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Africa's Democratic Woes: A Stark Warning from Olusegun Obasanjo

Let me paint you a picture. Imagine a continent brimming with potential, rich in culture and history, yet grappling with a governance system that seems disconnected from its very essence. That’s the reality Former President Olusegun Obasanjo laid bare during a recent event. Speaking at the 60th birthday colloquium of Emeka Ihedioha, the former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Obasanjo didn’t mince words. He warned that democracy in Africa isn’t just faltering—it’s on its deathbed, suffocated by its detachment from the continent’s core values and realities.

The Governance Gap: A System That Leaves Many Behind

Obasanjo delved deep into the heart of the issue, painting a vivid picture of Africa’s current governance system. Picture this: leaders who exploit their positions, grabbing everything they can through illegal and corrupt means, all while telling the people to seek justice in courts they know are inaccessible. This, according to Obasanjo, is the harsh reality facing many African nations today. It’s a system that serves the few at the expense of the many, where true democracy—government for all—is nowhere to be found.

Democracy Should Reflect African Traditions, Not Western Ideals

Here’s the kicker: Obasanjo believes that for democracy to thrive in Africa, it must be rooted in the continent’s traditions and values, not a carbon copy of Western liberal democracy. He passionately argued that true democracy should serve everyone, not just a privileged elite. “If you’re talking about democracy failing in Africa, it has indeed failed,” he said. “And why? Because it lacks the cultural and contextual relevance to Africa. It doesn’t reflect our way of life, our beliefs, or what we stand for.”

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He went on to explain that before colonial rule, African societies had governance systems that worked for their people. These systems, he argued, were democratic in their own right, ensuring that the needs of the community were met. “Are we talking about democracy, or are we talking about Western liberal democracy?” he asked. “Before colonial rule, we had systems that worked. Whatever you call it, to me, it’s democracy. Abraham Lincoln defined it as government of the people, by the people, for the people. And that’s what we need to strive for.”

A Call for Change: Redefining Democracy for Africa

Obasanjo didn’t stop there. He challenged the very definition of democracy as it’s applied in Africa today. He pointed out that the current system allows a small group of people to rule over the majority, leaving the latter deprived of basic needs. This, he stressed, is not a democracy that will endure. “Today, we have a system where a small number of people govern over a large number of people who are deprived of what they need to live fulfilling lives,” he said. “That’s not a democracy that will last.”

He lamented the corruption that permeates the system, where leaders amass wealth at the expense of their citizens. “It’s not just about grabbing power; it’s about grabbing everything illegally and corruptly, then telling the people to go to court,” he noted. “But everyone knows that justice, even in the courts, is often unattainable.”

A Vision for the Future: Democracy Rooted in African Values

In conclusion, Obasanjo offered a hopeful vision for the future. He believes that for democracy to survive in Africa, it must be redefined in the context of the continent’s values and realities. “It’s not that democracy is failing; it’s dying,” he warned. “If we want democracy to live, we must look at it through the lens of Africa. We must create a system that delivers for all, not just a select few. I hope we can reach that stage where democracy truly serves the people of Africa.”

As Obasanjo’s words resonate across the continent, one thing is clear: the path forward lies in reconnecting governance with the cultural roots and realities of Africa. Only then can democracy truly thrive, delivering for all its people and not just the privileged few.