On June 13th and July 5th, 2021, I wrote two articles for Plot Politics. The first one titled “Military Coups as an Alternative to Political Transition in Africa” touched on the prevalence of military coups as a viable avenue for political change in Africa. I anchored my discussion on the coup in Mali. My analysis revealed that military takeovers have increasingly become a favoured recourse when civilian leaders flout presidential term limits and endeavour to cling to power by manipulating the constitution. The article shed light on the contributing factors to military interventions, encompassing elements such as dictatorial regimes, corruption, financial mismanagement, tribalism, and political turbulence. I underscored the influence of the quality of democracy and governance in Africa as contributors to the facilitation of military coups. Consequences stemming from such coups, spanning their negative impact on political systems, economies, and overall development, were also acknowledged.
My argument asserted that military coups might persist as a valid political transition mechanism in Africa unless due respect is accorded to constitutional term limits, conflicts are curtailed, and economic advancement is promoted. Overall, the article dissected the intricate dynamics surrounding military coups in Africa, meticulously analysing their impact on political stability and development and proposing potential remedies while accounting for the variables influencing their occurrence.
In the second article titled “Is Representative Democracy the Best Option for Africa?” I tackled the viability of representative democracy in Africa’s governance. Acknowledging the ongoing debate since the post-colonial era in the 1960s, I navigated the complexities, often mirroring the political philosophies of former colonial powers resulting from Africa’s colonial history. The article reiterated concerns over presidential term limits, noting that even established democracies wrestle with overextensions. Scrutinising the effectiveness of elections in Africa, I probed issues like voter apathy, educational deficits, and doubts surrounding the integrity of electoral processes. These challenges culminate in democratic deficits that lead to governments out of sync with the majority’s needs. My exploration ventured into the relationship between economic growth and democratic governance, challenging the presumption that economic progress inherently propels democratic development.
Navigating the intricate interplay of historical context and the pragmatic execution of democratic ideals, I unravelled the complexity underpinning Africa’s governance choices. I interrogated the interplay between development and democracy, examining the historical actions of advanced democracies like colonisation and slavery that cast shadows on their democratic credentials. Concluding the article, I maintained that while representative democracy remains an aspirational model for Africa, it might not be the singularly optimal choice. Instead, I advocated for a governance framework, whether civilian or military, that fosters development while upholding human rights, transparency, the rule of law, and freedoms.
Remarkably, just a little over two years after writing these articles, the very predictions and theories I advanced have materialised with a series of military coups witnessed in Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea-Conakry, and today, Gabon. The recurrence of military coups in Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea-Conakry, and Gabon serves as a vivid validation of the arguments I put forth in my first article regarding the prevalence of military interventions as responses to political challenges. I find it intriguing how I linked these occurrences to a burgeoning consciousness aimed at challenging neocolonial structures. This echoes a recurring motif in African politics, wherein the echoes of historical legacies and perceptions of foreign influence wield a profound impact on the domestic political landscape.
As the discourse around the suitability of representative democracy in Africa persists, the enduring obstacles and the emergence of new trends, as I previously highlighted, emphasise the intricate nature of the governance decisions that African countries confront. It is evident that a one-size-fits-all solution does not exist, and the unique historical, cultural, and socio-economic contexts of each country must be thoughtfully considered when evaluating various governance pathways.
It's remarkable to witness how my articles’ insights and perspectives continue to resonate amidst the unfolding events. The intricate relationship between development, democracy, and historical context remains a multifaceted subject, continuously explored and debated within the realms of political science and international relations.
Recognising that shifts in governance structures can yield both positive and negative outcomes, I am intrigued to see how these trends will further evolve. The trajectory they take will offer insights into whether they contribute to novel forms of political stability and development or present challenges to established orders across the continent. It is also crucial to contemplate the roles played by domestic stakeholders, international partners, and civil society in shaping these trajectories.
Sharing this update on my articles and the observations I have made in light of recent events underscores the importance of ongoing engagement with these intricate issues. It is a testament to the necessity of consistently delving into these complex matters to gain a deeper understanding of the intricate dynamics of political transitions and governance, not only in Africa but on a global scale.
On June 13th and July 5th, 2021, I wrote two articles for Plot Politics. The first one, titled "Military Coups as an Alternative to Political Transition in Africa," delved into the prevalence of military coups as a viable avenue for political change in Africa. I anchored my discussion on the coup in Mali. My analysis revealed that military takeovers have increasingly become a preferred recourse when civilian leaders flout presidential term limits and endeavour to cling to power by manipulating the constitution. The article shed light on the contributing factors to military interventions, encompassing elements such as dictatorial regimes, corruption, financial mismanagement, tribalism, and political turbulence. I underscored the influence of the quality of democracy and governance in Africa as contributors to the facilitation of military coups. Consequences stemming from such coups, spanning their negative impact on political systems, economies, and overall development, were also acknowledged.
My argument asserted that military coups might persist as a valid political transition mechanism in Africa unless due respect is accorded to constitutional term limits, conflicts are curtailed, and economic advancement is promoted. Overall, the article dissected the intricate dynamics surrounding military coups in Africa, meticulously analysing their impact on political stability and development and proposing potential remedies while accounting for the variables influencing their occurrence.
In the second article, titled "Is Representative Democracy the Best Option for Africa? I tackled the viability of representative democracy in Africa’s governance. Acknowledging the ongoing debate since the post-colonial era in the 1960s, I navigated the complexities, often mirroring the political philosophies of former colonial powers resulting from Africa’s colonial history. The article reiterated concerns over presidential term limits, noting that even established democracies wrestle with overextensions. Examining the effectiveness of elections in Africa, I probed issues like voter apathy, educational deficits, and doubts surrounding the integrity of electoral processes. These challenges culminate in democratic deficits that lead to governments out of sync with the majority’s needs. My exploration ventured into the relationship between economic growth and democratic governance, challenging the presumption that economic progress inherently propels democratic development.
Navigating the intricate interplay of historical context and the pragmatic execution of democratic ideals, I unravelled the complexity underpinning Africa’s governance choices. I interrogated the interplay between development and democracy, examining the historical actions of advanced democracies like colonisation and slavery that cast shadows on their democratic credentials. Concluding the article, I maintained that while representative democracy remains an aspirational model for Africa, it might not be the singularly optimal choice. Instead, I advocated for a governance framework, whether civilian or military, that fosters development while upholding human rights, transparency, the rule of law, and freedoms.
Remarkably, just a little over two years after writing these articles, the very predictions and theories I advanced have materialised with a series of military coups witnessed in Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea-Conakry, and today, Gabon. The recurrence of military coups in Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea-Conakry, and Gabon serves as a vivid validation of the arguments I put forth in my first article regarding the prevalence of military interventions as responses to political challenges. I find it intriguing how I linked these occurrences to a burgeoning consciousness aimed at challenging neocolonial structures. This echoes a recurring motif in African politics, wherein the echoes of historical legacies and perceptions of foreign influence wield a profound impact on the domestic political landscape.
As the discourse around the suitability of representative democracy in Africa persists, the enduring obstacles and the emergence of new trends, as I previously highlighted, emphasise the intricate nature of the governance decisions that African countries confront. It is evident that a one-size-fits-all solution does not exist, and the unique historical, cultural, and socio-economic contexts of each country must be thoughtfully considered when evaluating various governance pathways.
It's remarkable to witness how my articles’ insights and perspectives continue to resonate amidst the unfolding events. The intricate relationship between development, democracy, and historical context remains a multifaceted subject, continuously explored and debated within the realms of political science and international relations.
Recognising that shifts in governance structures can yield both positive and negative outcomes, I am intrigued to see how these trends will further evolve. The trajectory they take will offer insights into whether they contribute to novel forms of political stability and development or present challenges to established orders across the continent. It is also crucial to contemplate the roles played by domestic stakeholders, international partners, and civil society in shaping these trajectories.
Sharing this update on my articles and the observations I have made in light of recent events underscores the importance of ongoing engagement with these intricate issues. It is a testament to the necessity of consistently delving into these complex matters to gain a deeper understanding of the intricate dynamics of political transitions and governance, not only in Africa but on a global scale.