The Interaction between Human Rights, Democracy and Governance and the Displacement of Populations

Abstract

At no other time in its post-independence history has Africa witnessed the sharp contradiction and confusing admixture of hope and despair. The ripples of vitality sent forth from South Africa appear to be canceled by the savagery of the Rwandese carnage. For every Malawi that votes out a demonic despot, there seems to be a Nigeria that blatantly rejects freedom. The catastrophic tragedies of nations once called Somalia and Liberia haunt Africa’s conscience, and the list continues. Despite a few bright spots, it is painfully true that even optimists cannot talk about this dear continent with a smile. The threat of political and economic extinction is only too real. It is the duty of Africans, the State as well as the citizens, to realize the promise of democratization, the one political device that can certainly reduce, if not eliminate altogether, the coerced movements of populations. But the OAU can play a pivotal role in the process. The only salvation for the continent, and the one sure cure for the problem of displacement, lies in governments that are freely elected, states that are accountable and transparent, and societies that respect human rights. Otherwise, Africa’s demise is inevitable.

Keywords: Human rights, Democracy, Governance, Displacement, States, OAU, Populations