*** Art in Disguise ***

Saturday, April 23, 2011

United Nations’ Security Role in Ivory Coast is Commendable.

As a culture vulture (devotee of art), I trust in soft diplomacy more than hard diplomacy. I believe that, more can be done through peaceful means in solving a problem or addressing an issue that threatens to bring war or conflict between different interest groups in a country or region. Base on that, I consider any form of international diplomacy (UN mediation, negotiation, peacekeeping team) that warrants the use of ‘extreme coercive measures’ like using arms to over-throw a government in order to install another leader as a failed diplomatic mission. Such measures often claim innocent lives, destroy properties and contribute to taking away the peace of people in the society, all in the name of collateral damages. It is on this note that UN, AU, ECOWAS should be commended for averting a sheer civil war in Ivory Coast. Although, from December 2010 to April 2011 that Gbagbo’s leadership was finally incapacitated, lives were lost, properties were destroyed and peace went into comma; however, the magnitude of damage can not be compared to what Ivoirians could have experienced if the issue resulted in a complete civil war.
Within this period of unpredictability, UN forces in Ivory Coast protected President Quatara in the ‘Hotel of Refuge’ (The Golf Hotel) till his time of glory finally comes. In this way, it was difficult for government soldiers loyal to Gbagbo to access the hotel and cause harm to him (President Quatara). Also, the series of meetings organized by these bodies did not seek out-right measures of pushing Gbagbo out of power even though he was an expired president who just wanted to cause confusion unjustifiably. Instead, the change of signatory to West African Development Bank, cutting trade relations and continuous visits to Gbagbo by other African leaders, making him to see reasons and handover power were diplomatic measures that were meant to exhaust his pride and ego and eventually deflate his pomposity in favour peace.
The expiration of Gbagbo’s claim to presidency, which was militarily influenced by French soldiers, in this case, can not be said to be glorious no matter what. This is because, the set-back that Gbagbo has brought to Ivory Coast’s economy, the lives lost, the properties destroyed, the post psychological trauma that people are still experiencing are far greater than the mere Gbagbo’s exit. Rather, UN, AU, and ECOWAS should be commended for their steadfastness to ensure that peace return Ivory Coast within a short time.
At this point, one can proudly say that African politics is currently under-going changes that will eventually make the continent an endearing place to live, work or visit by foreigners without second thought. The role of United Nations (UN) is to continue to support this change for transformation to take place.
From monarchical rule, Africa finds itself in the hands of colonial rule. After colonialism was displaced, military rule exercised its dominance in most parts of the continent. The coming of democracy brought another challenge. Most leaders who got power through democratic means were not ready to welcome a new democratic government. In this way, they prefer to violently oppose any political group that criticized their policies and instead stay in power for as long as its takes. This phenomenon led Africa into a stage of “power sharing”. In this way, if a leader refuses to let go, power should be shared between the ruling party (the serving president) and the opposition party in order to foster peace among the groups. The common ground for establishing a power sharing government was to let peace rain. With the successful deposal of Gbagbo by French soldiers (even though they claim otherwise) with the support of UN, AU and ECOWAS in Ivory Coast, it can be assumed that the era of power sharing has also come to an end. Coupled with the political development in North Africa, it is clear that, Africa is going through politically refined process that after it is complete, it shall never be the same again.
All that United Nations (UN) needs to do in this process is to offer continuous support to other African nations who desire and are working toward a positive change to better the lives of their populace. On the whole, the role of UN in Ivory Coast is commendable. At least, other African leaders thinking of power sharing deal after losing elections will take note.