The state of democratic rule on the African continent

Recently, military coups have been sweeping the African continent, and surprisingly, they seem to be overwhelmingly supported by the populations of the nations experiencing them, and indeed, the entire region. This sentiment is largely understandable: many civilian regimes have been riddled with corruption, incompetence, and impotence. Yet, when seeking a genuine democracy that upholds rights and freedoms, why settle for the false promise of a full-blown dictatorship instead of demanding the true, unadulterated original?

As an African, I am often aghast at the sight of my fellow citizens rooting for authoritarianism. The disappointment with civilian governments masquerading as democracies is palpable, but the solution should not be to replace a flawed system with a far worse one. Democracy is not about adopting a Western way of life; it’s about preserving human dignity. It ensures that everyone has a voice in the process of selecting their leaders, a fundamental right that no decent human should want to forfeit.

Who would prefer to have leaders imposed upon them, denying them any say in their governance? Yet, it is disheartening to see some Africans fighting tenaciously to have that right revoked, effectively inviting authoritarian figures to trample on their human rights and civil liberties. It is perplexing that anyone would willingly choose leaders who have no regard for their opinions or well-being.

Some defend autocrats because they believe these dictators have brought development, such as roads and bridges. But why debase ourselves by accepting a trade-off between democracy and development? It is entirely possible to have both: a thriving democracy and robust infrastructure. Autocracy is despicable, and no one should champion it as a shining example for our continent.

We must recognise that Africans are both the problem and the solution to our challenges. Waiting for an external saviour has never helped anyone. The way out of our predicament does not include entrenching autocracy, no matter how disappointed we are with hybrid regimes that falsely claim to be democratic.

Instead, we must strive for a democracy that truly represents our interests and values. We must demand accountability from our leaders, fight corruption, and ensure that our voices are heard. It is up to us to build a future where democracy flourishes and development thrives, hand in hand.

Africans deserve leaders who respect their rights and work for their benefit. Leaders should be accountable to their people, prioritising the welfare and aspirations of the citizens above all else. We must reject the false allure of authoritarianism, which promises quick fixes but ultimately erodes our freedoms and undermines our potential. Instead, we should stand firm in our pursuit of genuine democracy, one that is inclusive, transparent, and just.

Our dignity demands that we refuse to be silenced or oppressed by those who seek to consolidate power for their own gain. Our future hinges on our ability to create systems of governance that reflect our values and aspirations, fostering environments where every individual can thrive. Democracy, despite its imperfections, offers the best framework for achieving these goals. It allows for dialogue, dissent, and the peaceful transfer of power, which are essential for sustainable progress.

Moreover, our humanity is intrinsically linked to our capacity for self-determination and collective decision-making. By embracing democratic principles, we affirm our worth as individuals and as a community. We send a clear message that we are not willing to sacrifice our rights for the illusion of stability or development. Instead, we commit to building societies where every voice is heard, every right is protected, and every person has the opportunity to contribute to the common good.

In the face of challenges, we must draw strength from our shared history of resilience and resistance. We have overcome adversity before, and we can do so again. By uniting in our resolve to uphold democratic ideals, we pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future for all Africans. Let us reject autocracy in all its forms and champion the cause of democracy with unwavering determination. Our dignity, our future, and our very humanity depend on it.