African Postman: The Elders’ Kofi Annan

Yesterday, I watched former Secretary General of the United Nations and member of The Elders Kofi Annan give an address that resonated with me. Mr. Annan touched on issues of governance, rule of law  and social justice that seemed to me of great relevance to Jamaica also. Through the wonders of broadband Internet, the speech was live streaming into our living room in Kingston, Jamaica from the University of Western Cape in South Africa, where Mr. Annan was delivering the Third Annual Desmond Tutu International Peace Lecture on the Archbishop’s 82nd birthday.

Kofi Annan delivers the Third Annual Desmond Tutu International Peace Lecture in South Africa (Photo: Kofi Annan Foundation Facebook page)

The “Arch” (as the moderator called him) was there too, of course; he is also a member of The Elders, a non-governmental organization of visionary elder statesmen/women committed to peace and human rights. We were treated to his delightful humor and infectious giggle before the start of the speech, by the way. But on a serious note, Desmond Tutu observed sadly: “Can you imagine what it must be like to be God? I mean, I really feel sorry for God – looking down and saying, ‘You know those are my children…’ You know what, God is crying.”

Here is a press release from the Annan Foundation issued before the speech that highlights key points made – which is not very long and can be watched in full here: http://www.theelders.org/article/africas-bright-future (The first ten minutes is an introduction by a young SABC reporter). Take a little time to listen. I hope that you will find it inspiring, as I did.

The rapt audience at the University of Western Cape  (Photo: Kofi Annan Foundation Facebook page)

“In the lecture, which will mark the birthday of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Mr. Annan will describe the strategies needed to build societies which are strong, cohesive, and enable every individual to thrive and live in dignity.

Mr. Annan will argue that sustainable peace depends on deepening democratic practice and building effective institutions that are grounded in the rule of law and respect for human rights. He will identify four priorities:

• Reject the zero sum approach to politics: “We must turn our backs on the ‘winner takes all’ approach to politics which has been so damaging to our continent. We have seen how this has led to abuses of power by the winner and encouraged losers to reject democracy as a peaceful means for change.” 

• Improve electoral integrity:  For an election to have integrity “it must be based on the democratic principles of universal suffrage and political equality, and must be professional, impartial, and transparent in its preparation and throughout the electoral cycle.” “When conducted with integrity, elections bolster democracy, promote development, and produce governments which are more likely to represent their citizen’s interests.” “Sadly, elections in Africa can become a trigger for conflict rather than a peaceful way to regulate competition for political power.”

• Uphold the rule of law and combat impunity: “I am surprised to hear critics ask whether the pursuit of justice might obstruct the search for peace. Justice is not an impediment to peace but a partner.” “In adopting the Rome Statute, the international community courageously tipped the balance away from impunity in favour of justice. I was proud that so many African countries, where judicial systems are weak and divisions run deep, provided such strong support for the Court. I am therefore concerned by recent efforts to portray the Court as targeting Africa. I know this is not the case… It is the culture of impunity and individuals who are on trial at the ICC, not Africa.”

• Better manage the diversity within African societies: “Societies which embrace diversity as a source of strength become healthier, more stable and prosperous. In those which do not, whole communities can feel marginalized and oppressed, creating conditions for conflict.” “Appropriate laws and institutions are needed to manage differing needs and interests and to protect the rights of each individual.” “Much can be achieved through education, and mechanisms at the community level can be effective by promoting dialogue.” 

Mr. Annan will also draw attention to the worryingly high tolerance for violence which exists in many parts of Africa: “Violence towards those who are different from us, or who we disagree with is unacceptable, and has no place in healthy societies. We have to learn from each other, making our different traditions and cultures a source of harmony and strength.”  

Mr. Annan will call on leaders to be active in promoting justice, praising Archbishop Tutu as a role model. He says: “There is a crucial role here for Africa’s religious leaders in promoting tolerance and understanding of our common humanity. We need them, at every opportunity, to denounce violence, and discrimination, including on the grounds of gender and sexuality.”

Mr Annan will emphasise the importance of educational institutions in encouraging and empowering young people, especially young women, to take a leading role in bringing positive change and peace to future generations on the continent.”

Nobel Peace Prize winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu. (Photo: BBC)

Related articles and links:

http://kofiannanfoundation.org Kofi Annan Foundation

http://www.tutu.org/home/ The Desmond Tutu Peace Centre

http://www.theelders.org The Elders

http://kofiannanfoundation.org/global-commission-on-elections-democracy-and-security Report of the Global Commission on Elections, Democracy and Security – “Deepening Democracy”: September, 2012

Africa’s exits from ICC ‘Badge of shame’ – Annan (ethiopiaobservatory.com)

Lessons from Kofi Annan… (acupofteasolveseverything.wordpress.com)

Desmond Tutu: Invitation to My Birthday Party (huffingtonpost.com)