A wind of change is sweeping Africa. It started with Zimbabwe’s military asking President Robert Mugabe to resign. Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Hailemariam Desalegn, recently resigned following civil unrest against oppression. South Africa’s president, Jacob Zuma, was forced to step down following allegations of massive corruption under his watch.

African leaders who are marginalising their citizens, shunning accountability, manipulating state resources to benefit a few and ignoring the electorate should read the signs of the times.

African countries need not to reach the level where citizens are pushed to the wall – hence making them to throw caution to the wind and hit back in their own style. Constructive dialogue among all stakeholders – authorities, opposition, media and civil society – will allow for a peaceful and durable resolution of the crisis.