Fighting for Peace and Democracy in Africa - a case of either - 'damned if we do and damned if we don't' or 'it's the right thing to do and it's in our own best interests!

Peace and democracy on the African Continent is desired by many but extreme Islamist forces are relentless in their endeavors to destabilize and take control.

South Africa does not want to hide from its responsibility to promote and support democracy in Africa but standing up to opposing Islamist forces is costly.  For me it is in our interests and it does seem like the right thing to do - but the cost is significant!

It is entirely reasonable to ask whether we can afford to get so involved - it is also entirely reasonable to ask whether we can afford not to?

The Islamist threat is great and I personally see no option but to join those who understand what is at stake.

While I say this I am also acutely aware that Germany for example, manages to avoid getting involved in other people's battles - and certainly reaps the budgetary benefits - so - how realistic would it be to think South Africa could do the same?

The question on my head is - are we not certain to fight extreme Islamists on our borders and in our own cities if we do not manage to contain them elsewhere in Africa?

French President Francois Hollande’s state visit to South Africa on 14 and 15 October, happened the day before, French foreign minister Laurent Fabius announced that France would increase its troop number to try to restore order in Central African Republic (CAR).

In a press conference with Hollande, President Zuma said ‘we have committed ourselves' and are 'ready to be part of the solution to help CAR come back to its normality’.

In the meantime The United Nations (UN) has appealed for more troops and helicopters so its peacekeeping mission in Mali can effectively stabilize the north of the country and protect civilians from attacks by Islamist extremist and armed groups.

Tuareg separatists and Islamist rebels seized three northern regions, last year following a March 2012 coup and a successful seven-month campaign by France to destroy the Islamist enclave killed hundreds of fighters linked to al Qaeda.

Democracy - is about choices - and all choices come with consequences - both positive and negative.  For me this means that we have to decide - what will bring the greatest good for the greatest number and do the
least harm all round.  Another way of saying that could be 'is it the right thing to do and it is in our best interests'?