Ivory Coast: Africa's Current Sore Spot

The crisis that has ensued from the Presidential election in Ivory Coast has led the African Union (AU) to step in to mediate the situation. The former South African President, Thabo Mbeki, has been asked to lead the the mediation. In yours truly's view, there will be no happy outcome to this mediation, especially considering Mbeki's dismal record in Zimbabwe which is still in crisis today. What this requires is pressure. For AU to show seriousness, pressure has to be put on Gbagbo to step down with immediate effect. He lost the election and, in a democracy, those who lose elections normally leave office. Ouatara is Ivory Coast's rightful president. Period. There is nothing to negotiate. African leaders must reject Gbagbo if they are serious about promoting democracy in the continent. Because most African leaders are used to stealing elections themselves, they simply want to help Gbagbo manipulate the situation as they love to do. This is an awful and sickening situation for a continent that is struggling to lift itself out of international ignominy. Such a brazen act of banditry must not be allowed to ruin the continent.