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A litmus test for President Sirleaf
Nov 16, 2007
Varfley A. Dolleh
 Introduction:
Amidst the rapture and pageantry that characterized the recent “Freedom Award” received by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, especially, being a new precedent and a political watershed in our historical relations with the US, in post-war Liberia, nevertheless, political pundits are apprehensive that in the absence of the applicability of the “Golden Rule” the post Ellen era could be rocky as it is unfolding with many of her predecessors.
President Bush’s Freedom Award:
“President George W. Bush” preference of Liberia President as one of the recipients of the Nation’s highest award was a marvelous political landmark, a strategic and diplomatic milestone and a major enviable achievement among her peers, especially, being the only elected female President in black Africa. Although, not clothed with the authority to question the rational for her selection, but one thing is cardinal, political analysts are insinuating that it may be due mainly to her roles in fostering the American interests and the pro-active articulation of the American ideals and aspirations in Africa. Some have been questioning, “whether or not it was based on the unceremonious surrendering of fugitive and former President “Charles Ghakey Taylor” or her surreptitious lobbying and vocal advocacy in using Liberia as the breeding ground for the envisaged United States African Command (Africom)”? While political analysts are pondering over the actualization of the program, one thing for sure, it is being vehemently opposed by many of her colleagues in Africa.
Why the fear?
The golden rule says that “do unto others as you may want them do unto you”. In short many of the African leaders are worried that granted, with the deployment of thousands of the most formidable military force on the planet with planes, tanks, and ships, with the purported excuse of fighting terrorism could be the re-introduction of “colonialism”. Many are afraid that those governments with descending views could all be ousted at any time, at will by the greatest power on earth. In fact, there are nerve-racking signals in many capitals fearing that this could be the beginning of the end. Many have made their opposition known to the status quo in Monrovia. Recently various army chiefs from the region made similar point to her Excellency. They are hoping that with the level of cordiality that she will be rational in applying the golden rule evocative that one day it could be in her shoes. Whether or not she will reflect on the golden rule in this case considering her special symbolic elevation by the US is any one guess? Again, we await to see what will be the next move on the part of many of the African leaders that are disparate to the idea of having this military build up in Africa. .
American Interests:
Security:
It is understandable that the Americans will spare no time in filling up what ever vacuum left amidst the scramble for the minerals of Africa and the insatiable demand for oil and influence, especially, in sub-Sahara Africa. You will note that in the aftermath of “Ousama Bin-ladin” Attack on the US, it became imperative for the US to strike terrorists safe heavens at every location, and at any time, with the region being of no exception. In line with this policy, the US has been apprehensive about the rise of Islamic militancy in Somalia, where, she gave covert support leading to the overthrow of the Islamists in Mogadishu; in Mali, where she has been aiding the central government against Islamists fighting the pro-Western Government; in Mauritania, where, she has been giving the necessary support to the new democratically elected government against the rise of militancy; in Nigeria where the emergence of militancy is on the rise unless it is checked in a timely fashion.
Economic:
On the other hand, the Americans are concerned about the exploration of the reserved oil wealth found in the region, especially, West Africa. In the wake of the chaotic state of affairs in the Middle East, policy makers believe that she could over come whatever loses from the Middle East through the region. Apart, it is in the strategic interest of the US to outsmart the Chinese in the drive to conquer the strategic mineral resources of the region. At such, the American presence will serve as a deterrent to the Chinese not to transcend boundaries. In spite of of the tangible reasons yet, many African leaders are afraid that this could be the beginning of the eventual destabilization of the continent through capitulation under the American hegemony. Either submission or one is doomed to exist as a sovereign State.
What could be Ellen’s Gains?
Although not said, but it is an open secret that the present government could gain a lot in institutionalizing the present status quo through the actualization of the American dream with Liberia as the main base. As noted, in “International Diplomacy”, you have nothing like permanent friendship, but rather permanent interest. At such, President “Ellen Johnson Sirleaf” could gain a whole lot if seen as an ally of President “George W. Bush” in his fight against terrorism. That would produce good dividend in term of security for her government, like the case of “Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatari, Egypt, and Pakistani among others”. That would definitely bring her closer among leaders considered as being in the vanguard in the war on terror. As a consequence, the present government could be nourished for a very long time, as long the US interest is preserved. Plus, she could benefit financially as it is with those countries mentioned supra. I think this is a golden opportunity for any fragile government anxious for recognition, support security and reconstruction. But, the question is, “How do you reconcile that with the interest of your fellow African leaders”? On the other hand, failure to heed to the American dream, you could loose your status and special privilege bestowed on you by the US. This is the quandary in the wake of the ongoing diplomatic rig marrow. Where does our President place her allegiance to her African club or the US?
Coined Answer for Ellen:
In the wake of the political hubbub a possible answer for President Sirleaf could be that it is her right as a sovereign nation to shift her policy the way she wants, especially, in realization that security takes precedent over every other consideration in “International Diplomacy”. More besides, the argument could be that the francophone countries have over the years maintain the presence of “French Soldiers” on their soil even in “Post Independence Africa”. As part of France’s Foreign Policy, it has always been her desire to exert her hegemony over her former colonies, ensuring that stability remains a paramount concern, which is in progression in several African countries. Today, you still have thousand of French soldiers in “Ivory Coast, Gabon, Chad, and Central African Republic among others”. These governments and other French former colonies have been protected over the years by the manifestation of brute force when ever necessary.
Possible Reaction of the African Leaders:
Although, it is nothing new seen American bases on the various continents, especially, in Asia, specifically, Japan, and South Korea; in Europe, with Germany and Italy being show point and the Middle East with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait being of no exception. Unlike those countries, African leaders are mindful of the fragile nature of their governments and they could be susceptible to “regime change” any time diminishing their power as sovereign nations with all the elements of nation states. This is the real worried, in lieu of the unfolding reality from the Middle East and other Countries. Political analysts are hypothesizing that in the wake of the consummation of any future agreement the status quo in Liberia could be annihilated by some African nations. Apart, President Ellen Government could be a victim of conspiracy by others in trying to undermine her for being on the part of the greatest power on earth. The end result of any such machination on the part of her colleagues on the continent remains predictability.
Bread and Butter for the Down trodden Masses:
Gauging the sentiment of the poor masses in Liberia through random sampling and research, it is only fair to note that they don’t care about the effect of the imbedded force, as long it doesn’t translate positively in alleviating the daily hardship being endured. For them, what is paramount is ensuring that there is “bread and butter” at the end of the day. As long the recent “Freedom Award” fever could be translated in the creation of more rice, jobs, scholarships and the sustainable means of production they are fine.
Concluding:
We call on President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to reflect positively about her legacy before acting. I pity her condition in the wake of the unfolding development, in that we are mindful about the fact that, life in it self is not static, but transitory. One day it will be a history for posterity yet unborn to innumerate her deeds politically as it relates to the nation, our African brothers and our historical partners. No doubt it is a Herculean decision that requires the best political prescription. Many of her predecessors are gone and today their legacies are muddy with people barely unable to fashion them. This is my candid political input to our leader. Congratulation Madam President for the most acclaimed “Freedom Award”.
As usual, we want to hear your thoughts @ Varfley1@yahoo.com or (215)-666-2506 PA USA All rights reserved.
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