By Boris Esono Nwenfor
In a wide-ranging interview on Nigeria’s Arise TV, Dr Christopher Fomunyoh, Africa Director of the National Democratic Institute (NDI), argued that democracy is not a foreign concept for Africa, but the current Western-style models need adaptation to the continent’s unique historical, cultural, and demographic realities.
Responding to the notion that democracy has failed in Africa, Fomunyoh said, “Democracy existed in our communities long before colonial rule, through chiefs, councils of elders, and kingmakers who held leaders accountable. What we are practising now is a Western import applied to African nation-states, which were themselves artificial constructs formed at independence from diverse communities.”
Fomunyoh stressed that African states must find ways to make these nation-states function inclusively. “The only way to ensure all citizens feel they belong and can contribute is through a democratic system where all voices are heard and everyone has a seat at the table,” he said. He questioned the rise of military regimes in some African countries, noting that while citizens’ grievances are legitimate, military takeovers often curtail the very rights and freedoms citizens seek.
Turning to contemporary politics, Fomunyoh identified troubling patterns in countries like Cameroon, Tanzania, and Gabon, citing flawed elections, the exclusion of opposition, and violence. “The pendulum seems to be swinging in the wrong direction in the last decade,” he said, highlighting the domino effect of political practices across the continent. He pointed to Botswana and Namibia as examples of positive democratic governance, urging that more such cases be amplified to inspire reform.
The NDI director also praised the emerging Gen Z movements across Africa, describing them as a “positive development.” Young people are increasingly speaking out on issues like police brutality, public spending, taxation, and transparency in governance. “Africa is a young continent. The median age is 18 or 19. In 25 years, a third of the world’s youth will be African. Leaders must listen to them,” Fomunyoh said.
On the role of the African Union (AU), Fomunyoh acknowledged the institution’s strong architecture but criticised its weak implementation. Citing the recent elections in Tanzania, he lamented that the AU chair congratulated a president despite ongoing reports of violence and exclusion.
“I was shocked that 24 hours after the elections ended, when there was talk of all the violence and people being killed, that the chairperson of the African Union sent a message of congratulations to the president of Tanzania. When people were still saying, This is horrible and shouldn’t happen.”
“Fortunately for the African Union, the observer delegation that was led by the former president of Botswana, Masisi of Botswana, issued a tough statement. So we need more of such leaders to stand up and call our regional organisations to perform in a way that can raise the well-being of our fellow citizens and give them confidence that these organisations really speak for them,” Dr Fomunyoh stressed.
Fomunyoh concluded that African democracy is not inherently flawed but requires inclusive governance, active youth participation, and accountable leadership to thrive.
