In my final article of the year on the subject of Peace in Africa, I wish to emphasize the paramount importance of PEACE, even in the face of widespread poverty on the continent. Peace is the foundation upon which Africa can build its economy and eliminate poverty.
As a Conflict Resolution Expert, I firmly assert that any dialogue in Africa must be rooted in a Redemption Strategy to succeed. But what exactly does a Redemption Strategy entail? It is a healing process that encompasses truth-telling, accountability, reconciliation, forgiveness, reparations, and restitution, ultimately leading to PEACE.
One cannot engage in productive dialogue while harbouring anger. The first step is to open one’s heart to forgiveness and moving forward. This, in essence, is the essence of a Redemption Strategy, which serves as the cornerstone of any successful peace process worldwide.
There exists a hidden agenda of sponsoring opposition groups in Africa, leading to peace processes where biased international NGOs exploit humanitarian systems to further restrain African countries. These NGOs often prioritize negotiations over genuine solutions, which I do not endorse.
The practice of cheap foreign diplomacy, particularly by the USA in the aftermath of disputes in African countries, is a peril we must reject. Post-election violence in Africa often reveals the absence of political institutions to facilitate dialogue.
This pattern reflects a colonial design that allows Africans to suffer before intervening with peace talks, a doctrine I find toxic. It perpetuates divisions within African nations, deepening the underlying conflicts.
Consider Nigeria, where numerous institutions have collapsed, yet the USA and Britain remain silent. Internal strife in Nigeria has reached alarming levels, particularly in the South East, where violence has persisted for years.
Western nations then employ international humanitarian organizations to extract further resources from Africa. These aid agencies inadvertently contribute to the problems in Africa.
Such strategies prove ineffective in resolving conflicts in Africa, as many African nations lack the historical experience to address such issues. In some countries, things unravel every five years, often following elections, due to incompatible democratic values.
The Western world encourages Africa to conduct democratic elections, but Africa is a young continent, only 67 years after gaining political independence. How can Africa conduct free, fair, and transparent elections without a well-established social contract? Our elections cannot be compared to those in European metropolises with centuries of democratic nurturing, which is why violence and protests persist.
In many African nations, achieving peace is challenging, as belligerent opposition leadership often opposes election outcomes under the guise of democracy.
Furthermore, certain actors in the Western world support African opposition with misguided political doctrines and principles, such as the case of George Soros’ OSF funding regime change in Zimbabwe.
To resolve conflicts, three elements are vital: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence. Unfortunately, these principles are often absent from so-called democratic institutions in Africa, contributing to ongoing conflicts.
Current accountability practices within internationally sponsored opposition systems tend to focus on human mass organizations rather than those affected by unseen conflict. Darfur and Sudan provide examples of how NGOs may inadvertently exacerbate African conflicts.
As a Conflict Resolution Expert, I understand that structured ethical decision-making frameworks can enhance the capacity of any organization to make better decisions.
To mediate conflicts effectively, one must consider critical factors influencing potential outcomes. This includes post-disputed election dialogues in Africa, where a Redemption Strategy is essential for success.
In conclusion, I call upon both opposition and government leaders in Africa to reject colonial humanitarian doctrines and adopt ethical decision-making processes of accountability. To prevent further bloodshed and resource wastage, Africa must embrace a Redemption Strategy as the core of its governance.
We must uphold the three tenets of impartiality, neutrality, and independence within our institutions.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Thank you,
Dr. David Matsanga
London, 19.12.2023
