Letter To The Gleaner: Are We Witnessing An African Spring? - Michael Dingwell

THE EDITOR, Sir:

Just a few decades ago, the world experienced what can be called an Eastern European Spring, when the vast Soviet empire collapsed - brushing aside decades of communist rule.

Then, just a few years ago, the world experienced the Arab Spring", when long-established governments like those in Egypt, Tunisia and Libya, among others, were swept away. Are we now witnessing an African Spring?

A few months ago, the liberator-turned-tyrant of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, was kicked out of power by that country's armed forces. Then, just recently, the president of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, was unceremoniously removed from power.

Almost at the same time, the prime minister of Ethiopia, Hailemariam Desalegn, was forced to do what many Ethiopians wanted him to do for a long time - quit.

So, which other African country should we expect to be liberated next from poverty and desperation of its people? What is the next country that will force change through an African Spring?

Those African leaders who have been kicked out of power all probably thought that black Africa could never experience the desire for better, or the 'spring' that swept the Arab world a few years ago. But they were wrong.

African leaders who have been weighed by their people and found wanting had better watch it, for based on the current tide - their time of reckoning is near!

MICHAEL A. DINGWALL


(The Gleaner)