Nairobi Star (Nairobi)
4 August 2011
editorial
The sight of the ailing, wheelchair-bound ousted Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in a court yesterday must be sending shivers down the spines of some African leaders.
Mubarak is charged with involvement in the killing of protestors and allowing his Interior minister to use live ammunition against demonstrators. If convicted, the man who only months ago wielded supreme power and authority will be sentenced to death. His court appearance heralds hope for other countries in the continent who have and continue to suffer from the whims of the few remaining Big Men and their huge retinues of sycophants.
It is a measure of Egypt’s determination to adopt and adhere to democratic rule and good governance that recognise that nobody is above the law – including former presidents! Seeing the former president – albeit an ailing one – and his two sons facing prosecution should go a long way in opening the eyes of those who have considered themselves above the law. It is a short and sharp blow to impunity which resonates with citizens of so many countries including Kenya. It should serve as a wake-up call to those of our leaders who believe they can get away with acting against the will of the people.
Quote of the day: “If you ask what jazz is, you’ll never know” – Louis Armstrong nicknamed Satchmo or Pops, a leading trumpeter and one of the greatest artists in jazz history, was born on August 4, 1901, in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
AllAfrica – All the Time
Taken from:
Mubarak’s Trial a Warning to Africa