The dilemma of democracy in neo-colonial era

Fifteen years after the Berlin West Africa Conference, the African continent was almost entirely shared out between the European powers. By 1912 territories bordering the Sahara, too, were absorbed. There is no point in discussing the suffering of Africans during this period, since even the children born yesterday have the story. However, this colonial domination lasted less than a century. Then, the African continent gained it’s so called independence as a group of modern nations, defined by boundaries agreed between the colonial powers. There is no doubt that Western influences on Africa, profoundly affected the newly independent nations, a situation that paved way for neocolonialism. Some former imperial powers even had courage to push a hidden agenda that turned newly independent colonies into de-facto protectorates. So, African independence existed only on paper, whereas in reality the continent’s fate was still decided in foreign capitals. It is this neocolonialism that has been Africa’s undoing up to today. The consequences of this neocolonialism are far reaching. In a continent politically engineered by foreigners, national borders are not often worth the map they are drawn on. Capitalizing on their economic power, political influence on some greedy African leaders, the West has managed to keep African governments on their knees. African countries have thus continued to suffer foreign orchestrated wars, violence, conflict, injustice and even genocide. They have introduced their own democracy that doesn’t suit the African context, to the detriment of African society. Look at the recent UN report that pins Rwanda and other nations on war crimes committed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The report writers took the master servant relationship to come with an unscientific outrageous report against the countries. The same UN has never thought of punishing its soldiers and itself for the rape and torture of girl children in the DRC. UN forgets that the Rwanda Defense Forces whom they claim to have killed fellow Rwandans, in the DRC, actually saved them from massive killings and genocide when UN watched as other accomplices did. So, the report is nothing else, but a manifestation of the former colonial masters’ attitude towards Africans. After all who has a say in the UN-only countries with Veto power can reject such appalling accusation- they know that theirs is god’s verdict where there is no appeal. The example is just a tip of an iceberg! With the superficial building of democracy and justice, the democratic picture in Africa is not as positive as it is supposed to be-at least in the African context. Struggling with neocolonialism, and as if they intend to beat the neocolonialists in their own game, some African countries/leaders embraced an electoral system that ‘adds value to democracy’, hence enhancing the accountability of the elected representatives. This ensured at the same time broader representation of key political forces in the representative bodies. In classical democracy, this kind of political system, becomes more inclusive, participatory and accords the rulers legitimacy to govern. This has never gone well with neocolonialists either. It is also evident that Political leaders in Africa, who would like to see neocolonialism just like its colonial prequel, phase out, are always in trouble with the ‘former African masters’. The system of neo-colonialism has in essence served the developed powers splendidly at the expense of African countries. So, it is up to Africans to fight on or resign. But I stand with those who are courageous enough to remain focused, and live by their principles, other than succumb to neocolonialist threats under the guise of democracy. mugitoni@yahoo.com