Tyrannical leaders must go - SADC council chief

Tyrannical leaders must go - SADC council chief
By Agness Changala
Mon 28 Feb. 2011, 04:00 CAT

SADC-CNGO executive director Biochoko Ditlhake called on all peoples of the African continent and the global community to condemn the acts of tyranny and resistance shown by heads of state of the affected countries, especially Libya.

He said the wind of a new era of democracy from Africa must sound a warning to all illegitimate regimes, including southern Africa, that suppression and dictatorial tendencies will no longer be condoned by citizens.

Ditlhake also demanded that the Libyan government refrain from the use of force, which has resulted in the death of many citizens.

He said the people of North Africa were tired of oppressive dictatorship and undemocratic regimes in their respective countries.

“They want change at all costs to fulfil their freedom and dignified lives. They have taken to the streets to demand and force their government for drastic reform of the political regime, to speed up service delivery, more job opportunities and to guarantee freedom and fundamental rights to all citizens,” he said.

Ditlhake said violent intimidation by state forces in Libya that have resulted in the death, injury and detention of protestors is unacceptable.

He said the practice of targeting journalists and cutting communication to the rest of the world was also totally unjustifiable.

He called on the continent and international community to act before peaceful protestors were wiped out by tyrannical states.

Ditlhake said necessary conditions which will oblige the government to refrain from oppressive and undemocratic tendencies towards popular participation and good governance should also be established.

He demanded that all UN member states adhere to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 2002 World Summit on Rights Commitment by the international community to prevent genocide, war, crimes against humanity through the doctrine of responsibility to protect, which demands that states have the primary responsibility to prevent crimes against humanity.

“And in the event of failure to do so, the international community must step in and use collective force to protect citizens,” said Ditlhake.