The nightmare of electoral violence in Africa
Friday, February 03, 2023 | 110 Views |
Though violence has been a long-standing feature of the democratization process in Africa, its recent manifestations have assumed an unprecedented magnitude and a changing form and character.
This electoral violence has tended to put the democratization process on the line in many African states, threatening the prospects of democratic stability and consolidation.
A young man suspected of breaking into a car was seized by residents, severely assaulted, and died in the hospital within an hour. We unreservedly condemn this mob justice. It is not a solution to crime, but a criminal offence that turns citizens into murderers.Residents are understandably angry about theft. The person who raised the alarm at 4am acted lawfully, and the neighbours who rushed to help showed community spirit. But what followed was...