This semester, we have learned of the many issues that plague African nations such as, negative stereotypes, corrupt African governance and many more. Even though there are many faults with Africa as a whole, we have gained knowledge of the many great things about the continent that is often over looked. We have gained more awareness of Africa’s rich history, its beautiful landscape’s, and its emergence as a growing economic contender. As I have just stated there are so many great things happening in Africa that goes unnoticed because of the blanket of negativity that covers the continent. Today I will pull part of this blanket of the continent my shedding light on a great event that occurred last year which many of us know nothing about in Botswana. Botswana was reported to be the best governed country in Africa last year in June 2013. In my view this awarded title holds so much meaning for Africa and its potential.
Last year, The 2013 Positive Peace Index (PPI) reported and ranked Botswana the best governed country in Africa. Out of 125 countries, Botswana a tiny country hidden in the mist of mighty South Africa ranked 41. These countries were measured against eight governance categories including issues such as “a well-functioning government, good relations with neighbors, free flow of information, respect for human rights and low level of corruption.” Other African nations that followed Botswana in rank were Namibia at 51, South Africa at 53, Ghana at 55, and Tunisia at 58. What I found truly astonishing, was that the Global peace index placed Botswana at 32 out of 162 countries in the world. This is such an amazing feat because Botswana was ranked above more than half of European regions.
Furthermore, It is amazing that a tiny country such as Botswana has a stronger governance and aptitude of peace than five of the most prominent members of the United Nations Security Council including the United Kingdom at 44, France at 53, United States of America 99, China 101, and Russia 155. It is important to note that, the Global Peace Index is kept by the Institute for Economics and Peace and is developed by an international panel of experts with data collected and analyzed by the Economist intelligence Unit. The data collected from the various nations are comprised of “22 qualitative and quantitative quantitative indicators from respected sources, which combine internal and external factors, ranging from a country’s military expenditure in relation to its neighbors and level of respect for human rights.” These indicators were chosen by a global board of academic, business, philanthropic and peace institutions.
Botswana’s capability to govern its country peacefully and its ability to maintain a stable economy shows what can be done when a country has strong leadership and a vision. If other African nations are able to follow in the footsteps of Botswana, the continent as a whole can lift the blanket of negativity that swaddles it. Botswana has outperformed European nations that have set the standards of “peace” and continues to flourish. A few months ago I would have never believed that an African nation has better governance and was more peaceful than the United States. It is sad to say but even as an African, I had a very myopic view of Africa. This finding and many of the lessons learned in class has shown me that Africa is emerging, slowly but surely the continent will grow. It will take a new breed of leaders who are less corrupt and truly want to positively change their individual nations. When individual nations in Africa do well the continent as a whole will take a step into being the great continent it was truly meant to be.
source:http://www.dailynews.gov.bw/news-details.php?nid=3440
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