Democracy’s Travails in Africa

While African politics remains volatile and complex, the thaw of the cold war ushered in a new era marked by the collapse of authoritarian regimes and democratization. There was a hope that the new political systems would institute legal and political accountability. However, the early euphoria gave way to bitter disappointment after incumbent regimes refused to relinquish power. It then became obvious that democracy’s fate on the continent was in doubt at best. Concern over their own fate led some dictators to hold onto their power. Clearly, the international community seems to be pleased, genuinely in some instances, with Africa’s nascent democracies, under the assumption that a new democratic dawn will take the continent out of despair and poverty. However, if Africa’s past is any guide, democracy’s road will be long and painful. Although there is room for cautious optimism, the realities of Africa’s political conundrum and economic plight, coupled with foreign powers’ interests on the continent, might undermine democratic efforts in Africa. These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.