adminThe Rhodesia Herald, December 6, 1965
NAIROBI. — Kenya’s Foreign Minister, Mr J. Murumbi said in a newspaper interview published here today that the best solution for the Rhodesian problem would have been if Britain could have imposed a new Constitution which could have given Africans at least a 50 percent representation in Parliament.
The interview appears in today’s Sunday Nation.
Mr Murumbi said such a Constitution would have the effect of inducing “diehards” to leave while it would have made it much easier for those who wanted to stay and were prepared to co-operate with Africans.
Mr Murumbi continued: “The next stage, within a year or two would have been a new Constitution giving Africans independence.”
The Minister said he felt that had Britain indicated “in some measure that she would use force, I don’t think Smith would have gone as far as he did.
But the moment Smith was sure that Britain was not going to use force, he declared independence unilaterally.”— Iana-Reuter.
LESSONS FOR TODAY
By advocating for a constitution that guaranteed African representation, Murumbi highlights the importance of inclusivity in governance.
Historically, African populations were significantly underrepresented in legislative bodies, which perpetuated systemic disparities and exclusion.
Various nations have faced similar dilemmas regarding minority rule and majority rights. In many cases, negotiated settlements or imposed frameworks have led to more peaceful transitions when they included provisions for fair representation.
Murumbi’s statement encapsulated a vision for resolving the Rhodesian crisis through constitutional reform aimed at enhancing African political power while potentially easing tensions with entrenched interests resistant to change.
Online Reporter