“Concepts of Democracy and Democratization in Africa Revisited” by Apollos O Nwauwa, in Charles Nieman (ed.), Democracy and Globalisation, Kent State

INTRODUCTION

Apollos O Nwauwa discusses the concept of democracy and the process of democratisation in Africa, referencing various thinkers and historical contexts.
He cites Chandran Kukathas, implying that we are in an age fixated on democracy and democratisation, particularly in the context of U.S. and Western foreign policy during and after the Cold War. The U.S. promoted democracy globally to undermine communism, but often supported autocratic regimes in Africa, turning a blind eye to human rights abuses in countries like Zaire, Kenya, and Sudan, which aligned with Western interests. The collapse of the Soviet Union in the 1990s created a sense of triumphalism in the West, perceived as the victory of liberal democracy as the ultimate governance model.
The post-Cold War era allowed the West, especially the U.S., to impose its values globally, making democracy a precondition for African countries seeking aid from institutions like the IMF and World Bank, which were linked to severe economic reforms. The marriage of economic restructuring (perestroika) and political openness (glasnost) was described by contemporaries like Paul Zeleza as revolutionary. Nwauwa also emphasises the pivotal role of market economies and external pressures for democratisation in Africa, as highlighted by Richard Joseph, while acknowledging that the end of the Cold War opened the way for democratic innovations across various African nations. Responding to oppressive regimes, Africans harnessed the idea of a "second independence" for their local democratization movements, which cannot be overlooked. This paper aims to provide a substantive examination of democracy concepts indigenous to Africa, countering Western perspectives that regard indigenous practices as foreign.

DISCOURSES ON DEMOCRACY IN AFRICA

The prevailing narratives in Western discourse often frame democracy and democratization in Africa as foreign or novel concepts. There exists a presumption that Africans lack the capacity for democratic thoughts and practices, necessitating an infusion of Western notions of democracy. Nwauwa argues that this viewpoint disregards the extensive history of democratic values within African societies and their rich political cultures predating colonialism.
Democracy, derived from the Greek terms 'demos' (the people) and 'kratia' (rule), was initially conceived in Ancient Greece as rule by the people for the people. However, Greek democracy fell short of contemporary notions, as it excluded women, slaves, and foreign residents. While it remains foundational for Western thought, Athenian democracy was far from universal and democratic in its execution. The concept of democracy evolved and varied throughout history, with each civilization altering its meaning and practice based on social contexts.

THE WHITE MAN’S BURDEN

Nwauwa critiques the Western perception of the need to "civilize" African nations through democracy, likening it to Kipling's “The White Man’s Burden,” which characterized colonization as a noble endeavor for the supposed benefit of colonized peoples. European colonialists often deemed existing African cultures and governance structures as inferior, ignoring parallels with their own evolutionary histories.
This cultural imperialism, couched in self-grandeur, failed to acknowledge African political structures that embodied democratic principles. The consequence was the denigration of indigenous practices while erecting colonial governances that disregarded accepted cultural norms and values.
The current push for democratization is thus positioned as a continuation of this form of cultural hegemony rather than an authentic transformation for African people. Nwauwa suggests that the West conflates its desire for democratization with altruism; however, the focus remains primarily on safeguarding Western interests rather than authentic engagement with African realities.

CONCEPTS AND PRACTICES OF DEMOCRACY IN AFRICA

To understand democracy in Africa, one must juxtapose indigenous concepts against Western models. As Nwauwa points out, variations of democratic practices existed in pre-colonial African societies, contradicting the view that democracy is inherently Western. The varied forms included direct and participatory democracy within well-organized political structures, among others.
The literature reveals unique local adaptations of democracy in different African settings. Nwauwa highlights that no singular model could encapsulate the diverse practices that formed the democratic ethos in various African societies. Direct democratic mechanisms found in Igbo political systems exemplify localized governance structures that prioritize popular participation.
Examples are numerous, such as the decentralized political structures within the Igbo culture, where the collective decision-making principles mirrored democratic ideals. Additionally, Gikuyu traditions underscored a similar disdain for despotism, reinforcing the innate tendency toward participatory governance.

COLONIAL DICTATE AND POST-COLONIAL STATUS

Nwauwa discusses the transformation of African political systems under colonial rule, often leading to the disenfranchisement of indigenous democratic practices. The imposition of an alien governance framework severely undermined preexisting structures. Deliberate efforts to overturn existing systems, alongside the installation of puppet leaders, led to political alienation of vast segments of the African populace. Political actors that co-opted colonial structures became known as errand boys, straying far from the ideals of any democratic governance.
As the narrative shifts post-World War II, colonial regimes began to adopt democratic rhetoric to quell rising nationalist sentiments, but these ploys were often insincere as colonial governors maintained authoritarian tendencies.
Corruption and the autocratic practices of newly independent African leaders demonstrated a troubling continuity from colonial rule. Prominent figures such as Jomo Kenyatta and Kwame Nkrumah exemplify the “sultanism” Nwauwa cites, leading to oppressive governance styles reflective of past colonial dictatorial practices, thus hijacking the fight for genuine democratic governance post-independence.

IMPULSES FOR DEMOCRACY

Nwauwa points out that the global environment significantly influenced democratic movements in Africa. The Cold War dynamic elicited a response wherein the West sought to promote democracy as a counter to communism, yet often these efforts were contradictory and self-serving. The application of neoliberal economic policies intertwined with demands for democratic governance appeared as a Western agenda that overlooked unique local contexts and systems of governance.
In sum, the modernization and global economic development narrative pushes a Western-centric vision of democracy via capitalist frameworks devoid of significant focus on indigenous African needs. Therefore, while there are historical and ideological intersections between African and Western political thought, the need for nuanced interpretations rooted in African experiences and cultural ethos remains critical for understanding the democratization process.