Open Letter to Dr Richard Sezibera, the Secretary General of the East African Community

Dear Sir,

Even before I congratulate you on your recent ascension to the helm of the East African Community, allow me to register my disappointment in your first few days in office.

The high hopes that I had in your leadership are sagging. Indications are pointing towards maintaining the EAC’s hands-off attitude on matters of regional concern that involve member states.

Days after Uganda President Yoweri Museveni meted out excessive force on opposition leader Kizza Besigye and other dissenting voices in the country, you and your organisation have remained loudly silent. This is despite Mr Besigye suffering serious injuries at the hands of police.

Probably, I could be writing from a point of ignorance on the workings of diplomacy; or I might just be plain impatient, but I believe your leadership and youthfulness offers an opportunity to change the way of doing things in the EAC.

I have a lot of faith in the EAC. I believe we are the bloc to watch in Africa, economically speaking. However, all these gains could be eroded if respect for the rule of law is not upheld in the region.

Sir, I submit to you that the first step towards ensuring this is done is by speaking out against atrocities such as the ones being witnessed in Uganda. As Africans, we are fond of saying that we have the solutions to our problems. How is this, if we cannot condemn wrongdoing in our midst?

It is by taking strong positions on such issues of regional importance that the EAC would build its image and credibility among citizens. Then awareness of the existence of EAC would stop being a concern.

By keeping quiet, you make it look as if you are in agreement with what the Ugandan government is doing.

I leave you with the words of a wise sage of yore, who said: ‘Evil triumphs when good men (and women) keep quiet’.

Thank you for the time.

Angry East African