Seeing rebellion lead to peace in Africa

Unless we deny our identities rebels can be wooed from the bush. This is because rebels are human beings; they are our fathers, sons, husbands, friends, childhood heroes and even neighbors. This account calls for a number of questions when looking at the aspect of rebels and their movements.

First, who is a rebel? Who defines the illegitimacy or legitimacy of a rebel movement? Why do some of these rebel leaders claim to be fighting for a just cause? Who determines what a just cause is? Why do some rebel leaders turn to be saviors at some point in time? Who gauges the sincerity of the government or agency that is offering the terms for the rebels to come out of the bush? Why is it acknowledged in the public domain that rebel leaders claim they want to restore democracy and build just institutions in their respective countries?

What systems or measures should the legitimate government therefore employ to restore appropriate and desired democracy that is claimed by the rebels and that meets human needs without violating their basic human rights? Coming from Africa, I know that some legitimate governments don't practice what is in their constitutions, let alone follow their aspirations and beliefs. This leads to the abuse of power and poor governance. When a legitimate and democratically-elected leadership practices these two aspects, it becomes regionalization of development, exploitation, marginalization, clannism, nepotism and corruption. When these ills take root this leaves some areas within the country underdeveloped. Inhabitants of these regions feel they are short changed and not participating in the country's administration and governance.

The distance that is felt by some sections of the civil society and their own government has been a major downside to any progressive initiatives intended for the common good of the African people. Most of the constitutions on the continent are made by people with suspect reputations. Therefore the constitutions do not reflect the concerns, needs, and aspirations of the common people. This is because our leaders have acquired a culture whereby, once they are elevated to the pinnacle of power, they hastily amass wealth and become "blind and deaf." This leads to the breakdown of communication or what I call loosing touch with their constituents. Needless to say a highly hierarchical and bureaucratic system is developed; even our educated leaders can hardly resist big man syndrome or sycophancy that is accompanied by official corruption.

In spite of this there are some countries that have definitely improved, because of the commitment of the leaders and the international community to see that conflict is resolved. A good example is Sudan and Burundi just to name a few. However, I suggest that the government be willing to listen and negotiate with the rebels. We have many examples now in Africa, where the government has used dialogue to reach consensus on the issues of contention. On the other hand, military action is not the only way to bring rebels in from the bush. This intervention is too expensive both in human life and resources. The government that is fighting rebellion has to sacrifice service delivery to the citizens in order to finance and equip the military and effectively and efficiently fight the rebels.

Some rebellions become successful eventually, and after achieving the objective of taking over power, there is always a new rebellion, which comes as a result of un-honored agreements while the rebel parties were fighting in the bush. Why do we witness such scenarios? What is it therefore that is a driving force in the rebellion?

The lessons that we learn from countries once having rebel movements and now enjoying peace are:

- Solution to rebellion is within our reach.

- The government and the rebel movement leaders need to use a reputable third party to listen to their grievances through a dialogue process.

- The legitimate government should listen to grievances given by the rebels, because there might be some 'truth' in it.

- In order to come out of the challenges facing the leadership of Africa leaders need to commit themselves and vow to start new nations, not built on a foundation of fear and hatred, but on love and forgiveness.

- We the people of this great continent want to live in a democratic, peaceful and well-governed continent, where everybody walks tall and proud from whichever country, ethnic group, color, age, sex, etc., they ascribe to.

- Leadership in the continent must support each other in creating institutions that guarantee an atmosphere where individual and group aspirations are attained and protected. (However, the start can be painful at times).

- We need to uphold the values and principles the constitution stipulates our nations commit to.