Why has Democracy failed in Africa?

Democracy prospers in other continents, but Africa is yet to enjoy the dividends of democratisation. What could be the cause of the failure of Democracy in our land?

According to the 2009 African Governance Report (AGR II), put together by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), it seems that many of the democracies in Africa are suffering from authoritarian hangover.

Many African countries adopted the system of democracy because it enjoys global endorsement as the best form of government and panacea for development. But it is a truism that development in Africa remains impeded. This is because many African leaders are ignorant, negligent of the philosophical principles upon which democracy was formed. Democracy has failed in Africa simply because African leaderships lack the moral courage to live up to its expectations. Characterised by greed, ignorance and negligence, many African leaders do not practice democracy in the light of the foundational principles upon which democracy was formed. John Locke and other pro-democracy philosophers had based the ideals of democracy on the principles of discipline, tolerance, truth, nobility, restraint, justice, selflessness, self control and equity.These principles have helped Europe and America develop rapidly.

African leaders lack the moral courage to live up to expectation; hence, they easily drift from the path of democracy to satisfy their own whims and caprices, ending up practicing pseudo democracy.

What other reasons could be the cause of the failure of democracy in Africa?

Why are African leaders practising another version of democracy?

Popular Manhood and its Effects on Africa

In an era dominated by men who want to lead a life void of ennui, the true meaning of the term 'manhood' has been generally abused. Most African men are quick to refer to the word manhood - when speaking about matters of less relevance - without actually thinking of its ideal use.

Although an ambiguous term, the best definition of 'manhood' ought to be shrouded by the assumption of the full responsibilities of a man. This would mean that when referring to manhood, a person should be quick to think of responsibilities - and how to assume them.

However, most men of our society today have mistaken manhood for the sexual organ alone. Those in this school of thought think they are "real men" when they can impregnate every woman and leave them in a 'womanhood' state. Continue....