According to the Mo Ibrahim Foundation’s latest report, progress in democratic governance in Africa has stalled, with almost half of the continent’s population living under governments that have seen a decline in standards over the past decade. The trend of backsliding in 21 countries reflects a global trend towards ‘strongman politics’ that has emboldened autocrats, potentially leading to unrest and violence. The financial constraints imposed by heavy debt burdens have further exacerbated the situation, leading to a vicious cycle of underinvestment in critical areas like infrastructure, health, and education.
The pandemic lockdowns and the rise of autocratic leaders have contributed to the worsening situation, as seen in the examples of conflicts in Sudan and coups in West and Central Africa. Mo Ibrahim highlighted the need to break the cycle of underinvestment and improve governance to prevent further deterioration in security and stability across the continent. While some countries have made progress in certain areas like infrastructure and gender equality, overall standards have fallen in critical areas like the rule of law, political participation, and security.
The report noted that even high-ranking countries like Mauritius have seen a decline in governance standards, with the Seychelles overtaking it after a decade of worsening scores. Despite some improvements in certain countries, there is still a significant gap in areas like rights, political participation, and security, pointing to the need for urgent action to address these issues. The Mo Ibrahim Index of African Governance is considered the most comprehensive overview of governance in Africa, measuring factors like public services, justice, corruption, and security.
The concerning trends in democratic governance in Africa underscore the need for decisive action to address the root causes of backsliding and promote good governance across the continent. The vicious cycle of underinvestment, exacerbated by heavy debt burdens and financial constraints, poses a significant threat to stability and security in Africa. Addressing issues like corruption, marginalization, and lack of political participation will be crucial in reversing the trend of declining governance standards and preventing further unrest and violence in the region.
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation’s report serves as a wake-up call for African governments, international organizations, and civil society to prioritize good governance and democracy in order to build a more stable and prosperous future for the continent. By addressing the root causes of backsliding and investing in critical areas like infrastructure, health, and education, African countries can break free from the cycle of underinvestment and insecurity, paving the way for a brighter future for all citizens. It is imperative that leaders take proactive steps to address these challenges and work towards improving governance and promoting democratic values to ensure a more stable and secure future for Africa.
