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MASENO UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

COURSE CODE: DPS 103

COURSE TITLE: POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT IN AFRICA

COURSE LECTURER: DR.SOI KIMUTAI JOEL

TERM PAPER PRESENTED BY:

GROUP MEMBERS

PETER JOSEPH EAR/00232/023

IAN CHARLES EAR/00704/023

OKOTH BRIGHTONE EAR/00792/023

NOELLA ANYANGO EAR/00271/023

TASK: Discuss the emergence of the democratization process in Africa.

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Introduction

The democratization process in Africa which has started as a journey with a lot of complexities
was characterized by an ever changing mixed bag of historical, political, and socioeconomic
factors. During the past few decades, Africa has experienced mainly a dramatic shift away from
dictatorships to more egalitarian form of government. This shift resulted from the cluster of
elements partly due to global, regional, and domestic factors, where the local movements,
economic pressures, and international norms performed a significant role. The conclusion of the
Cold War meant the beginning of the new reality, and support for authoritarian ways of
government was being reduced, and control in terms of politics became rather favorable. Human
rights advocacy and popular assertiveness that result from affinity to political independence and
respect for human dignity are the forces that oppose unjust regimes. Economic challenges as well
as sustainable development, some countries have been forced to adopt democracy or the process
of reforms, just so people can be granted with a better accountability and also transparent
governance. On the other hand, the democratization process in sub-Saharan Africa faces several
constraints. While persistent challenges like political instability, electoral anomalies, corruption,
and ethnic divisions remain to threaten the viability of democracies, it is the resilience of
democratic institutions that is in the test.Every country has its specific situation, therefore the
country's story would be a complicated and a constantly changing narrative of democratization.
This study endeavors to unfold the multilayered constitutional framework that has determined
the democratization process in Africa, by investigating the successes and the remaining issues
that are a constant reminder of the ongoing systems’ revolution across the continent.

To begin with, the Cold War came to an end in the early 1990s bringing about conditions
favorable for democratization in Africa, a process which could now be set in motion. In the Cold
War era, the ideological competition that existed between the United States and the Soviet Union
had effects on the international relations of other countries. Both the superpowers, America and
Soviet Union, were actively supporting those governments, which were adhering to their own
ideologies, even if these governments did not comply with basic democratic principles.
However, in Ethiopia the Cold War had direct effect on the regime of Mengistu Haile mariam.
Mengistu's regime, which was at the helm of Ethiopian politics from 1974, likewise enjoyed the
backing of the Soviet Union in the 1980s. Nevertheless, at the time when the Cold War
concluded, he received demands for change from internal opposition and externally pressure thus
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demise of Mengistu then followed in 1991. That was the watershed that signaled the coming
transition from the old government to a democratic-based one where the people were the actual
leaders. The case of Mozambique reports the fact that the terminated Cold war interference with
political progress. While the FRELIMO party (Liberation Front of Mozambique), that first
embraced socialism and relied on Soviet Union backing, found itself facing a rebellion
movement RENAMO (Mozambican National Resistance) that received support and help from
United States and South Africa. The signing of the Rome General Peace Accords in 1992 was
what officially ended the civil war and so paved the way for multi-party elections in
1994.Political change came about in such cases thanks to the end of the Cold War and the
weakening of external powers which had, until then, been the key players in international affairs.
Among the factors that helped to ease political tensions in Africa was the gradual waning of
support for autocratic regimes, which led to peace processes, transitional governments and the
formation of more democratic systems of governance in the continent. The period of post-Cold
war heralded the change in the global interactions, offering African countries a chance to be free
in choosing their paths to political future.

The economic pressures have played a major role in the democratic reforms in some of the
African countries where citizens call for accountable and responsible leadership to address the
economic problems.The interconnections between economic misconducts, corruption, and the
demand for democratic governments have manifested themselves in different patterns throughout
this continent.For instance countries such as Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Ghana and South Africa
faced economic pressures: The Zimbabwean economy under the leadership of former President
Robert Mugabe was severely affected by hyperinflation and land reform policies that were
detrimental to the agricultural sector. The economic crisis together with accusations of
corruption and electoral irregularities resulted in the growing demand for democratic reforms.
Both economic pressures and the formation of the opposition movements and the power-sharing
agreement in 2009 led to an inclusive government finally. Kenya: The economy was central to
the democratization process in Kenya.Moi's regime marked by corruption and economic
stagnation, there was mounting pressure for reform. The 2002 polls in which Mwai Kibaki came
into power acted as a catalyst for greater transparency and accountability under the
administration. Nevertheless, many electoral controversies and economic problems have been
standing in the way of the nation's democratic development. These cases demonstrate the
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economic pressures, which are frequently aggravated by inefficient management and corruption,
as key factors in political transformation. The relationship between economic problems and
democratic reforms demands, therefore, the need for responsive and accountable governance so
as to be able to address the societal diversity requirements of African citizens. Sustainable
development and economic stability have been the main reasons why the growth of democracy
has been so strong throughout the continent.

Popular movements and civil society activism have been instrumental in driving democratic
reforms across Africa, with grassroots initiatives and organized civil society playing a pivotal
role in advocating for political freedoms, human rights, and increased representation. Here are
some notable examples that highlight the significance of popular movements in the
democratization process: Anti-Apartheid Movement in South Africa , Burkina Faso - Uprising
Against Blaise Compaoré, Sudan - Sudanese Uprising: the anti-apartheid movement in South
Africa is one of the most iconic examples of civil society activism leading to political
transformation. In the face of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination, activists
such as Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, and Albertina Sisulu mobilized both domestically and
internationally. Civil society organizations like the African National Congress (ANC) and the
United Democratic Front (UDF) played key roles in coordinating resistance against apartheid
policies. The persistent efforts of activists, coupled with international pressure through boycotts
and sanctions, contributed to the dismantling of apartheid and the eventual establishment of
democratic governance. In Kenya, the 1990s witnessed a movement known as the "Second
Liberation," which sought to end the single-party rule of Daniel arap Moi. Civil society
organizations like the multiparty democracy movement and human rights activists, including
figures like Wangari Maathai, played pivotal roles in advocating for political pluralism and
democratic reforms. The pressure from civil society, combined with internal and international
pressure, contributed to the repeal of laws restricting political pluralism and the reintroduction of
multi-party politics in Kenya in 1991. Illustrate how grassroots movements and civil society
activism have been catalysts for political change, often challenging entrenched authoritarian
regimes and advocating for the establishment of more inclusive and democratic systems of
governance. The resilience and determination of individuals and organizations within civil
society have played a crucial role in shaping the democratization process in Africa.
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Decolonization in Africa during the mid-20th century was an enduring process which changed
the face of colonial rule and creation of the modern independent states. The pedal of
decolonization was the basis for the development of democracy in many African countries
during this period. When at last freedom was achieved, they encountered the obstacle of creating
political systems that best reflected the vision, the hopes and the dreams of multiethnic
populations. Although the majority of the countries embraced the idea of democracy, the
application of those principles varied across the region and certain nations were confronted with
problems of transitioning to stable and effective democratic governance. Here are a few
examples illustrating the impact of decolonization on the emergence of democracy in Africa:
India, being the first country in the sub-Saharan Africa African area to achieve independence
from colonial rule in 1957, made Ghana, formerly Gold Coast. Under the leadership of Kwame,
the Nkrumah's, Ghana made a democratic system, and later that year, it became a republic. On
the other hand, the reign of Nkrumah as the President became autocratic. And, he established a
one-party state in 1964. In the face of Ghana's democratic reversals which ranged from periods
of military rule to a return to multiparty political systems, subsequent leaders have worked to
restore and reinforce democratic institutions. In 1963 Kenya became a free nation by shedding
the burdens of the British colonization and Jomo Kenyatta became its first one. In the beginning,
Kenya imitated the Westminster-style parliamentary system. However, Kenyatta became a de
facto one-party-state with time. The country experienced difficulty in democracy within the
Daniel Arap Moi's presidency time which was characterized by political repressions. The multi-
party reforms, which Kenya undertook in the nineties, are a clear example of the intricate course
that democratic transitions may follow. Here, in the 1990s, decolonization opened the way for
the introduction of democratic principles, however, the paths forward were different in the
subsequent countries. Several states faced with maintaining democratic governance, democracy
was threatened, military rule, underwent dictatorship, coups and political instability. The imprint
of decolonization extends to the contemporary political systems comprising the nations in
question, where the latter are saddled with the difficult task of establishing and upholding
democratic institutions.

Leadership changes, particularly transitions through elections or other means, can play a pivotal
role in paving the way for democratic reforms in various countries. New leaders often bring fresh
perspectives, a commitment to political openness, and the potential to instigate positive changes
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in governance. For example, Nelson Mandela - South Africa: The transition from apartheid to
democracy in South Africa is a notable example. Nelson Mandela, a symbol of resistance against
racial oppression, became the country's first black president in 1994 following democratic
elections. Mandela's leadership was characterized by reconciliation, inclusivity, and a
commitment to building a democratic and non-racial society. His presidency marked a
significant departure from the authoritarian apartheid regime, fostering a more inclusive and
democratic South Africa. Jerry Rawlings, a military officer turned politician, led two coups in
Ghana in the 1980s. Initially, his rule was marked by authoritarianism, but he later transitioned to
democratic governance. Rawlings embraced multiparty politics and oversaw Ghana's return to
civilian rule, ensuring a peaceful transfer of power through elections. His commitment to
democratic reforms contributed to Ghana's reputation as a stable democracy. While leadership
changes can create opportunities for democratization, it is essential to note that outcomes vary
based on the actions and decisions of individual leaders, the political context, and the level of
institutional support for democratic reforms. Successful democratization often requires sustained
efforts beyond just changes in leadership, including the strengthening of democratic institutions
and the establishment of a vibrant civil society.

The rise of media, particularly the advent of social media and information technology, has had a
profound impact on political dynamics in Africa. It has significantly contributed to the
dissemination of information, increased public awareness, and provided citizens with platforms
to express their views and engage in political activism. Citizen Journalism - Kenya: In Kenya,
citizen journalism has thrived through platforms like Ushahidi, a crowdsourcing tool used to map
and document incidents during the post-election violence in 2008. This technology enabled
citizens to report incidents in real-time, providing a more comprehensive and immediate
understanding of events on the ground. Citizen journalism, facilitated by technology, has
continued to play a role in monitoring elections, reporting corruption, and advocating for
transparency. The example above demonstrate how social media and information technology
have become powerful tools for political activism, mobilization, and awareness in Africa. These
platforms provide citizens with the means to express their views, organize movements, and hold
governments accountable. However, it's important to note that the impact of social media is not
uniformly positive, as it can also contribute to the spread of misinformation, polarization, and
manipulation. The dynamic interaction between media and political activism continues to shape
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the political landscape in Africa, with ongoing implications for democratization and civic
engagement.

Global norms and external pressure through the international community proved to be the
determining factor for acceleration of a smooth democratization process in the region. With the
world at large acknowledging democracy as an international norm the government in Africa have
found themselves exposed and under the microscope, as well as being expected to adhere to
democratic practices. These obligations usually take form of requirements attached to assistance
on international level, relations with diplomacy, and engagement in organizations of the globe.
For example African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) - Various Countries: The African Union
peer review mechanism (APRM), which is a state-endogenous mechanism designed to promote
member states’ adherence to democratic and good governance principles, was initiated by the
African Union. Said African countries do a self-review of their economic, political, and
corporate governance, which is both the nations' and the outsiders' decision. It is not always
explicitly enforced though the sense of belonging and the tradition where positive evaluations are
much desirable drives the countries to make democracy reforms. Among countries has the
APRM been tried, some countries like Ghana, Kenya and South Africa. Though the pressure
promoted by communities of the globe or international organizations to be constituted might
have positive outcomes on democrat reforms, the issue of nuanced nature of these interactions
should not be neglected. Critics suggest that external efforts of such kind may be viewed as
interference in somebody's internal affairs and the practical efficiency of these measures is
usually limited by the existing political commitment of the governments involved. Nevertheless,
global norms and the international community’s pressure remains a key determinant among
many factors in influencing Africa's democratization process nowadays.

Regional organizations like African Union (AU) and Economic Community of West African
States (ECOWAS) incised an important part in the democracy governance as well as the peace
building in Africa. These regional bodies have been at the frontline in solving both political
arrangements and conflict as well as helping countries to adhere to the principles of good
governance. Take instance, conflict resolution was one of the key duties of ECOWAS during the
early 1990s where it was involved in the civil wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone. In both cases the
warring parties had employed the most atrocious means, leading to cruel humanitarian
consequences, mass violence and genocide. In line with the ECOWAS, through its military
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intervention and monitoring group referred to as the ECOWAS Ceasefire Monitoring Group, the
group intervened in Liberia and out of peaceful hands. Their forces were deployed as part of the
same process for peacekeeping to Sierra Leone. These interventions boosted international
organizations support, which brought about the reduction of conflict and the maintenance of
stability in the area

As a sum up, the beginning of the democratization process in Africa is a movement marked by
many complicated factors, both internal and external. The past several years have seen the
continent witness dramatic political transformations, from authoritarian regimes to differing
models of democracy. African states must continue to tackle their internal challenges,
consolidate democratic institutions and promote participatory governance in a quest to manage
the complexities of the democratization process. The international community plays a pivotal
role in providing the necessary support and maintaining a balanced approach without interfering
with the sovereignty. Collaboration for sustainable democratic development should be promoted.
The road to the democratic system in Africa is an ever changing process, influenced by the joint
action of the citizens, leaders and international community which aims to create a more
democratic and inclusive future.
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References

Cheeseman, N. (2015). Democracy in Africa. Cambridge University Press.

Gordon, A. A., & Gordon, D. L. (2018). Understanding Contemporary Africa. Lynne Rienner
Publishers.

Ihonvbere, J. O. (Ed.). (2005). Democratization in Africa: Challenges and Prospects. Lynne

Rienner Publishers.

Reader, J. (1998). Africa: A Biography of the Continent. Vintage.

Diamond, L., Plattner, M. F., & Walker, C. (2010). Democratization in Africa: Progress and
Retreat. Johns Hopkins University Press.

Cheeseman, N., Lynch, G., & Willis, J. (2015). Democracy in Africa: Successes, Failures, and
the Struggle for Political Reform. Cambridge University Press.