Gordon Brown takes a pot shot at opposition leaders in Cameroon....

Gordon Brown, makes his first appearance before the International Development Select committee yesterday, Tuesday 9 November , since stepping down as Prime Minister in May.

The International Development Committee questioned him about international efforts to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and his ideas for nurturing growth in Africa.

And when asked about African leaders, like Paul Biya in Cameroon and Robert Mugabe in Zimbabwe and others who serve more terms in power than they promise, <  I think it is very difficult for us to impose rule on African countries that we do not apply ourselves...>  the ex-prime minister told the International Development Select Committee.

The ex-prime minister answer here could and would spark major debate back in Cameroon and in Zimbabwe and Egypt and elsewhere where leaders in  power have changed or amended the constitution in order to stay longer in power and reduce efforts that opposition can use to take over the power.

By saying that it is very difficult for the British government to impose a rule on Africa countries, Gordon Brown open here a door for dictatorial government as the one in Cameroon to continue to torture and reduce efforts that the people has built after  long fights against those corrupt governments.

Even they cannot impose rules on then, there is another way those old empire could help for example with the use of economic sanctions. British officials and diplomats have appeared more focused on the potential economic gains between both countries rather than looking at the politics. It is a matter of strategical choice.

But the ex-prime minister did not mentioned a word sanction during his appearance at the select committee. Now Paul Biya and others could now have a real peace of mind that they do not have to be afraid as they  will not receive or expect any reaction or intimidation coming from Britain after the presidential election that obviously will be rigged anyway.

Brown answer could be viewed as an indication that foreign countries in a democratic African countries should not have to  interfere any more in internal political affairs and should let the people decide who they really want to rule their country. 

 And will opposition leaders in Cameroon and Zimbabwe learn from Barack Obama quote when he said < I think all of us have to fundamentally reject the notion that violence is a way to mediate our differences...>

But where there will be an outstanding and clear violation of human rights or even a rise on human rights abuses, then Britain will  react in his full capacity.