Ivory Coast – Obese Government
After he, decisively supported by the UN-troops ousted his rival Laurent Gbagbo, the rightful president of
Ivory Coast Mr. Ouattara is now acceded to power. His newly presented cabinet features the astonishing number of 36 minsters. A figure so impressive that it is understandable that Ouattara had trouble to find enough distinguished tasks for all of them. There is for example a minister for urbanization and construction as well as another for accommodation. Similarly it is hardly comprehensible to the observer why there is need for a minister of agriculture and one for animal production or why Ivory Coast needs a ministry for
Human Rights in addition to the ministry of Justice. For explanations one needs to change perspective. Contrary to the boring, efficiency-oriented way of governing, Ouattara is not seeking to administer his country in the first place but the loyalty of his supports. For, what good is it to have an efficient government, when you quickly loose your power base because of neglecting their needs? And they having been waiting for years in unwavering support cannot be simply consoled with a bottle of wine; a ministry is the least they deserve. True, ministers, especially in great numbers come at a cost. In order to do justice to the significance of their function, they need appropriate housing, cars, staff, etc. However the state, in the overlying interest of power consolidation and stability must not be stingy.
Noteworthy! Under these circumstances it will be very hard to create an efficient and transparent government – another chapter in the history of inglorious African leaders. Actually it is almost like a dream come true story for far right partiers, aiming at persuading their public scarred stiff of foreigners of giving up on Africa. Nevertheless, they are wrong and fail to recognize the significant recent positive development in Africa and its undoubtedly rising economic and demographic importance. Reducing our commitment now would be just as shortsighted as presenting an almost 40 ministers strong, inefficient and expensive government in a plundered and war torn country.
Source: Courrier International
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