Reflections on the Madagascar crisis Part 2

The Madagascar crisis presents a major challenge to both SADC and AU,that is their ability to deal with errant leaders.While the SADC suspended Madagascar in an unprecedented move that ostensibly warrants cautious optimism,it remains unclear whether suspending a country with whom the region does not have strong economic ties with will be of any political consequence to Rajoelina's regime.It's like using good tools for a wrong job.It should be complimented that at least the leaders have a stomach to be 'brutal' to other
leaders who flagrantly disregard the law.However, the continent has to move from symbolic gestures to effective action.Is suspension the panacea to dealing with military coups?Zimbabwe pulled out of the Commonwealth years ago and Mugabe regime soldiers on in power as of 2009.This is a vital lesson even for the AU whose reason for being established was to improve on the historical weaknesses of the OAU, that is the policy of 'non- interference'.While AU has suspended Madagascar,this arguably remains a veiled form of non interference in the sense that this does not disturb the internal politics of the regime at least for now.If Rajoelina survives these suspensions,then that's the end of the credibility of these two regional blocks.There won't be any need to listen to them!
The regional blocs should learn to have a diplomatic offensive over France which clearly backs the coup..If these harsh words are used towards the real people behind the crisis,then there is chance for change.Civil society in Madagascar does not seem to be strong which is why all this keeps happening with little information coming from them.In the short to longterm,there is need for robust civil society capacity development. It would appear that mass mobilization remains the most effective way of dealing with dictatorships.International intervention often takes too long to be of help hence the need for the people within that country to take it upon themselves to work against mercenaries.

The good thing is that Madagascar has a history of these mass uprisings where people are mobilized behind a certain cause.What's critical is ensuring that the cause is implemented in a sustainable and focused manner.
The Madagascar crisis also shows that there isn't meaningful regional integration or cooperation with member states.Maybe that's why there isn't too much respect for their mandate and authority.If countries were critical trading partners or partners at some other level,then there would be more bargain chips.Why there isn't more robust trade remains a mystery.A United Africa should be a manifestation of already existing collaboration not the beginning of it.EU countries were collaborating long before the establishment of the EU and disobeying can have serious ramifications in the short term.
The regional groupings need to have greater coordination with foreign powers so that there isn't contradiction between what regional groupings do towards an errand nation and what foreign powers do to that country.Breaches both ways should face certain reprimand.This isn't happening that much at present.
Coup leaders should be personally sanctioned.The fact that they are coup leaders in a way shows how heartless and self centered they maybe so people's suffering (regime sanctions) may not really worry them.People like Rajoelina should have their assets frozen including those of people collaborating with them.One hopes regional groupings have 'intelligence briefings' on the real forces behind all these shady practices across Africa.Upon receiving that information,such people should be not only named and shamed, rather African countries should give personal sanctions to them. Any country that's African and shows disdain towards what a regional grouping has said should also face sanctions.Gaddaffi in recognizing Rajoelina was literally throwing egg in the face of the organization he leads.He should be either suspended from his coveted position of general assembly or strongly cautioned.
We have a situation where the General Assembly chairman acts in a way which compromises the integrity and authority of the organization he leads.Ordinarily that shouldn't go unpunished.

Diplomacy still however plays a role.It should never be taken off the table.Infact it should compliment the other interventions

During the liberation struggle,African countries literally sacrificed for each other's independence.They seemed to believe in the Nkrumah ideology that as long as other African countries are not independent,then Ghana wasn't independent.What became of that dream?SADC intervened militarily in DRC to defend a President?Why didn't SADC defend Ravolomanana in the same way?Maybe not necessarily militarily but with such focused force which clearly hurt the insurgents?It remains a mystery.

We still have a long way to go