The face of African politics

Politics is still perceived as a ‘do or die’ affair in which politicians and political parties stake virtually everything in the accumulation and retention of power. This makes elections a discounted value in promoting meaningful change in governance. Often the winner-takes-all syndrome prevails. Negotiation of political power is associated to access to public resources. However, the rise and flourishing of civil society portends a good omen for democratic politics in Africa. The possibility of accountability from below is increasing by the day as citizens’ demand for rights and opportunities,” 

Tackling a wide range of views on how Africa shaped its political self, it remains a “continent in transition … (where) both domestic and external forces are impacting on the nature of its politics and economy”.

While democracy in Africa remains “fragile and tenuous, and the possibility of many reversals lurks”, there are some consensus that the nature of politics is changing in Africa.

“Citizens’ political participation is on the increase, there is better observance of the rule of law, political freedom is widening, conflicts have largely receded, and with increasing political stability and predictable political environment, steady economic growth has been posted.

Youth unpleasant with the rate of selfish amongst officials in government. 

Leaders across African nations  in a round table for deliberation on African issues.

Albeit slowly, institutions of democracy such as parliament, the media and civil society, are gradually checking power excesses by leaders and government officials.

The hunger to remain in governance over a long period of time constitute an Avenue to portray that African politics is deadly and you have to be on guard for individual safety.