The last African Despot?

If there is anything we've learned from African leaders since independence, it is that once they get to power, they never want to leave; and always do everything, however mean and shameful to hang on to power. We've also seen, since independence, a consistent pattern of mutual support and tolerance of electoral fraud and violence amongst African leaders. However, what we've never seen post election in Africa, is such a coordinated  and prompt response and resolute call by the African Union and ECOWAS on an African leader who's clearly shown to have stolen an election to step down .

Though individual Heads of State have generally remained silent (maybe because they know how they still find themselves in power) and preferred to speak though the AU and other regional organizations, the fact that Africa is acting in unison(so it seems), for the first time, to isolate a despot who's lost moral, spiritual and intellectual judgment because of greed is something to celebrate. For once there's a glimmer of hope that Africa may just be going back to its basics of civilization; that the days of anarchy, impudence and arrogant dictatorship may be numbered; that Africa may finally be maturing and therefore getting more responsible; that dictators and election riggers may finally be held accountable; that the impunity that has characterized African politics since independence may just be terminally ill...

Whether the African and the international community finally prevails over Laurent Gbagbo and his cohorts, the single fact that Africa has acted resolutely responsible for almost the first time is quite comforting. If I could advise Gbagbo, I'd tell him that some African countries may still just be friendly enough to host him and his criminal gang; it's not yet late to get out! Laurent Gbagbo has a rare chance to do the right thing and be on the right side of history; else history will remember him cruelly. The African and international community's response to Laurent Gbagbo is probably the clearest message ever echoed to African leaders and others who still live in despotic fantasies: if Africa and the international community does not relent in its response, Laurent Gbagbo may as well be the last African leader to lose elections and attempt to stay on to power.