The news of the Malian's military intervention in her politics calls for a critical assessment on the need for African leaders to respect the tenets of what democracy represents: which is respecting the constitutional provisions of what governs the society in question and the wishes of the governed.

Events leading the overthrow of the government of Mali clearly shows how arrogant African leaders can be having to listen to the people's demands, of which Ecowas turned a blind eye but are now crying foul as one of their member is overthrow.

Nearby Cote'di'voire have presented to us another case study where the leader openly stated his intentions to go against the constitutional provisions of the country to go for a third term later this year. Even though it is argued that France is the power nudging him on, why can't he learn from history of leaders such as Nelson Mandela and GEJ who resisted such pressures by respecting the laws/peace of the land and putting their respective country above their personal whims & cravings.

In summary, I strongly believe it's high time we began seeing the military in Africa as the alternative way of disposing any democratic government that veers off or refuses to honour its allotted constitutional mandate...

What's your take?