Africa’s democracies: A philosophical critique

In this article, attempts have been made to show that true democracies constitute one of the major aspirations of the African people. Democracy is growing in Africa and there is ample evidence that some gains have been made in many countries namely: Tanzania, South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, etc. However, the practice of democratic system of governance has been a difficult exercise sometimes involving bloody conflicts in African nations. In this discourse, there are contentious postulations but the fact is that we have serious problems, both social and political, that pertain to human frailties, in-transparency, ‘negative’ ethnicity, corruption, distrust, bad leadership and electoral problems, which must be bridled through our collective efforts towards vibrant democracies in the continent. The paper opens by admitting that democracy is growing in Africa. However, it is noted that democracy is context-oriented. This fact forms the basis of the discussions that ensue onwards. A critique of African notions of democracy is made. The paper also critically analyses the relationship between liberty as a promise of democracy and democracy itself. It also examines the yearning for true democracy in light of limiting factors such as negative ethnicity and naive electorates. Upon these are conclusions and recommendations made.