By Sumaila Ogbaje
Unity in Africa is a transformative pathway to achieving sustainable development, former President of Tanzania, Dr Jakaya Kikwete, has said.
Kikwete said this while delivering a Graduation Lecture for the Participants of the National Defence College (NDC) Course 32, on Monday in Abuja.
He said that unity creates peace, security and stability, which are necessary conditions for development.
The title of his lecture was, ”Democracy Beyond the Ballot Box: a Pathway to Africa’s Unity and Development”.
He said that some parts of Africa experiencing political instability and conflicts would act as stumbling blocks towards the development of individual states and the continent at large.
According to him, it is also important to note that unity brings together our collective efforts as a continent to withstand the forces of globalisation and international geopolitics.
”If by 2050 Africa embraces unity it will potentially emerge as a powerhouse of the time and of the future in the global economics and politics.
”Africa Union’s Agenda 2063 emphasises the centrality of democracy and peoples’ participation in the development process.
”Moreover, the Agenda also calls for a united Africa in order to realise development. Therefore, while democracy provides an avenue to ensure people-centered development, unity brings collective efforts in achieving development.
“In this regard, democracy and unity should be viewed as critical for development.”
The former president also noted that the simple act of casting a vote had neither truly embodied the essence of democracy nor dealt a death blow to dictatorship as it is claimed.
According to him, it may not necessarily be the case because there are examples of leaders who came to power through the ballot but afterwards became brutal dictators.
”They institute a reign of terror and use it to be re-elected again and again.
”They disrupt democratic norms; paralyse the system of accountability, rendering people’s participation a matter of no consequence.
”Unfortunately, the African Union has not yet found ways to remove such people from power. Usually, they perpetuate themselves through corruption, treachery and terror.”
The former Tanzanian leader said that literatures on democracy emphasises what democracy should deliver to the people beyond periodic elections.
He added that political parties and individuals often campaign during elections, promising to address developmental issues, be it improving the economy, delivering social services, ensuring security, or advancing international affairs.
According to him, it can rightfully be argued that at the core of democracy is the promise of serving the people and it is about addressing the developmental challenges after the ballot.
former president congratulated all participants of the college for successfully completing the important course, which he described as an important milestone in their lives and career.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the graduation lecture is one of the highpoints of the NDC Course graduation ceremony which started with series of activities and will climax on Aug. 23 which is the graduation day.
NAN also reports that a book titled, ”Securing Nigeria’s Interest in the Golf of Guinea”, in honour of the immediate past Commandant of NDC, retired Rear Adm. Murtala Bashir”, was unveiled during the event. (NAN)