Without a doubt, democracy that empowers people must be built from within. African nations should therefore actively participate in shaping their democratic institutions rather than relying solely on imported models.
In a surprising turn of events, two married couples set out for counseling at their pastor’s house, hoping to find guidance for their troubled marriages. However, upon arrival, they were met with an unexpected scene: the pastor and his spouse engaged in a heated argument right in their own home. Shocked and disheartened, the couples exchanged glances and silently agreed to retreat. As they walked away, they realized that perhaps the answers to their matrimonial woes lay within themselves, and they resolved to work together to mend their relationships without external intervention. Lesson; sometimes, the most profound solutions emerge from unexpected moments.
Against the backdrop of the foregoing anecdote, there is no denying that it is a magnum opus that has to a large extent expressed the compelling need for African countries to conceptualize a home-grown democracy as the much-talked about Greece-grown democracy adopted by America has become a Greek gift. For the sake of clarity, Greek gift “Is a gift given with the intention of tricking and causing harm to the recipient”.
The reason for the foregoing view cannot be farfetched as Democracy in America that once has a rich history of being idealistic has today becomes a topic of debate in America as some praise its principles, while others critique its implementation. For instance, Issues such as voter participation, polarization, and the influence of money in politics continue to shape the democratic landscape.
In fact, on January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol Police officers faced a violent mob intent on interrupting the peaceful transfer of presidential power. They were driven by white supremacist rhetoric and intentional misinformation aimed at overturning the legitimate results of an election.
In the same year, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights under Law filed suit on behalf of eight U.S. Capitol Police officers who defended the ballot certification process at the U.S. Capitol on that fateful day. The lawsuit names as defendants former President Donald J. Trump, Stop the Steal, the Proud Boys, the Oath Keepers, and other organizations and individual members of far-right extremist groups and political organizations responsible for the insurrection. The lawsuit was adjudicated through a federal court in Washington, DC.
In a similar vein, following the recent attempted assassination of former president and Republican presidential candidate, Donald Trump, Freedom House’s interim president, Nicole Bibbins Sedaca issued the following statement:
“Yesterday’s assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump was a grim and shocking blow to the American democratic process. While we are relieved that former president Trump was not more seriously injured, we are saddened by the loss of life and the fear experienced by all those participating in the political rally.
“The very purpose of a democracy is to give citizens a peaceful vehicle to navigate differences and resolve disagreements peacefully, through open debate, free and fair elections, and the rule of law. Political violence is completely unacceptable in any context, and this assassination attempt should be condemned by all Americans in the strongest terms.
“The vast majority of Americans hold democratic values as sacrosanct and rightly take pride in them as a core feature of their national identity. Yet it cannot be ignored that politicians, election officials, and others have faced a disturbing increase in politicized threats and violence in recent years”.
For the sake of clarity, “Freedom House is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C. It is best known for political advocacy surrounding issues of democracy, political freedom, and human rights”.
Given the somewhat undemocratic state of American democracy today, it is germane to opine that time has come for African leaders to look inward and come up with a representative government not fashioned after American democracy. This becomes exigent as America, which they always look up to, and reputed to be a regular organizer of “Summit for Democracy” where many African leaders are usually invited to attend, and be lectured on the tenets and ideals of democracy is not in any way leaving a good example as to what an ideal democracy it preaches about entails.
Like the anecdote about the two married couples that was cited at the intro of this piece, who set out for counseling at their pastor’s house, only to discover that the Pastor does not have what it takes to counsel them on how to resolve their matrimonial woes, not a few democrats across the world, including Nigeria, are marveling if the brand of democracy been practiced in America is worth emulating by African countries.
In fact, not a few Nigerians are convinced that many African countries will continue to be in crisis if they did not develop a government that will take into consideration, the culture and values cherished by their people. To them, America is not in a position to teach Africans how to govern their countries.
Against the foregoing milieu, it is not an overstatement to opine that the problem with American democracy, which is also troubling some African countries that mirrored their democracies after their presidential system of government, is primarily, money and identity politics, as been witnessed in Nigeria’s democracy. Without sounding exaggerative, anyone that aspires to seek a political office in Nigeria; whether through electoral window or through appointment, must be a moneybag to secure the position he or she seeks for, even as such person must also be associated with godfathers or cabals
Without a doubt, particularly in recent years, the debate over whether American-style democracy is suitable for African nations has been gathering momentum. While democratic governance remains essential, there are compelling reasons for African countries to explore homegrown democratic models tailored to Africa’s unique context.
First and foremost, rather than replicating American democratic model, African nations should develop democratic solutions that align with their cultural values. This is as customized approaches can better address local norms, traditions, and historical legacies.
In a similar vein, given the fact that Africa is exceptionally miscellaneous, with copious ethnic groups contemporaneously existing within national borders, there is no denying the fact that homegrown democracy can accommodate this miscellany by promoting inclusivity and representation for all ethnic backgrounds.
Also, for the fact that African countries face distinct socio-economic challenges, such as poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment, homegrown democratic systems can prioritize policies that directly address these pressing issues.
Analyzed from historical context, and given that Africa’s history includes colonization, exploitation, and struggles for independence, a homegrown democracy can acknowledge this past and work toward healing, reconciliation, and empowerment.
Without a doubt, democracy that empowers people must be built from within. African nations should therefore actively participate in shaping their democratic institutions rather than relying solely on imported models.
In conclusion, embracing homegrown democracy offers a promising path toward sustainable development, good governance, and a brighter future for Africa. In fact, let us recognize that democracy, when rooted in local realities, can be a powerful force for positive change.