A blow to democracy!
The recent gunning down of Guinea Bissau president, Joao Bernardo Vieira is one epitome
of how many African governments have been plunged into bloody conflicts of unspeakable
atrocities as a result of greedy politicians and or corrupt Millitary officials. The entrenchment
of a culture of elimination in African politics has, since time immemorial, led to many a civil strife.
President Joao Bernardo, who was shot by unknown millitary officials on 2 March 2009 came to power through a bloodless coup in 1980. After his 19 year rein, he was toppled
and he went into exile in Portugal, Guinea Bissau's former cononial power. When he returned
from exile, he contested the presidential elections held in 2005, and emerged as a winner.
Shortly after the country's Armed forces Chief of staff, Gen Batiste Tagma na Waie was killed
in a bomb explosion, President Vieira was shot dead at his Palace. Gen Batiste had become
a very strong rival of President Vieira. The shooting of President Vieira was seen by many as
retaliation by Army officers who thought he was involved in the killing of Army Gen Batiste.
The period after the killings marked a period of relentless anger among Guinea Bissau's political divide. Closely observing the trends in Millitary regimes, it can be learnt that leaders who come to power by the use of Millitary machine, will at last be dethroned by the same Millitary power.
Dictators must not be executed. They must face the full wrath of the law, be punished and suffer while they are still alive.