THE WEST AFRICAN COUPS SHOULD NOT LET UGANDANS GET EXCITED

On 30th August 2023 the news of Gabon coup started pouring on different medias. The Gabonese Army led by Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema took to the National Television announcing to Gabonese and international community that they have ousted President Ali Bongo, because of what they call electoral irregularities and unfairness. This brought Bongo's reign in the West African state to an end. Ali Bongo served as president of Gabon for 15 years succeeding his father Omar Bongo who had served for 41 years. Gabon incident came in a time when West Africa only within three years suffered at least 8 coups among others Niger's.

The West African coups are running extremely fast like bush fire moving from one state to another with a number of grievances as woods fueling them. Most of these states in West Africa are semi independent since most of these countries are supposed to have their Reserve banks in Paris, France. The western world, France in particular can support a certain president and keep him in power even for over 40 years as long as he is serving their interest.  Niger is rich in uranium, Gabon Petroleum, but the citizens are struggling with absolute poverty. Greater percentage of benefits obtained from these minerals goes to France. These presidents together with their families and Ministers squander the countries' resources and inject in Paris, establishing multi billion estates and other businesses. These  West African presidents together with their ministers are very extravagant and never listen to the cry of their people living in destitution. History tells us that at one time, President Ali Bongo Imported snow to Gabon because his family wanted a Snow Christmas, something very expensive

The stories of these coups dominated different radio and TV stations' talkshows and news. The same also flooded different social media platforms twitter, facebook, Instagram and whatsapp being prime. This coup and its events swept many Ugandans into the world of false hope, excitement and fantasy.

It is a bitter truth, but people should accept that Uganda is way beyond these West African countries when it comes to political stability. What West African states are going through, Uganda already went through, in 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, and indeed every country goes through processes.

In 1971 Idi Amin Dada toppled the government of Dr.Obote who was at that time in Singapore for a common wealth head of government meetings. Amin was warmly welcomed by a section of Ugandans who had issues with Obote's regime. Baganda looked at Idi Amin as a beacon of hope and warmly welcomed him but later turned to be an orchestrator of death and economic crisis.

Between 1979 and 1980, the country experienced change of presidents like ministers that can be reshuffled or dropped anytime, this came after a joined forces of UNLF, Tanzania forces and FRONASA defeated Amin and forced him to exile. Election was held and Dr.Obote was reinstated back as the president of the Republic of Uganda.

Since the political and military icons of the that time did not realize that tribalism, election irigularities and military unprofessionalism were the causes of political immaturities in the country, a section of militarists led by Lt.Gen. Olara Bazilio Okello ousted Dr. Obote as an attempt to find solutions to Uganda's dilemma. Again that coup happened to be a wrong medication for the sickness Uganda was suffering from. This coup never offered any better solutions to Uganda's challenges. 

These coups instead offered a breeding grounds and opportunities for civil unrest in this country. Historians say most of the rebellions sprout up as a result of these coups. The bush war of Yoweri Museveni Kaguta, Holy Mpirit Movement, Lord Resistance Movement among others emerged directly and indirectly as a result of these coups. It is estimated that during Museveni's bush war, over 500,000 Ugandans lost their lives. United nations also says approximately 100,000 People died during Kony's war with president Museveni. These coups taught Uganda and other East African countries terrible lessons. It's only the young, ignorant or mentally disorganized old people who can get excited about this military approach.

The professionalism of the UPDF is outstanding. Most of the Army officers in Uganda are taught geopolitics of the region. They have insight into the history of this country and how much coups have cost her. UPDF army officers would not want to see the country going back to the old dark days.

Secondly, coups can be used by mafias in the same regime to continue their stay in power.  A good example is, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema who toppled the government of Ali Bongo also hails from Ali Bongo's birth place. The coup therefore makes no sense.

Nevertheless, Africa with its different regions have experienced different ways of change of government. North Africa experienced what became known as Arab spring that sparked of in 2010 from Tunisia, now coups sweeping over 8 West African countries and anything can happen in any country as long as the leaders pay deaf ears to the suffering citizens. Eventhough no serious Ugandan would long for a coup in this country, president Museveni should deal with corrupt ministers in his government and as well plan to to retire.

Lucoromoi 🧠

lucoromoi@gmail.com