Former President Criticizes Western Democracy Models for Failing to Address Africa’s Needs
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has declared that democracy in Africa is not only failing but is on the brink of dying. According to Obasanjo, this decline in democratic values is due to the current political systems being misaligned with African realities and values.
The outspoken former leader made these remarks while speaking at the 60th birthday colloquium of Emeka Ihedioha, a former Deputy Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, in Abuja. His speech has sparked significant debate, with many questioning the future of democracy on the continent.
Obasanjo raised the critical question of whether Africa is genuinely practicing democracy or simply following a flawed version of Western liberal democracy that does not suit the continent’s needs. He argued that democracy in its current form is alien to the African context and does not reflect the continent’s cultural heritage or the ways its people have traditionally governed themselves.
“Africa’s democracy has failed,” Obasanjo bluntly stated during the event. He continued, “It’s because in both context and content, it is not African. It does not incorporate any aspect of our culture, our way of life, our values, or our beliefs.”
The former Nigerian leader’s remarks reflect his long-standing criticism of Western democratic models, which he claims have been adopted in Africa without much consideration for the continent’s unique history and traditions. According to Obasanjo, before colonial rule, African societies had their own forms of governance that were far more suited to the people’s needs. He insists that whatever system existed at the time, it was, in essence, a form of democracy.
“Before colonialism and the imposition of foreign powers, African communities practiced their own forms of governance. These systems were grounded in our cultures, customs, and beliefs. They were democratic in their own right,” Obasanjo said.
The former president went on to criticize the so-called “representative democracy” practiced in Africa today. He claimed that while democracy in its original sense, as defined by U.S. President Abraham Lincoln as “government of the people, by the people, and for the people,” was meant to serve everyone, today’s systems in Africa only benefit a few elites at the expense of the majority.
“Democracy is meant to serve all the people, not just a select few,” Obasanjo remarked. “What we have today is a democracy where a small group of people hold power, make decisions for the masses, and often ignore the basic needs of the people they are meant to serve.”
Obasanjo pointed out that Africa’s current political systems often fail to deliver justice and basic services to the people. He accused the leadership of corrupt practices that enable them to seize resources from the people, yet when citizens seek justice, they are often told to go to court—despite the fact that the legal system is frequently ineffective and inaccessible.
“Today, we have a democracy where a small number of people, by their actions, control everything, even illegally and corruptly,” Obasanjo said. “They tell the people to go to court for justice, but when you know that justice is not achievable, what kind of democracy is that?”
For Obasanjo, this form of governance is not sustainable. He believes that democracy in Africa cannot endure unless it is fundamentally redefined to address the continent’s unique challenges and align with its values. The current system, according to him, fosters inequality and poverty, leaving many Africans without the opportunities or resources they need to thrive.
“The current system is not a democracy that will endure,” Obasanjo warned. “It is a system that says, ‘I am because I can grab.’ It’s a system where those in power take everything for themselves, regardless of the consequences for the people.”
Obasanjo’s comments also extend to the larger question of governance in Africa. He has long been an advocate for reforming African political systems to be more inclusive and equitable. He emphasized that for democracy to truly succeed in Africa, it must be tailored to the continent’s historical, social, and cultural realities, rather than simply imitating Western models.
“If we are going to make democracy survive in Africa, we need to reconsider what it means for us,” Obasanjo concluded. “We need to look at democracy in the context and content of Africa, and build a system that truly serves the needs of the people.”
Obasanjo’s remarks resonate deeply with many Africans who feel disillusioned with their political systems, which often feature corrupt leadership, weak institutions, and widespread poverty. For years, African countries have struggled with democratic transitions, often witnessing flawed elections, authoritarian tendencies, and limited political freedoms.
Though Obasanjo’s words are critical of the current state of democracy, they also call for hope and change. He believes that for Africa to thrive, it must find a way to integrate its own values and historical governance systems into the practice of democracy. This, he argues, is the only way for the continent to achieve true political, social, and economic progress.
In the aftermath of Obasanjo’s comments, there has been a growing conversation about how to reshape African democracy in ways that reflect the needs and values of the people. Some political analysts agree with Obasanjo’s assessment, noting that many African nations still face significant challenges in delivering democratic governance that benefits all citizens.
“Obasanjo’s critique of democracy in Africa is a call for deep reflection on how we practice politics on the continent,” said Dr. Chijioke Nnadi, a political scientist at the University of Lagos. “Africa must find its own path to democracy, one that is not just based on Western ideals but is grounded in African history and values.”
As Obasanjo’s speech continues to generate discussions across the continent, it is clear that the future of democracy in Africa will depend on how leaders and citizens confront the challenges of governance and find new ways to address the needs of the people. For now, the question remains: can Africa create a form of democracy that truly serves its people, or will the continent continue to struggle under a system that is increasingly out of touch with its realities?
