The Executive Secretary International Summit Council for Peace (ISCP)-Africa, Ambassador Simeon Uwa has identified accountable governance as a solution to endless conflicts in the African continent.
Speaking in Uyo Akwa Ibom state capital on Friday during the formation of Youth Leaders Clinic, Uwa noted that if African leaders have delivered accountable governance to the people, incessant conflicts experienced in the continent between the leaders and followers would be eradicated for peace to reign in the region.
Uwa while delivering a lecture to student leaders on the topic ” Basic Governance and Accountability” said the emergence of democracy as the best form of government has eroded monarchical government which Africa was known for.
“However, one thing that is clear in the evolution of leadership in Africa is the emergence of Democratic leadership, a clear departure from and dilution of monarchy.
“Africa as we come to know today historically were ruled under monarchical systems of government; notably, empires, emirates, kingdoms, and in some cases, chiefdoms. With the balkanization of African countries by the West, those traditional boundaries were weakened and, in most cases completely collapsed”.
The Envoy who had participated in various conflict resolution missions with President Goodluck Jonathan in the African continent explained that some parts of Africa have not come to terms with democracy adding that the new form of governance through democracy is departure from the monarchy system that was in vogue in Africa.
Read Also: FG approval marketers to lift fuel directly from Dangote Refinery
“However, one thing that is clear in the evolution of leadership in Africa is the emergence of Democratic leadership, a clear departure from and dilution of monarchy.
“The weakening of the old African Systems drew much impetus from the Berlin conference of 1884-1885, where Africa was carved up on a map and the rules for the conquest and partition of the continent were formally established by the European colonial masters.
“Democracy was introduced into African countries upon attainment of independence.
“With the governments in place, arose the need to put proper governance in place to deliver to the people their expectations.”
The Envoy observed that lack of accountability leads to conflicts while accountable governance leads to peace, stability, and development.
He warned the students leaders not to misunderstand the concept of accountable governance as lack of conflicts adding that human society is characterized by conflicts as multiple variables may be at play.”
“The key issue is how internal and external conflicts are quickly and amicably resolved.”
“Accountable governance therefore, is the main path towards peace of a group, society or state.” He said.
