I believe that the arrest of Gbagbo is a good thing, sending a strong message to the world that the days of dictators who commit crimes against humanity are numbered. Gbagbo was arrested today by pro-Ouattara rebels strengthened by the actions of French forces. The French presence on the street and the bombing of Gbagbo's location helped to disperse pro-Gbagbo forces, clearing the way for Gbagbo's arrest. By not standing by and allowing further atrocities to occur France has sent a message that the democratic process started in 1990 is important to the Western power.
However, should the UN and foreign forces get involved in these conflicts? Both the French and the UN have claimed they were not part of the push to arrest Gbagbo, the bombings and the vehicles flying the French flag in the streets were what, a Coincidence?
Reading the timeline of the democratic process and civil war in the Ivory Coast, one has to wonder if anymore could have been done? It seems to be a mess of one bully after another ignoring the people's democratic voice and seizing power by force.
The UN and France both have been in the area trying to help enforce the 2003 peace treaty with a limited force. It does not look like the UN mandate was strong enough to force the peace treaty, especially considering that it took 5 years to call the democratic election the treaty promised. Then when the results were not in his favor Gbagbo delayed leaving office and another conflict resulted.
In the 1990's the UN did not support their troops on the ground while people were being slaughtered around them, now 20 years later they still want to sit and watch? What is their purpose if not to ensure peace in the World? If the UN chooses to be ineffective should it still be in existence? Considering the resources that countries send to finance the UN, it should be effective at something. It may be time for taxpayers to demand a return for their tax dollar investment.
The people of the Ivory Coast voted for Ouattara, yet Gbagbo stayed in control of the country. The UN had declared Ouattara winner of the election and did nothing to oust Gbagbo. Could the fighting of the last year been avoided if the UN had stepped up and supported Ouattara and his government by ousting Gbagbo?
If the UN is going to the expense and trouble of overseeing a democratic election it should follow through to ensure the results of that election are enforced. The UN will only do what it's member states are willing to do and the political leadership of the member states will only ask for what its people want it to. In other words, if you want to end conflict and crimes against humanity in the world, you have to ask your leaders to.
We can have a voice, isn't that what democracy is all about? We can say enough is enough by writing letters, signing petitions, volunteering or just receiving newsletters from organizations like, oxfam, enough, and amnesty international. Your voice although small, when added to other voices becomes a booming noise from the Western Countries and that my friend, will make all the difference in the world.
So many of us watch the news, think oh that is horrible, turn the channel and forget. What does that say about us? I know we are busy people trying to get ahead in this world however, we can't forget our own humanity along the way.
Have any other ideas about how to help put an end to Crimes Against Humanity?
What now for Gbagbo? Should he face charges at the ICC or be judged by the new Ivory Coast government? Should he be executed or languish in jail? What are your thoughts about what should happen now?
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