FORMER President of Ivory Coast, Laurent Gbagbo, who was taken into custody last week, by the International Criminal Court, (ICC), in The Hague, for offences relating to crimes against humanity, is the architect of his own misfortune. Gbagbo's inordinate ambition to perpetuate himself in office, saw him squander the opportunity to leave honourably and become a statesman of note.Like other African tyrants before him, Gbagbo chose not to leave power when majority of Ivorians decided through the ballot box that, his time was up. Rather, the former History Professor used state apparatus to upturn the election results. This act engendered a fratricidal war that led to the death of about 3,000 Ivorians and dislocation of countless others who became refugees in their own country. The economy was left prostrate, while critical infrastructure were destroyed at a time Ivory Coast was still grappling with the effects of past conflicts.The ICC says Gbagbo is vicariously liable for "individual criminal responsibility, as indirect co-perpetrator, for four counts of crimes against humanity, namely murder, rape and other forms of sexual violence, persecution and other inhuman acts."Of course, the forces of his arch-rival, President Alassane Quattara were also involved in the mindless destruction and killings which brought Ivory Coast to its knees. Though this fact is incontestable, current affairs analysts argue that it was the long-held intransigence of Gbagbo, that sparked off the bloody strife.The lesson for other dictators in Africa is that there will always be a day of reckoning for them to account for their misdeeds while in office. The era of impunity is over; the world has become a global village and there is no hiding place for leaders and their collaborators who misuse power and precipitate crises, in the bid to stay in power. What the Gbagbo episode has shown is that, most of the conflicts in Africa, are the result of the blind ambition of political leaders who place personal agenda above public interest.It is now clear that the dictum of sovereign immunity which despots hide under, does not extend to crimes against humanity. This has been aptly demonstrated in the ICC's indictment of those responsible for the genocide in Rwanda and Burundi, Kenya and lately, the arrest of Saif al-Islam, son of late Muammar Gaddaffi, for his role during the Libyan War.We believe that it is time for the African Union (AU), to play a more decisive role in the institutionalisation of democracy and good governance on the Continent. The Committee of Heads of States and Governments should fashion out mechanisms to sanction erring members where it has been established that the leadership is carrying out a war of attrition against its people, or where there are attempts to subvert constitutions and elections to achieve self-perpetuation. Leaders, who deliberately stir up ethnic conflicts, cause social and political upheavals, should also be isolated and sanctioned.The moral voice of condemnation will send the signal that the AU will no longer tolerate despotic rulers and brutal dictators on the Continent. This will also save Africa the embarrassment of having its leaders being hauled before the ICC. It will also save lives and prevent civil wars, displacement of people and hunger.We, however, urge the ICC to treat Gbagbo with dignity, allowing him to have access to all facilities that would enable him defend himself adequately. The Court must also bring perpetrators of war crimes from the other side of the conflict to justice.On its part, the government of Ivory Coast must take firm steps to ensure that the trial at The Hague does not lead to another round of political upheaval at home. It is imperative that the Quattara Presidency embraces reconciliation and national unity for the country to move forward.
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