SADC is a useless, worthless regional body after all. We all thought it was established to spearhead development in the region anchored on peace and stability. But alas, we were very wrong.
No development without peace.
There cannot be development in the face of political instability. Surely, a nation at war stagnates. Furthermore, SADC countries are closely tied and share borders. Therefore, any conflict in one country will inevitably spill into neighbouring countries. On this understanding, the founding fathers of Africa and the region premised their foreign policy positions.
Precedents set
After attaining Independence, Mozambique gave a base to liberation forces from Zimbabwe to launch the guerrilla warfare that culminated in her own independence. The same applies to Zambia. Both Zanu and Zapu were hosted by the government of Kenneth Kaunda. The Frontline States played a major role towards the liberation of the whole region. That was the spirit then.
After her Independence, Zimbabwe had to assist Mozambique deal with her own insurgency, successfully so. More so, Zimbabwe also sent forces to Angola and the DRC on regional missions. In the DRC, great work was done, otherwise the government would have been overrun. That is very commendable, isn’t it?
Cabo Delgado under siege
Now Mozambique is on fire. Islamic terrorists are committing gross human right violations in Cabo Delgado, and that conflict has been going on for some time. Sadly, the region is all talk and no action. What we hear are meetings and solidarity statements devoid of substance. Meanwhile, the war is intensifying. Behind the statistics are mothers, fathers and children being mercilessly slaughtered? Still SADC is silent.
Rwanda to the rescue
On 9 July 2021, I was both encouraged and shocked to learn that Rwanda is deploying 1000 soldiers to Mozambique. Rwanda is not part of SADC, and neither is she a neighbour. But she is extending a helping hand to a fellow African nation on fire. That is the true African spirit. But how shameful is that? Should Mozambique remain a member of SADC? I guess not.
The founding fathers of the region would never have done this. Had Robert Mugabe been alive, forces would have been deployed already to Cabo Delgado. I hope the death of Dr Kenneth Kaunda does not herald the demise of the true Pan African spirit. How do you sleep at night knowing your brother’s house is on fire?
Kagame and Rwanda should be applauded
Rwanda has shown us the way, and we should draw lessons. Kagame has impressed me. Commendably, he has set an example, and all of us should follow suite. Africa cannot silence guns if she is not united. Fellow states must help each other deal with conflict. The spirit of our founding Fathers must be kept alive. If one state is at war, all of us must be concerned. SADC needs leadership, lets she keeps losing the little relevance she thinks she has.