Problems of Politics and Failures of African Government

In the previous unit we discussed some constraints facing African politics in the areas of systems and process. In this section we will discuss how failures in these two areas have also created problems for government policies in Africa. Ideally government exists to guarantee public order and security, build political community, protect properties and other rights, promote economic growth and development, protect the weak and ensure social justice (Almond et.al 2005:3-6). However in most

African states government have been recording failures in these respects. It is either the machinery of government has totally collapsed in some, or the state institution itself is collapsing, failing, or has failed. The examples of Liberia and Sierra Leone, in recent times, or Somalia and Sudan presently occupy both sides of the spectrum of state incapacity.

i.Destruction of Sense of Community

Most governments in Africa, far from building a political community, destroyed the sense of community that is gradually developing among its people. Many of the citizens are remote from the centre of activities, such that they are not affected by government policies. The effect of this is more severe in Africa where government is expected to fill a major space in the lives of the citizens. In many African States, there is scant regard for the provision of basic infrastructure and welfare facilities. This has contributed in creating disconnect between the government and the governed, and a feeling of alienation from the government, and the state, and what they stand for.

ii.Violation of Basic Rights

There are also a few African States like Zimbabwe and Sudan where consideration for regime survival, has elevated human rights abuse to the official policy of the state. The International Criminal Court in March 2009 issued a warrant of arrest for the Sudanese leader, Omar Al-Basar, for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. In the aftermath of the general elections in Zimbabwe in March 2008, many opposition elements were murdered by agents of the ruling ZANUPFF, led by Robert Mugabe. In the words of Almond et.al (2005), “while those who have power are corrupted, those without it are degraded and alienated”. The reign of terror in some of these states is justified by reference to Rousseau’s oft-quoted phrase” the strongest is never strong enough to be always the master, unless he transforms strength into right and obedience into duty”

iii. Government for Private Gains

The transformation of public office to an avenue for private gain is another explanation for failure of government and state incapacity in Africa. Most leaders in government are self-centered and self – seeking, and not benevolent. Before he was deposed in 1977, after he ruled Congo, which he renamed Zaire, for 30years, Mobutu Seseseko (1930 – 1977) accumulated huge personal fortunes, while the living standards of Congolese plummeted (Almond 2005)

CONCLUSION

Modern politics in Africa had its roots in the colonial period. The central proposition of this unit is that colonialism was a mixed-grill for African politics, while recognizing that the score sheet is loaded more on the negative side. Cicero wrote over 2000 years ago that history “is the witness that testifies to the passing of time; illuminates realities and vitalizes memory”. Close to half a century after African year (1960), African leaders by a new approach to governance should begin to re-write a new positive history for African politics. This is the only way that the colonial encounter, no matter how long its history, or deep its impact, in creating problems for African politics, will become a foot note in future narration and analysis.

SUMMARY
In this unit we established that colonialism created major problems for African politics. We also noted its positive effects in some minor areas. We observed that the problems are in the area of systems and process, which also influenced the dominant policies adopted by the political  class in many African States. We also identified as a major bane of African politics the manner the political leadership substitute excessive use of power, for its declining authority.

TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT

• Explain the relevance of tribalism/ethnicity in the Analysis of African politics. 
• How is the problem of nation-building in a given African state related to the concept of double allegiance? 
• Suggest ways African politics can free itself from the legacy and constraints imposed by colonialism.