By Boris Esono Nwenfor
BUEA, Cameroon – Renowned governance advocate and human rights champion, Dr Christopher Fomunyoh, has commended Nelson Afrisoh for producing a thought-provoking work at a time when democracy faces serious challenges across the continent.
Dr Fomunyoh, Senior Associate for Africa and Special Adviser to the President at the Washington-based National Democratic Institute (NDI), made the remarks on Friday, August 15, as a keynote speaker and chief launcher for Nelson Afrisoh Amandong’s new book, The Inverted Pyramid of African Democracy: A Call for True Progress.
“As you are all aware, democracy is under stress here in our own country, across Africa, and in other parts of the world,” Dr Fomunyoh remarked. “We have seen the rise of authoritarianism and shrinking political space that leave many questioning the values and impact of democratic governance. It is therefore heartening to see Nelson step forward to explain to the layman and woman where our continent has been on this trajectory.”
The book, which blends historical analysis with visionary outlooks, traces Africa’s democratic journey from past struggles to present realities and paints a picture of a future where citizens have both a voice and a seat at the table. Dr Fomunyoh praised its vivid imagery and optimism, noting that “the continent has all it needs to succeed, and visionary leadership could make a difference.”
He called on attendees to become advocates for the work and ensure its ideas reach grassroots communities. “Knowledge is most powerful when it is shared,” he stressed.
In The Inverted Pyramid of African Democracy, Nelson Afrisoh Amandong explores the misalignment of democratic systems across the continent, where power trickles down from the top rather than rising from the people. It is a compelling critique and a passionate call for grounded, citizen-driven progress.
Speaking at the launch, Amandong explained that his motivation to write the book was rooted in compassion, empathy, and a deep concern for the well-being of his community, his country, and the African continent. “The essence of life is about contributing,” he said. “This work is about making my contribution to building a better community, a better nation, and a better Africa.”
At the heart of The Inverted Pyramid of African Democracy is a simple but urgent message: democracy cannot take root on the continent unless Africans’ basic survival needs are met. Amandong argues that hunger, unemployment, and lack of access to education and housing are the greatest obstacles to political participation and democratic growth.
“In our African realities, there is a huge amount of voter apathy because people think their voices don’t matter,” he said. “Many are too busy struggling for food, school fees, and jobs to think about governance. Until these survival needs are met, it will be difficult for Africa to pick up.”
Celebrated historian Professor Victor Julius Ngoh described the book as a work that “aptly x-rays the problems Africans face in the 21st century,” adding that it should capture the attention of policymakers, scholars, and students alike.
The book argues that the “inverted pyramid” model, where a small elite benefits disproportionately, fuels marginalisation, institutional decay, inequality, and the erosion of democratic values. Instead, Afrisoh calls for grounded, citizen-driven progress that places human needs at the centre of governance.
The launch was attended by a cross-section of society and echoed calls for African nations to embrace inclusive governance, resilience, and visionary leadership.
The author insists that African democracy must be contextualised, reshaped to reflect local realities rather than copying foreign models. His call is for leaders and citizens alike to focus first on providing the foundations of life — food, shelter, and security — as the starting point for a democratic rebirth.
“When people spend all their time hustling just to survive, human potential is wasted,” Amandong warned. “Without the space to think, reflect, and innovate, democracy risks becoming an empty ritual instead of a tool for transformation.”
