Posted on 10/11/2009 7:16:50 AM PDT by Saije
The problem with African coup d’etats is not just the fact that they flout constitutionalism — they also have an unfortunate tendency to propel virtual clowns to power whose only distinction is force of arms.
Moussa Dadis Camara in Guinea is a perfect example.
A small-time army captain whom nobody had heard of before, stormed to power in December last year promising a clean sweep.
The regime of Lansana Conte, who had just died, had presided since 1984 over a basketcase of a country, dirt-poor despite having perhaps the leading deposits of bauxite in the world, plus a fair amount of diamonds and other minerals.
The first thing Captain Camara did was to demand an audit of the lucrative bauxite mining contracts awarded to foreign firms like Rio Tinto.
Next was a crackdown on drug trafficking, in which Guinea was becoming a major staging post owing in large measure to official complicity and lax policing.
At first, there was tremendous public goodwill especially when he promised to eradicate public corruption, which had become the bane of the sclerotic Conte dictatorship.
But the eccentric manner with which he went about the clean-up provoked early fears that Africa may have acquired a new egomaniac.
Troops from the elite presidential guard were paraded on live television begging on their knees for forgiveness in front of a stern Camara lounging on a comfortable sofa.
Top people accused of being part of drug trafficking rings were likewise paraded on live TV.
Among those who were humiliated this way was the former president’s son, Ousmane Conte...
Camara’s fleeting popularity has since turned to international opprobrium after last month’s massacre by his troops of 200 opposition supporters (according to the BBC) who had gathered in Conakry, the capital.
(Excerpt) Read more at theeastafrican.co.ke ...
Just think of the possibilities now that we have abandoned the Constitution. Next time we might elect a Tasmanian with an American Mama if we like. How cool would that be?
Obama prefers to use doctors to do his dirty work.
What these people need: In this order, IMO is 1) Christ-return to God, and pray for salvation for all (National Repentence),
2) Rule of Law (A new Constution instuted for all to follow even the political and business leaders).
3) Someone with the knowledge/expertise to advise them on how to cultivate A) First sustainable Agriculture, then B) Industry/Manufacturing.
4) A good education system (preferable non state run)..
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