Mugabe and Africans struggle with democracy

Africa has struggled with democracy and whether we have made progress or not depends on who you talk to. The continent is littered with dictators who have evolved into notorious despots snd even in parts where it seems democracy may have taken root we continue to have loud noises about the candidates that won. North Africa which has not always been seen as Africa by many  was laid bare with the Arab spring. The murder of Gaddaffi has left Libya in ruins.  Even in countries like Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya and Zimbabwe where democracy has been going on for a little while, the credibility of the election process is in question and questionable candidates continue to find their way to lofty offices in their country. Nigeria carries the medal in this regard.

Democracy in its theoretical form is beautiful and has been tinkered and improved upon in the West to an admirable level. The challenge is the fact that it works for those who are fairly united behind the progress of their country and who are prepared to lay down individual interests for  better and superior collective interests. This is not always the case in many countries and certainly not in Africa historically. We have to remind ourselves that there are other forms of  governance apart from democracy; Monarchy, Socialism,  Communism. This write up will not go into the merits and demerits of these forms but suffice enough to state democracy is not the only form of governance albeit the most successful especially with the Caucasians. The innate ability of the Caucasian to unite in the face of outside opposition is legendary and their collective desire to improve their countries is unmatched. Many have done what was required including destabilising others in order to protect what they have. This is how democracy has thrived not just because of will of the majority but the willingness to disrupt any threat, real or perceived.

This year,China will become the richest and the most influential in the world and yet not a democracy. In the midst of all criticisms, they make it work for them.

When I was in primary school, we were made to memorise the names of African Presidents, now in my 50s and some are still there and others died on the throne. The fact they stayed long would not have bothered me if they left a legacy of  development and better well being for their people..

Africa was conquered and still being dominated by others largely because of disunity. This disunity has threatened almost everything including governance: so when an official is indicted for corruption, he Marshalls his tribe and turns it into a tribal war. This has impeded progress on the continent.

I have always questioned the fact that democracy will work in Africa largely due to our constitution as a people, we all often have an opinion about everything and often too hot headed to defer to others for the collective good. We often major on our differences and still operate as tribes. Democracy may work ultimately but it will take generations in many countries on the continent.

Mugabe is no news to me because there are a few others still leading for decades and keeping quiet so as to remain invisible.

In my lifetime, I have experienced two regimes that had something that would have rapidly developed my country Nigeria but unfortunately, they were both short lived and were not voted for.

My recipe for most of  Africa, either a progressive monarchy or a benevolent dictatorship. There is something about democracy not quite working for my people. Blessings.