How a lesson for democracy turned to be a possible threat to democracy- A message to Alassene Ouattara

 How  a lesson for democracy turned to be a possible threat for democracy - A message to Alassene Outtara

By: Sulayman Lecturer Darboe 

Perhaps, the world should remind President Aassane Ouattara about how he came to power. With a lost of about 3,000 Ivorian due to Laurent Gbagbo's refusal to accept defeat in the 2010 elections, Mr Ouattara must therefore reflect on the past in order to allow democracy prevail as an honor for the love, dedication and sacrifice that  innocent Ivorians made by demonstrating against Laurent Gbagbo's desire to continue ruling after been democratically pampersed in the 2010 Presidential Elections.

 It's clearly evidenced that any further attempt to seek for re-election may result to the reoccurrence of the 2010 protest which claimed innocent lives and had consequences on the development of the country which you are arguably praised for stabilizing. If there were any reason why the Ivorians voted you against Gbagbo, it must include their desire to taste a new regime whose plans would usher in sustainable development at all sectors. The people of Ivory Coast do not disappoint you. They rallied behind you by voting you into office on several occasions. This should not be exchanged with anything other than to  peacefully relinquish your desire to seek for the "unlawful third term" in office. This is not only disappointing but a threat to democracy in the Sub Region.

Few months ago, the world hailed, praised and graced your announcement that you had no intention to run for re-election. This announcement was well embraced by the world as many thought, it may begin a new era in democratising our governance as Africans by avoiding over stay in power. Sadly, with the demise of Prime Minister Coulibally, the world received another news that your party has agreed to support you for a re-elections. This is a threat to democracy. It is a disappointment to all those who praised you. Among the certainly disappointed is, Sidya Toure of Guinea who believed that your initial announcement of not seeking re-election would  open the eyes of Dictator Alpha Conde of Guinea.

According to Sidya Toure:

"This is a lesson for democracy. Mr Ouattara would be remembered for it, I hope others would be inspired by it for the good of the region" - Sidya Toure(Guinean Politician). Isn't he disappointed now?

Yes! It's true that every rulership has what we called succession plans. This must involve a wide range of individuals who are prepared to take up the challenge once the leader is no more. Therefore, the demise of Prime Minister Coulibally is not a justification for your Political Party to be sort of flag bearers  or to resort to  you to to run for a third term if truly you didn't want to as said in your announcement. Think about the consequences of such actions.

I was fully with the view that Laurent Gbagbo and  Blaise Compaore( exiled Burkina Fasso Ex-President) are enough evidences to make you forget about re-election for a Third Term. Most of your party-men who encourage you are opportunist who fear losing key positions once you are more the president.

It's important to end this write-up by making the readership know that Alpha Conde and Alassene Outtara are ungrateful, greedy and corrupt, and selfish if they seek for re-election with such ages. Our democracy is in your hands. In order to avoid more third term seekers and long term in office, set the example now! In addition, African Leaders should stop amending Constitutions through their corrupt Parliaments to avail them the opportunity to favor their needs but in this case , re-elections. Enough!

Wake up from slumber 😴. Africa deserves better..