Africans' frustration with governance: A call for reform
A recent survey has revealed a startling trend: Most Africans would support military coups to remove ineffective or corrupt leaders.
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According to Africa Briefing, the survey conducted by Afrobarometer reveals that "More than half of Africans express a willingness to tolerate military intervention when elected leaders abuse power for their ends."
This finding highlights the growing frustration with poor governance and the appeal of military interventions in Africa. The survey's results are a stark reminder of the disconnect between citizens and their governments, with many Africans feeling that democratic institutions have failed to address their basic needs and concerns.
This disillusionment and desperation are evident in recent events across the continent. Military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have ousted democratically elected governments, often citing corruption and mismanagement as justification. The coups that took place in Mali in 2020, Burkina Faso in 2022, and Niger in July 2023 appear to act as a combined catalyst for this trend.
Social media discussions, especially among the youth, show a fascination bordering on attraction for the coup leaders. Self-justifying information from those countries depicts their leaders as honourable and dedicated patriots who are dealing a death blow to imperialism. In the case of the “Alliance of Sahel States” formed by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, ousting French colonial institutions has been sufficient to generate enthusiasm among their people further fuelling the appeal of military interventions.
The survey reports that “economic hardships, political instability, and lack of trust in democratic institutions are driving this (anti-democracy) sentiment.”
The evidence supporting this analysis is overwhelming and takes many forms. Economic hardships such as high unemployment rates and inflation, coupled with political instability, including frequent changes in leadership and lack of effective governance, have been evident through protests in many countries and the shifting of democratic persuasions in elections.
The recent youth protests in Kenya highlight a continental trend in which young people demand responses from their government on a myriad of issues. For example, the youth protests in Kenya, which began on a specific issue of parliamentary legislation that was perceived as undermining democratic principles, were widened to include demands for action on corruption, unemployment and economic inequality, among others.
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In South Africa, the loss of the African National Congress (ANC) majority in that country's elections was interpreted widely as a sign of disaffection with the party's handling of corruption and economic stagnation.
In Ghana, there are fears openly expressed that the 2024 elections may see a reduced turnout because of disaffection with democracy and its institution at a time of economic hardship.
The truth is that, despite the widespread adoption of democracy in Africa in the last three decades, the continent continues to grapple with pervasive corruption, unemployment, economic stagnation and a lack of opportunities.
The fiery struggles of the 1980s, which led to the democratisation of many African countries, were expected to usher in a new era of accountability, transparency and economic growth. However, reality has been far from this ideal.
Corruption, in particular, remains a significant obstacle to Africa's development. According to Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index, many African countries continue to rank among the most corrupt in the world.
In many African countries, corruption has become endemic, with widespread bribery, embezzlement and cronyism undermining trust in government and stifling economic growth.
Unemployment remains a major challenge, with many African countries struggling to create jobs for their rapidly growing youth populations. In South Africa, for example, the unemployment rate has remained stubbornly high, with over 30 per cent of the workforce unable to find employment.
Similarly, in Nigeria, the unemployment rate has risen to over 25 per cent, with many young people forced to rely on informal employment or entrepreneurship to make ends meet.
Economic stagnation is another issue that has plagued many African countries. Despite the continent's vast natural resources and economic potential, many countries have struggled to sustain economic growth.
In countries such as Ghana and Zambia, economic growth has been hindered by a reliance on primary commodities, while in others, like South Africa, economic growth has been stifled by corruption and policy uncertainty.
The lack of opportunities remains a significant challenge for many Africans. Access to education and health care remains limited in most countries, while in others, restrictions on civil liberties and political freedoms have hindered citizens' ability to participate in the political process.
The Afrobarometer survey's best interpretation is that despite the progress made in some areas, much work remains to be done to ensure that democracy delivers for the people of Africa.
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However, it also underscores the potential benefits of democracy, which offers accountability, representation, stability and economic growth. This hopeful perspective can inspire the citizens to advocate for democratic reform.
Even in these difficult circumstances, we should not throw out the baby with the bath water. In contrast to democracy, military coups often perpetuate a cycle of instability and human rights abuses and undermine democratic institutions.
This stark contrast can help the citizens to appreciate the value of democratic governance. One primary reason democracy stands out as the better option is its ability to provide a peaceful transfer of power.
In democratic systems, leaders are elected through free and fair elections, ensuring power is handed over smoothly and without violence. This contrasts sharply with coups, which often involve bloodshed, displacement and human rights abuses.
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Moreover, democracy fosters accountability and good governance. Elected officials are answerable to their citizens, who can hold them accountable for their actions through various mechanisms, including the ballot box and civil society. In contrast, coup leaders often rule with impunity, ignoring the needs and concerns of the people.
To address the root causes of discontent, governments must strengthen democratic institutions, ensure free and fair elections and deliver essential services to citizens.
This includes investing in education, health care, and infrastructure and creating jobs and economic opportunities. Furthermore, governments must prioritise anti-corruption efforts, increase transparency and engage with citizens to understand their concerns.
The Afrobarometer survey's findings are a call to action for African leaders to reform and deliver. Failure to do so may lead to further instability and the erosion of democratic gains.
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The time for change is now. African leaders must heed this call and prioritise governance reform, or risk losing the trust of their citizens and undermining the democratic progress made in recent years.
The survey's findings highlight the urgent need for governance reform in Africa. Citizens are frustrated with the status quo and seek alternatives, including military interventions.
However, democracy offers a better path forward, providing accountability, representation, stability and economic growth. African leaders must prioritise reform, and the international community must support these efforts to ensure democracy is delivered to the people of Africa.