A significant point to note in conflict resolution mechanisms in Africa is to identify the core voice of the elders. In the various communities making up Africa and the regions, the elder statesman has a concrete say and commands such respect that others are prone to obey. It is like having such respect for gray hairs which every African has by nature and nuture, learned to revere. Africa in its most steaming points could have a voice that silences any erring or insurgent faction from which any pattern of turmoil arises. This pattern for conflict management has existed in many communities and has transcended the strata of society, regions, nations and the globe.
As a graduating student in an African University, I had taken a distant trip to gather materials for my graduating project which was based on pacific management of African regional conflicts. The various alternative dispute resolutions mechanisms were emerging in both the local and international fronts. As a law scholar, I was eager to visualize what means could bring warring factions together and exercise the due process of the Law. My studies took me to some notable African Leaders and their heritage of personal struggles and triumph; of overcoming and coming out strong and defeating their obstacles and doing good, even in the face of oppositions. Such spirits, I found quite challenging as a budding African lawyer. I delved into some of their life histories and what made them such African Heroes, and what gave such credence, power and authority to their words and presence.
South Africa’s Nelson Mandela provided a good premise for my research. I realized that most of the conflicts in the region could have escalated, but for the timely and prompt intervention of the noble Statesman. Thabo Mbeki, Desmond Tutu, Nigeria’s Olusegun Obasanjo, Ghana’s Kofi Annan, and many others equally created the opportunity for value in my research on Africa’s conflict management mechanisms.
The eventual resolution of apartheid in South Africa, the cessation of the Congo conflict, the involvement of the United Nations in the Angolan conflict was major highpoints for my research. The underlying connection between these conflicts and the elder statesman voice and presence were that these important persons in Africa joined forces in matters of peace and conflicts to bring the region to a calm and conflict-free situation that would not have been achieved otherwise.
Now that Mandel has gone to be with his ancestors, the question to ask will be: who fills the shoes of the great elder statesman in matters of pacific settlements? Who shall Africa send in matters and moments of strife, forbidding that such occurs or escalates? Who shall go before Africa? What still small voice shall quieten the voices of insurgency and belligerency that often shakes the roots of peace in the region? Of course none will be like the great Mandela. There will surely be none like Him!
The good news however, is that many of Mandela’s legacies have left such footprints in the times of peace that the future of Africa shines brighter and brighter. The many global involvements and peace initiatives undertaken by Mandela have got a lot of unquenchable flame that will burn for ever for the continent. This is the assurance that Africans have carried with them since the end of the various conflicts that besieged the region. The mantle of leadership has been no doubt sewn into such tight knots that the spirit of Africanism has remained hitherto stronger than ever. The undertaking to unite for peace and progress in Africa has become a leveraging factor to engage the global front and to showcase the many values and resources that Africa is embodied with.
Yes, the Global front has hitherto determined the indicia under which the pathways to peace and development in Africa are weighed. The many factors that have measured Africa’s progress have been the incidences of strife, conflict and wars in the region. The immense attraction of foreign investments in the region and the ability to create stable and welcoming environments for Africa. The need for peace and stability as an indicia for global progress and development cannot be overemphasized in this case as many global powers have tried to weigh in the levels and extent of peace and security before venturing into the many resource-filled and untapped regions of Africa. The elder statemen’s voices have therefore been the main point for pacific resolutions of African conflicts and the maintenance of peace and security for the region.
Where do we then go from here? Who shall Africa send? It is neither a closed corner nor a closed zone as many heroes have been in power and in their respective domains as watchdog of the African peace and security platform. There is no doubt that the voices of the elder ancestors will still speak from the times of old. The voice of the great Mandela will no doubt resound over the oars and the ears of the African people. The voice of peace will, in no manner fade. The echoes of peace will surely resound and be carried far to all the corners, and to every silent part of the region. These waves will no doubt carry the voices and the spirits of the great Africa heroes past, to quench any raging fire and calm every raging sea.
The Spirit of the great Mandela will protect Africa. The great Mandela will continue to watch over the many sons and daughters he has brought to peace and freedom. For such is the legacy that Africa has inherited, for such is that power that lies in true statesmanship and leadership that defines Africa and Africa’s emergence to the global frontiers. The seeds of peace and freedom have been no doubt sown, into the minds and hearts of the African people. It will sure grow out to yield plentiful fruits of peace and progress. And this is the true legacy, that Africa has all it needs to emerge, to join the rest of the globe in social, political and economic integration. The success of Africa has been assured by the continued labor of peace by the elder statesmanship. And we acknowledge them all in all parts of the African region, as they continue their unpaid labor of love and sacrifices for the African region.
And we say, thank you Mandela, for all you have done for Africa. God Bless Africa.
chinweosuji.wordpress.com
Chinwe Osuji was a class mate at University of Nigeria Enugu Campus
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