The late Levy Mwanawasa led the way in opening up discussion on governance issues on Zimbabwe. Africa Union has for over 45 years been shy to allow contrarian views under the pretext of non interference in internal affairs of member states.

African heads of state ought to emulate Mwanawasa by openly criticizing each other as a way of evaluation, rather than pretend to speak in one voice as their economies sink. The fact that Botswana’s President Seretse Ian Khama and Kenya’s Prime Minister Raila Odinga have followed suit heralds the dawn of a new era in Africa.

Despite being Chiluba's chosen successor and within months of taking office in 2002, Mwanawasa displeasure of graft saw him strip the former president of his immunity from prosecution for corruption. African leaders should stop riding on the footsteps of their predecessors even when they engage in activities that threaten their national interests.

Can African leaders  muster courage and conviction as the late Mwanawasa to better the continent? May he rest in peace.