Members of Parliament have expressed mixed reactions to the Libyan rebel advance to the capital Tripoli, indicating a near end to 42 years of Col. Muammar Gadaffi’s rule.
While some legislators see another exit of a leader who has over-stayed his welcome and therefore good for democracy, others express fears that Libya could become another failed state like Somalia and Iraq after the fall of Generals Siad Barre in 1991 and Saddam Hussein in 2003.
Media reports indicate that two of Gadaffi’s sons, Saif and Mohammed are in the rebel hands, while Col. Gaddafi himself has reportedly gone into hiding. The rebel forces now reportedly control over 80 percent of Tripoli, with widespread celebrations and jubilation by residents across the capital.
Reacting to the development, MPs from both the opposition and ruling NRM party said the main lesson from Gaddafi’s ouster is a call to all African leaders to open up to genuine democracy and avoid open rule in their countries.
The opposition said this is a fresh opportunity to demand for restoration of the presidential term limits in Uganda’s constitution.
Kawempe North MP, Latif Ssebaggala said that Gaddafi’s overthrow is an indication that no dictator can rule for ever because as human beings they will one day leave power. He said it’s important they leave peacefully instead of being forced out.
But his Kaberamaido County counterpart, Dr. Kenneth Omona predicts more bloodshed in Libya similar to what has gone on in Iraq following the toppling of the Saddam Hussein regime. He says the type of democracy being fronted by the West may no necessarily work in Libya just like it has not worked in Arab countries whose leaders have been forced out power.
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Onyango Kakoba, the Bwikwe North MP described the Libyan situation as a call to our leaders to open up to more genuine democracy, where the will of the people is respected. But he cautioned against foreign power leading the campaign to force Gaddafi out of power, arguing that this would most likely lead to more rebellion.
Mike Sebalu, a member of the East African Legislative Assembly said he was afraid Libya could degenerate into tribal violence given the numerous tribes in the country that may go after each other, leading to a Somali-like situation.
But Hussein Kyanjo, sounding more sympathetic for the achievements of Gaddafi said that it was unfortunate that he started out as a great development-oriented pan African leader, but later changed and began to trust more in using military might to perpetuate his long stay in power against the people’s wishes.
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