-making and illegal maneuvering to establish themselves as supreme masters of the nations they lead. In the West African subregor, chaos is permanent because of this tendency to cling to power. After Togo, which has just succeeded in the passage of the 4th term of Faure Gnassingbé, it is the Côte d'Ivoire of Ouatarra that makes the attraction with the renunciation of the 3rd term of its president. Far from reassuring public opinion, this outing plunges Côte d'Ivoire back into political uncertainty.
In Guinea Conakry, consultations are under way to organise a referendum to amend the constitution. The country's opposition denounces a move by outgoing President Alpha Condé to run for re-election for a third term. The crisis arising from this situation has already claimed dozens of lives and there is no sign of an exit from the crisis.
Guinea Bissau is facing a similar crisis. Following the disputed presidential election, the country has found itself in a chaotic situation in recent weeks; Divided between two candidates who claim to be the winner of the election.
In Togo, a few weeks after the presidential election on 22 February, the climate is still tense. Frauds, ballot box jams… numerous irregularities have been denounced by the opposition. The candidate Agbéyomé Kodjo, who came second according to the results proclaimed by CENI (Independent National Electoral Commission) continues to claim victory, claiming to be a victim of the malfeasing of power. He intends to invite his activists to claim this victory. The tension is noticeable.
Such crises are imminent in several countries in the sub-region, especially in 2020, which is an election year in many of these countries.
For Côte d'Ivoire, the debate is settled. A recent bold statement bodes well for the presidential election. President Alassane Ouattara announced to everyone's surprise on Thursday, March 5, 2020, his decision to renounce his re-election. A courageous decision that Ivorians of all political stripes continue to cheer.
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In the context of a perpetual electoral crisis in African countries, such a position is a pro-democracy action and a contribution to the climate of peace and stability in Africa. They are very rare, African presidents who dare to take a step for a breakthrough in democracy.
While everyone expected a constitutional revision that would allow the Ivorian president to run for a third term, he created astonishment by announcing his willingness to resign. His words clearly have a positive impact on the political life of the country and foreshadow a renewal of the Ivorian political class. Beyond the political aspect, this decision will no doubt have a positive impact on the country's economy as well as in the sub-region. Partner confidence, increased investment, sustainable growth for the next few years… However, change does not only bring good news for all. For Alassane Ouattara's close allies and all those who have benefited from the benefits of this regime, frustration is building and uncertainty is a source of anguish. This is evidenced by a march by the people of Abobo to reject the President's decision not to run for a third term.
Despite the still notable apprehension in the run-up to the presidential election, the Ivorian president's announcement undoubtedly contributes to the easing of tensions. This statement is also good news for the entire sub-region. The international community will be able to thank this man for taking a decision that will spare Côte d'Ivoire a new electoral crisis.
Guillaume Soro's skepticism
Since his French exile, President Ouatarra's main challenger, THE President of the P.G.S. Guillaume Soro, has harboured doubts about the sincerity of President Ouatarra's decision not to run. For him, there is nothing extraordinary for a president to renounce not to violate the constitution and to open the floodgates of a new amendment to the fundamental law: "It will be understood, this announcement is intended to seduce public opinion international, to obtain the benevolent complacency of it and, above all, to divert the attention of the people from the real issues, namely the fiddling of the Constitution to establish the reign of a clan, ad vitam aeternam. The political malice aimed at capitalizing on this "non-candidate" should not be a distraction.
To renounce to violate the Constitution, excuse me a little, is the least of it. This does not less make the president's, fully assumed plan to transfer power to a chosen successor reprehensible… the former rebel leader said in a speech. The young leader goes further by recommending the consolidation of democracy and the strengthening of institutions. A project that must pass through the people and their democratic will to choose. On this, nothing is certain that Guillaume Soro's activists fully adhere to Ouatarra's initiative to stop running. For them, it's just a non-event. As a candidate, he asked his activists to maintain the course of sacred union, in the face of the perils that threaten freedoms and the nation.
A febrile political past
Côte d'Ivoire has experienced enormous crises in the past. Political and armed conflicts between different parties and a recent post-election crisis with serious consequences. These consequences continue to test the stability of the West African sub-region on the alert so that the economic engine of the UEMOA space does not derail again. That is why, at best, this decision of the Ivorian President was welcomed with great satisfaction. Ivorian crises spread easily and have tedious consequences.
This is no exception in West Africa or Africa in general. For several years, post-election crises have followed one another in different countries. And even today, the threat looms over some countries.
Electoral fraud, manipulation of votes, influence peddling and constitutional fiddling are the various remedies of African heads of state to stay in power and perpetuate their reign. Most of the crises in Africa today are linked to the will of leaders to go on and on in power. A model that the Ivorian president has chosen to break. This Ivorian example is unquestionably a model that African leaders will have to follow.
The future looks bright for presidents who want to cling to power, despite calls from the people and the international community. The Ivorian model makes the task difficult and reduces the hope of those who will want to stubbornly cross the path of democracy. The bloodthirsty African dictators who cling to power under any circumstances, at the risk of creating instability in their country.
Côte d'Ivoire charts the way forward in French-speaking Africa for the prosperity, emergence and stability of the sub-region. We can't wait for this example to be followed by the authorities of the sub-region to preserve peace in Africa.
www.independantexpress.net
Eric G.
