East African president; why I nominate Annan, Mbeki
August 27, 2007
During my August 22 interview on VOAs Straight Talk Africa I proposed that,
to expedite union, a non-East African could serve as the first President.
I mentioned former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan or South
African President Thabo Mbeki, whose term soon expires, as eminent excellent
candidates.
While there are qualified East Africans, my proposal was meant to deal with
what I believe to be the root of Tanzanians fears about fast-tracking
political integration: some of the current rulers have more political baggage
than others.
East Africans are aware that we lost a golden opportunity when Mwalimu Julius
Nyerere, Jomo Kenyatta, and Apollo Milton Obote could not attain dreams of a
federated East Africa.
Had the Kampala Agreement of 1964, intended to ameliorate the issue of uneven
industrial development, been ratified by Kenya, East Africa could be a roaring
economic tiger, with richer nationals.
A federated executive, presiding over East Africas 120 million plus citizens
and $35 to $40 billion GDP would instantly enhance our ability to improve
terms of trade with the West.
Like other East Africans, Tanzanians support economic integration.
Inequitable industrial development, the albatross since 1960s, can be redressed
through industrial policies. But with fast-tracking political integration,
there is no telling which one of the current rulers could end up as Federal
President.
Kenyas Mwai Kibaki, who heads the regions most industrialised economy, has
stellar credentials for having combated Arap Mois tyranny. His liabilities
include advanced age, 75, and persistent reports that massive corruption hasnt
been tamed.
Rwandas Paul Kagame and Burundis Pierre Nkurunziza both preside over
countries emerging from cataclysmic ethnic conflict. As Federal Presidents,
might they not spend too much time focusing on consolidating their countries
modest stability gains?
Tanzanias Jakaya Kikwete, for long foreign minister of a stable country, has
the least baggage. While being the most attractive candidate, he could be
accused of relative inexperience.
However, too much experience can be a liability. Ugandas Yoweri Museveni
boasts 20 years in power; he has accumulated the most baggage. The modus
operandi [merits] that have helped Museveni collect his suitcases are
preference for militarism and a disdain for democracy.
This modus operandi won him power in 1986; the same propelled him into
destructive military adventures in Rwanda and Zaire, now the Democratic
Republic of Congo. The Congo baggage may yet catch up; since the International
Criminal Court (ICC) has confirmed that its investigating the alleged massive
atrocities in DR Congos Ituri region while it was occupied by Uganda, the
possibility of indictments, including Musevenis, cant be ruled out, damaging
his prospects for Federal Presidency.
Museveni affirmed his anti-democratic credentials most recently when he
jettisoned Ugandas Constitutional presidential term limits. Even then, many
Ugandans believe that despite widespread rigging, opposition leader Dr Kizza
Besigye won.
Eminent Africans such as Annan or Mbeki -or a comparable East African with
similar stature- would alleviate all the fears about presidential baggages.
Annan or Mbeki would preside over one interim period, whose term could be
shorter than a normal five-year allotment.
Moreover, jealousy and rivalry amongst the current presidents, all of whom
certainly want the distinction of being the first Federal President, would
become a moot issue.
Once the interim Federal Presidency starts, the current presidents would
resign. They could become candidates for the Federal Presidency, like any other
interested citizen and campaign for votes. All qualified candidates would get
equal funding and media time.
Moreover, each candidate would only contest for votes from other member
countries, except their own, in the first round. So, should Kikwete run for the
Federal Presidency, only ballots cast in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi,
would count towards his total in the first round.
Similarly, a candidate from Uganda would rely on votes from other member
countries except Uganda. The two leading candidates then contest head-to-head
in a second round.
The formula compels candidates to develop a true Pan-East African
socio-economic and political programme in order to campaign effectively.
A young Ugandan harbouring future political ambition might see value in living
in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi, at some stage in his or her life, and
bonding with nationals there.
Lets not squander this second golden opportunity to create a Great East
Africa.
Mr Allimadi is publisher of New York-based The Black Star News
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
-------------------------------------------------
Michael BWambuga wa Balongo
---------------------------------
Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles.
Visit the Yahoo! Auto Green Center._______________________________________________
Ugandanet mailing list
Ugandanet@kym.net
http://kym.net/mailman/listinfo/ugandanet
% UGANDANET is generously hosted by INFOCOM http://www.infocom.co.ug/
The above comments and data are owned by whoever posted them (including
attachments if any). The List's Host is not responsible for them in any way.
---------------------------------------
