Mmegi

Flawed elections and poor governance underlie Africa’s backsliding

In reality, Africans still believe in the promise of democracy but want elections to be free and fair PIC: AFP
In reality, Africans still believe in the promise of democracy but want elections to be free and fair PIC: AFP

With nearly 20 polls this year, can a floundering AU give elections the attention they desperately need? How do we explain the developmental and governance reversals now haunting Africa? Reasons for the apparent collapse of security are complex, but the thread running through insurgencies, coups and instability is slow development, bad governance and the nature of Africa’s demographic transitions.

Geopolitics marked by increasing competition makes for an unfavourable international environment. And although the global context influences Africa’s conflicts, a history of instability is the top indicator of future dissension in a country.

Conflict on the continent peaked at the height of the Cold War.


Editor's Comment
Depression is real; let's take care of our mental health

It is not uncommon in this part of the world for parents to actually punish their children when they show signs of depression associating it with issues of indiscipline, and as a result, the poor child will be lashed or given some kind of punishment. We have had many suicide cases in the country and sadly some of the cases included children and young adults. We need to start looking into issues of mental health with the seriousness it...

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