The bid by South Africa, Kenya and Mozambique to break the LRA / Uganda government impasse that has seen two decades of civil war in northern Uganda is welcome news for Africa.

It is expected of the government; the rebels and peace envoys to exercise reason, lay aside emotions and get to the root of the grievances. If indeed the rebels are marginalized, persecuted and used as scapegoats by government agents, this should come to light. If an unseen hand has been driving their operations, this should be addressed.

In the same vein,  Kenya ought to shun mere rhetoric and get to the root of clashes that have seen over 150 people killed in Mt. Elgon District (some in the vicinity of a police post and District Commissioner’s residence) and 45 000 displaced. The old maxim applies here: “remove the log in your eye before you see the speck in someone else’s eye.”

Economic growth, alleviation of poverty and eradication of ignorance cannot be achieved in an environment where schools are closed, hospitals deserted, property destroyed, farms abandoned and entire populations displaced or maimed. It is imperative that African countries put in place mechanisms that will spur development and stop patronizing unrest for political mileage.