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grand II

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kouassiromuald914
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II.

CURRENT POLITICAL LANDSCAPE IN AFRICA

The current political landscape in Africa is characterized by a wide diversity of systems


of government, persistent socio-economic challenges, and recent developments in
several countries. Here are some key points shaping this political dynamic :

1. Types of political systems

❖ Democracy:
A political system where power belongs to the people, who elect their representatives
through free, regular, and transparent elections. This system generally guarantees
fundamental rights such as freedom of expression and political participation.
Democracies can be :

• Direct democracy
Citizens actively participate by voting directly on laws and public policies. While this
pure model is rare in Africa, traditional practices, such as village assemblies, allow
collective decision-making. For instance, in some West African communities, chiefs and
members consult directly to make major decisions.

• Representative democracy
: Citizens elect representatives to make political decisions on their behalf. This model is
widely practiced in Africa, as seen in Senegal or Ghana, where regular multiparty
elections enable citizens to elect their parliamentary or presidential representatives.

❖ Monarchy
A political system where power is held by a king, queen, or emperor. There are two main
forms :
• Absolute monarchy
The monarch holds total power, without constitutional limitations. Eswatini (formerly
Swaziland) is an example, where the king exercises near-absolute control over state
affairs and governmental decisions.

• Constitutional monarchy :
The monarch has an essentially symbolic role, while real power is exercised by an
elected government. This model is rare in Africa, but Morocco is an example where the
king plays a significant role but shares power with a parliament and an elected prime
minister.

• Authoritarian regime :
A system where power is concentrated in the hands of a leader or a small group of
individuals. Political freedoms, such as freedom of the press and expression, are often
restricted, and there is no genuinely free or fair electoral process. For example, the
regime of Paul Biya in Cameroon is often described as authoritarian due to his extended
rule and restrictions imposed on political opposition.

❖ Totalitarianism :
An extreme form of authoritarianism where the state seeks to control all aspects of
public and private life, including citizens’ thoughts and beliefs. In Africa, the regime of
Mengistu Haile Mariam in Ethiopia (1974–1991) is often cited as an example,
characterized by violent repression, state propaganda, and strict societal control during
the Derg period.

❖ Communism
: A political system based on the idea of total equality, where the state owns and
controls the means of production (land, factories, etc.) and distributes resources
centrally according to needs. In Africa, regimes such as Samora Machel’s in
Mozambique after independence adopted policies inspired by communism, including
land collectivization and a state-controlled economy. However, these models often
faced economic and social challenges.
❖ Military regime :
A system where the army takes control of the government, often through a coup d’état,
and exercises authoritarian power. For instance, the military regime of General Sani
Abacha in Nigeria during the 1990s was marked by repression of civil liberties,
widespread corruption, and a strong concentration of power in the hands of the military.

Each political system has distinct characteristics, varied implications for governance,
and significant effects on the rights, freedoms, and well-being of African citizens.

2. Major political leaders and movements


The political landscape in Africa is marked by numerous influential political leaders and
movements that shape the continent’s dynamics. Here are some of the key current or
recent political leaders and movements :

❖ Key Political Leaders :

• Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa) :


President of South Africa since 2018, Ramaphosa is a member of the ANC (African
National Congress). He succeeded Jacob Zuma and focuses on combating corruption
and reviving South Africa’s economy.

• Paul Kagame (Rwanda) :


President of Rwanda since 2000, Kagame is known for his economic reforms and for
leading the country out of the devastation of the 1994 genocide. However, his leadership
is often criticized for authoritarian practices.
• Yoweri Museveni (Uganda) :
President of Uganda since 1986, Museveni is one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders. He
has survived several attempts to overthrow him and has consolidated power through
constitutional reforms.

• Alassane Ouattara (Côte d’Ivoire) :


President of Côte d’Ivoire since 2011, Ouattara played a significant role in stabilizing the
country after the civil war following the 2010 elections. However, his leadership has
been criticized by the opposition.

• Abdel Fattah al-Burhan (Sudan) :


Head of Sudan’s Sovereign Council, Burhan assumed power after the 2021 military
coup, ending a period of democratic transition.

• Muhammadu Buhari (Nigeria) :


President of Nigeria since 2015, Buhari is a former military leader who has taken steps to
combat corruption and the Boko Haram insurgency, though his administration has faced
economic criticism.

• Macky Sall (Senegal) :


President of Senegal since 2012, Sall is widely praised for his economic and political
reforms. Senegal is regarded as one of West Africa’s most stable democracies.

❖ Major Political Movements :


• The Movement for the Renaissance of Mali (M5-RFP) :
This movement was instrumental in protests against former President Ibrahim Boubacar
Keïta, leading to his removal in a 2020 military coup.

• The African Union (AU) :


Although not a movement per se, the AU is an influential continental organization
working to promote economic integration, peace, and political stability in Africa.

• The African Youth League :


A movement focused on promoting political engagement among young Africans, aiming
to influence public policies and support dynamic young leaders.

• The Coalition for Democracy and Reform (CDR) :


In countries like Burundi and Rwanda, opposition coalitions aim to challenge
authoritarian regimes, though they often face severe restrictions.

• Popular Resistance Movements :


In response to authoritarian regimes or coups, popular resistance movements have
emerged in countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, driving significant political
changes.

• Pan-African Movements :
Inspired by the ideals of African independence and unity, movements such as the
“Young Pan-Africanists” continue to advocate for a united and self-reliant Africa, often
opposing external influences.

These leaders and movements reflect the diversity of political systems in Africa, with
challenges ranging from democratic consolidation to combating authoritarian regimes
and political instability.

3. Challenges in Africa’s Political Landscape

Africa’s political landscape faces numerous challenges that hinder its


development and democratic consolidation. Some of the most pressing issues
include corruption, election rigging, and weak institutions, which significantly
impact governance and the well-being of citizens.

❖ Corruption
It remains one of the most widespread challenges across the continent. Many
African countries grapple with high levels of corruption within both public and
private sectors. Corruption undermines trust in government institutions, diverts
resources meant for development, and stifles economic growth. In several
nations, government officials and politicians are often implicated in corrupt
practices, leading to a lack of accountability and transparency.

❖ Election rigging and electoral fraud


They are persistent problems in many African democracies. While some
countries have made progress in holding regular elections, the integrity of these
processes is frequently undermined by manipulation, voter suppression, and the
use of state resources to favor certain candidates or parties. These practices
erode the legitimacy of elected governments, contributing to political instability
and disenchantment among the electorate.

❖ Weak institutions
pose another significant challenge. In many African nations, institutions such as
the judiciary, law enforcement, and legislative bodies are either underdeveloped
or compromised by political interference. This lack of institutional strength
hampers effective governance, fosters impunity, and prevents the establishment
of checks and balances necessary for democracy to function properly. Without
strong institutions, it is difficult to uphold the rule of law and ensure equitable
development.

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