Olusegun Obasanjo, the former president, has expressed alarm about the health of democracy in Africa, claiming that it is not only failing but also dying as a result of its disconnection from the ideals and realities of the continent.
Speaking at the 60th birthday colloquium of former House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha in Abuja, Obasanjo bemoaned the fact that African leaders now “grab everything illegally and corruptly” and advise the populace to “go to court,” even though he is aware that justice is still elusive.
The former president urged for a system based on African traditions rather than a faulty adaptation of Western liberal democracy, emphasizing that true democracy should benefit everyone, not just a wealthy few.
“African democracy has failed if you’re talking about it failing. How come it hasn’t worked? Because it isn’t Africa in both context and content. It lacks all facets of our culture, way of life, values, and beliefs,” he said.
In addition, he questioned the African definition of democracy, pointing out that African nations had their own efficient systems of government prior to colonial domination.
“Are we speaking of democracy or Western liberal democracy?” asked Obasanjo. When we discuss democracy, we must keep in mind that, prior to colonial authority and rule, Africa had a system of governance that catered to the requirements of its citizens. And I think it’s democracy, whatever you name it. Since what is democracy? It is government of, by, and for the people, according to American President Abraham Lincoln.
Democracy is supposed to be a form of governance that serves all citizens, not just a select few or a portion of the population. However, what do we have today? Since Greek democracy brought people together and gave them a voice in decisions that touched everyone, I think democracy has evolved into representative democracy, which has not taken care of everyone.
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Obasanjo bemoaned how the existing democratic system denies the common people access to justice while enabling politicians to enrich themselves through corruption.
“Today, we have democracy, which is the rule of a small number of people over a big number of people who are denied the necessities of existence. Democracy won’t last like that.
“I am because I am able to grasp.” What kind of democracy does it bring for you to seize everything, then act corruptly and criminally before claiming to be going to court? when you are aware that justice will not be served, not even in court.
“Democracy is dying, not failing, and if we want to keep it alive, we must examine democracy in the context and within the African context.” I’m hoping we’ll reach that point when we’ll have a democracy that works in Africa,” he said.
