DOCSLIB.ORG

Democratization in Africa: a Preliminary Assessment by Marion E

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Democratization in Africa: a Preliminary Assessment by Marion E A NEWSLETTER ON DEMOCRACY AND GOVERNANCE IN AFRICA USAID Bureau for Africa, Office of Sustainable Development Vol. 5 No. 2 Summer 1996 Democratization in Africa: A Preliminary Assessment by Marion E. Doro iscussions of tbe democratization process in Africa national consensus about the extent of those powers and Lend to focus on specific examples and are oversha­ liberties that enable groups to negotiate and make bargains Ddowed by the worst case scenarios sucb as Liberia, with one another, to resolve differences, and to arrive at an Somalia, and Burundi, or a ltcmatively by the relatively suc­ acceptable and equitable distribution of rewards. cessful cases of South Africa and Botswana, each or which These principles are manifested in a variety of fonns represents exceptional circumstances. Less attention is di­ such as presidential or parliamentary systems, and the pro­ rected at some recent trends that are not quantiftable but cesses that are t e driving forces of these institutions include deserve our attention as preIi mi nary indications of the reasons multiparty systems that reflect different interests, free elec­ Africans pUJ-suc the idea of democracy, and the variety of tions, free speech, and tlie ri ght to organize in support ofor in meanings they attach to its various mani feslalioos. Otherwise, opposition to the current government. we may misread some of the current political patterns of Since independence Africans have experienced hvo ma­ development in Africa and fail to realize that we may be jor shockwaves that ha\'e been felt across the continent. The "present at the creation" ofdemocrn cy on various parts of the fi rst set consisted of a series of military coups in the mid- continent. 1960s, followed by one-party systems and personalistic rt1le, As a first step we should review our own definition of exemplified by Jomo Kenyatta's "accountable democracy. For most Western political analysts democracy is authoritarianism" or re1>ressive regimes on the orderofMiI ton a condition based on a set of principles that Limit government Obote's two regimes in Uganda. During the 1970s and 1980s power and prolect indjvidual rights and liberties, which have most regimes were marked by human rights violations, cor- routinized, and refined over time. Jt requires a been tested, continued on page 5 Lessons Learned on Consolidating Democracy in Africa by Dana Ott emocracy has recently made historic advances in The conference, which was cosponsored by USAlD's Africa, yet many challenges remain that threaten its Africa Bureau and the Global Bureau's Center for Democ­ Dconsolidation. ldentifying how USATD in partnership racy and Governance, offered a unique opportunity for with Africans can effectively develop democracy and gover­ USAID practit>oners and U.S. academics and their counter­ nance (DG) programs that respond to these challenges was a parts from academia and non-goverrunental organizations focus of discussions at tlH!: recent USA! D con forence ''Con­ (NGOs) in Africa to assess progress in democratic gover­ solidating Democracy: Lessons We Are Leaming from Lhe nance since the inception of USAID's Democracy Initiative Results of USA.ID Democratic Governance Programs in Af­ in 1990. Given that more than 20 USAJD missions in Africa rica," held April 23-25, in Johannesburg, South Africa. now have programs focusing on some aspect of democracy and governance, the conference provided a forum for the exchange of knowledge and information about strategies and INSIDE THIS ISSUE programs for democratization in Africa, including lessons Radio is a Powerful Tool for Democratization ..... 3 learned about program planning and implementation. From the b:ginning of the conference, a lively discussion WILDAF Fosters Advocacy for Women's Rights 4 centered around the concept of "consol idati.ng democracy." Internet Resources .............................................. 6 Richard Joseph of the Massachusells Institute ofTechnology Conferences in Brief ......... .............................. ..... 7 cautioned against overoptjmistic evaluations of the consoli­ Publications ....................... ................................... 8 dation of democratic regimes in Africa, arguing that "trends continued on page 2 2 African Voices Summer 1996 Consolidating Democracy their historical origins," said Emmanuel described delays in licensing private continued from page 1 Gyimah-Boadi ofAmeric an University. radio starions and the Jack of critical While arguing that many positive de­ analysis of issues by the media as two in democratic transition in Africa must velopments have occurred in Africa, ongoing issues for the independent be understood in terms of tbe broader such as the return to constitutional rule press. Another media representative ar­ trends in Africa." E-le emphasLzed that in many countries, and completion <>f gued thaL Jaws dating from the colonial many of the democratic transitions that second-round election cycles, Gyimah­ period were being used direct!)' to stifle have occurred in Africa thus fa r are Boadi acknowledged the fragil ity <>f the independent media, in combination highly reversible, and that greater em­ such developments. He noted that while with the thl'eat of suspension of publi­ ,1 phasis should be placed on sustaining improvements in accountabi lity have cation or detention of the journalists, those transi tlotis to democracy through occurred, parliaments remain hampered while pressme was being placed indi­ fow· main strategies. by political and fi nancial domination rectly on 1hese publications through by regimes. Furlher, although a vibrant pressure on advertisers and organiza­ press has emerged in parts of A fri c.a, its tions that support the media. efforts are hampered by material and Ma rina Ottaway of Georgetown "'Efforts to promote professional lim itations, on the one Uni\'ersity argued that the democratic democracy must reflect hand, and by the use of an antipress transition process in Africa today may the understanding that legal regime on the other, including the be more constrained than at indepen­ use of intimidation. dence, as many of these societies have democratization is a Gyimah-Boadi emphasized several experienced decl ines in economic and revolutionary change in critical issues in the consolidation of social benefits since that time. She noted the power relations in a democracy in Africa: that the decline is particularly acute in civil society, which decreases the prob­ society* • The impact of the underlying eco­ ability ofsuccessf ul transformation and Marina Ottaway nomic crises in ma11y countries­ wh.ich have origins predating demo­ continued on page 6 cratic transformations- may influ­ ence the success of those transfo1ma­ African Voices is published • Identify the challenges in specific tions. countries, such as military opportun­ quarterly by the Africa Bureau ism, ethnic conflict, uneven alloca­ • The lack of consensus over a br<>ad Information Center, operated by outline of economic policy, which is the Academy for Educational tion of resources, etc., and focus on Development under contract to the those cha Il enges to try and provide further complicated in tbe context of U.S. Agency for International the system with "breathing space." elections and the consequent diffi­ Development IUSAID), and is part culty of selling economic reform to of the Research and Reference • ldentify the 1·esources that countries the public .. Services project of USAID' s Center have- political leaders, tradi tional for Development Information and institutions, economic opportunities • The persistence of patrimonial rule Evaluation. with high employment capacity-to de&pite economic and political liber­ alizati on. Editors: Patricia Mantey assist in consolidating democracy. John Engels • Level the pol itical playing field by Jn concett wit.b these observations, African Voices provides a forum challenging manipulative uses of po­ several representatives of Africa n me­ dia and NGOs offered tJ1cir insights on for dialogue on democratization in litical power, such as changing the Africa. The opinions expressed do rules of the political game to dis­ obstacles that remained to the consoli­ not necessarily reflect USAID qualify potential opponents. dation of democracy in Africa. Some policies. Comments, letters, spoke ofthe li ngering insecurities in the articles, and announcements are • Recognize the danger of democracy relationship between elected govern­ welcome. Send them to: as a con.eept becoming devalued by ments and NG Os. For example, a repre­ The Editors, Africen Voices "show democracies" that many A fri­ sentative from an African NGO said can counb·ies are now constructing; Africa Bureau Information Center that conducting civic edt1cation pro­ USAID, SA· 18, Room 203-J there is a great risk tbat Africans will grams often provokes a backlash from Washington, D.C. 20523-1820 come to view democracy as a nega­ the government, which feels threatened Telephone: 703-312-7191 tive development iJ these countries by such activities. Fax: 703-312-7199 do not become true democracies. USA Tn many transition countries, barri ­ Internet: [email protected] "Many of tlie obstacles to t:he con­ ers still remain to the provision ofalter­ solidation of democracy in Africa may native sources of information for citi­ RU'.'~" Smia:~ not be amenable to easy so lutions, given zens. An African media representative African Voices Summsr 1996 3 Radio is Becoming a Powerful Tool for Democratization By Zoey Breslar 1rough radio
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Challenge of Democracy in Africa MAIN IDEA WHY IT MATTERS NOW TERMS & NAMES
    2 The Challenge of Democracy in Africa MAIN IDEA WHY IT MATTERS NOW TERMS & NAMES REVOLUTION As the recent In 1996, as Nigeria struggled • federal • apartheid histories of Nigeria and South with democracy, South Africa system • Nelson Africa show, ethnic and racial adopted a bill of rights that •martial law Mandela conflicts can hinder democracy. promotes racial equality. •dissident SETTING THE STAGE Beginning in the late 1950s, dozens of European colonies in Africa gained their independence and became nations. As in Latin America, the establishment of democracy in Africa proved difficult. In many cases, the newly independent nations faced a host of problems that slowed their progress toward democracy. The main reason for Africa’s difficulties was the negative impact of colonial rule. European powers had done little to prepare their African colonies for independence. TAKING NOTES Colonial Rule Limits Democracy Comparing Use a Venn The lingering effects of colonialism undermined efforts to build stable, demo- diagram to compare political events in Nigeria cratic economies and states. This can be seen throughout Africa. and South Africa. European Policies Cause Problems When the Europeans established colonial boundaries, they ignored existing ethnic or cultural divisions. New borders divided peoples of the same background or threw different—often rival—groups Nigeria together. Because of this, a sense of national identity was difficult to develop. both After independence, the old colonial boundaries became the borders of the newly South Africa independent states. As a result, ethnic and cultural conflicts remained. Other problems had an economic basis. European powers had viewed colonies as sources of wealth for the home country.
    [Show full text]
  • Democracy Index 2020 in Sickness and in Health?
    Democracy Index 2020 In sickness and in health? A report by The Economist Intelligence Unit www.eiu.com The world leader in global business intelligence The Economist Intelligence Unit (The EIU) is the research and analysis division of The Economist Group, the sister company to The Economist newspaper. Created in 1946, we have over 70 years’ experience in helping businesses, financial firms and governments to understand how the world is changing and how that creates opportunities to be seized and risks to be managed. Given that many of the issues facing the world have an international (if not global) dimension, The EIU is ideally positioned to be commentator, interpreter and forecaster on the phenomenon of globalisation as it gathers pace and impact. EIU subscription services The world’s leading organisations rely on our subscription services for data, analysis and forecasts to keep them informed about what is happening around the world. We specialise in: • Country Analysis: Access to regular, detailed country-specific economic and political forecasts, as well as assessments of the business and regulatory environments in different markets. • Risk Analysis: Our risk services identify actual and potential threats around the world and help our clients understand the implications for their organisations. • Industry Analysis: Five year forecasts, analysis of key themes and news analysis for six key industries in 60 major economies. These forecasts are based on the latest data and in-depth analysis of industry trends. EIU Consulting EIU Consulting is a bespoke service designed to provide solutions specific to our customers’ needs. We specialise in these key sectors: • Healthcare: Together with our two specialised consultancies, Bazian and Clearstate, The EIU helps healthcare organisations build and maintain successful and sustainable businesses across the healthcare ecosystem.
    [Show full text]
  • Democracy in Africa 00 Sarsar Adekunle Final 2/22/12 9:08 AM Page Ii
    00 sarsar adekunle final 2/22/12 9:08 AM Page i Democracy in Africa 00 sarsar adekunle final 2/22/12 9:08 AM Page ii Carolina Academic Press African World Series Toyin Falola, Series Editor Africa, Empire and Globalization: Essays in Honor of A. G. Hopkins Toyin Falola, editor, and Emily Brownell, editor African Entrepreneurship in Jos, Central Nigeria, 1902 –1985 S.U. Fwatshak An African Music and Dance Curriculum Model: Performing Arts in Education Modesto Amegago Authority Stealing: Anti-Corruption War and Democratic Politics in Post-Military Nigeria Wale Adebanwi The Bukusu of Kenya: Folktales, Culture and Social Identities Namulundah Florence Contemporary African Literature: New Approaches Tanure Ojaide Contesting Islam in Africa: Homegrown Wahhabism and Muslim Identity in Northern Ghana, 1920 –2010 Abdulai Iddrisu Democracy in Africa: Political Changes and Challenges Saliba Sarsar, editor, and Julius O. Adekunle, editor 00 sarsar adekunle final 2/22/12 9:08 AM Page iii Diaspora and Imagined Nationality: USA-Africa Dialogue and Cyberframing Nigerian Nationhood Koleade Odutola Food Crop Production, Hunger, and Rural Poverty in Nigeria’s Benue Area, 1920 –1995 Mike Odugbo Odey Globalization: The Politics of Global Economic Relations and International Business N. Oluwafemi Mimiko In Search of African Diasporas: Testimonies and Encounters Paul Tiyambe Zeleza Intercourse and Crosscurrents in the Atlantic World: Calabar-British Experience, 17th –20th Centuries David Lishilinimle Imbua Pioneer, Patriot, and Nigerian Nationalist: A Biography
    [Show full text]
  • Democracy and Reconfigured Power in Africa Richard Joseph
    “The third wave of democracy did sweep across much of sub-Saharan Africa in the 1990s, but has now subsided, except for ripples and eddies.” Democracy and Reconfigured Power in Africa richarD Joseph n July 2009, President Barack Obama declared This is an appropriate moment, therefore, to in Accra, Ghana, that Africa no longer needs step back from the volatility and try to under- Istrongmen—it needs strong institutions. stand the deeper dynamics of political change Almost a year later, at a meeting of the African and continuity in the region. In this exercise, Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Secretary of State the perspective of Richard L. Sklar, a longtime Hillary Clinton contended that many African lead- student of African affairs and retired professor of ers seem more concerned with staying eternally political science at the University of California, in power than with ably serving their people. In Los Angeles, is helpful. Sklar has argued for the some cases, she said, democracy “as one election, importance of studying power and the means by one time” still prevails. which it is acquired and exercised. He contends How much do these views correspond with what that all governmental systems are mixed, and is taking place in African countries? What patterns everything that is good in governance may not emerge in the configuration of political power? And necessarily be “democratic.” finally, how do we assess Africa’s democratic pros- Sklar calls attention, for example, to the sig- pects in light of global developments? nificance of oligarchic entities, such as the US As once impregnable autocracies fall in North Supreme Court or the British House of Lords, Africa, the people of sub-Saharan Africa can in capitalist democracies.
    [Show full text]
  • Beyond the Arab Spring: Will Economic and Security Challenges Further Test Tunisia’S Democracy?
    Beyond the Arab Spring: Will economic and security challenges further test Tunisia’s democracy? by Rorisang Lekalake Copyright © Afrobarometer 2017 0 Afrobarometer Policy Paper No. 40 | May 2017 Introduction In contrast to sub-Saharan Africa, where many countries experienced political liberalization during the late 1980s and early 1990s (Bratton, 1997), the authoritarian regimes of North Africa were largely able to resist popular demands for transformation by introducing limited, top- down reforms. In Tunisia, there were some improvements to political freedoms after Zine El Abidine Ben Ali took office in 1988 and was elected as president the following year in the country’s first election since 1972 (Abushouk, 2016). This brief period of loosened restrictions was followed, however, by decades of authoritarian repression: “Even in a region that was notorious for its leaders’ disdain for honest government and civil liberties, Tunisia [under Ben Ali] long stood out for the thoroughness of its system of control and repression” (Freedom House, 2012, p. 4). Optimism about the prospects for democratization in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region emerged in 2011 in response to a series of mass anti-government protests known as the Arab Spring. The events led to the overthrow of four authoritarian regimes in rapid succession that year, including Ben Ali’s, but it was soon evident that most regimes would ultimately prove resistant to these demands for reform (Freedom House, 2012). The protest movements have resulted in divergent outcomes, from a full democratic transition in Tunisia to ongoing civil conflicts in Libya and Syria. Although widely considered to be the only unqualified success story of these uprisings, Tunisia’s progress has been accompanied by periods of severe political upheaval and insecurity.
    [Show full text]
  • Senegal Since 2000. Rebuilding Hegemony in a Global Age Vincent Foucher, Tarik Dahou
    Senegal since 2000. Rebuilding Hegemony in a Global Age Vincent Foucher, Tarik Dahou To cite this version: Vincent Foucher, Tarik Dahou. Senegal since 2000. Rebuilding Hegemony in a Global Age. Turning Points in African Democracy, 2009. hal-02614085 HAL Id: hal-02614085 https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-02614085 Submitted on 20 May 2020 HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est archive for the deposit and dissemination of sci- destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents entific research documents, whether they are pub- scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, lished or not. The documents may come from émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de teaching and research institutions in France or recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires abroad, or from public or private research centers. publics ou privés. Mustapha_01 1/5/09 15:48 Page 13 2 Senegal since 2000 Rebuilding Hegemony in a Global Age TARIK DAHOU & VINCENT FOUCHER Senegal is often seen as a model of democracy in Africa. The changing character of Senegalese political life since independence has been paralleled by just as many changes in the literature about it. Initially most work tended to focus on the long history and rooted character of Senegalese democratic culture. This was essentially an urban-based political history centred on the lives of an enlightened class of évolués, African elites with a French education. In various shades, subse- quent authors described how the powerful Muslim brotherhoods functioned as mechanisms for political integration in the countryside: in exchange for agricultural services and other resources channelled to client marabouts, the party-state could count on the votes of the disciples attached to these marabouts (Copans 1980; Coulon 1981).
    [Show full text]
  • The Democratization Process and Structural Adjustment in Africa
    Indiana Journal of Global Legal Studies Volume 10 Issue 1 Article 12 Winter 2003 The Democratization Process and Structural Adjustment in Africa Muna Ndulo Supreme Court of Zambia Follow this and additional works at: https://www.repository.law.indiana.edu/ijgls Part of the International Law Commons, and the Law and Politics Commons Recommended Citation Ndulo, Muna (2003) "The Democratization Process and Structural Adjustment in Africa," Indiana Journal of Global Legal Studies: Vol. 10 : Iss. 1 , Article 12. Available at: https://www.repository.law.indiana.edu/ijgls/vol10/iss1/12 This Symposium is brought to you for free and open access by the Law School Journals at Digital Repository @ Maurer Law. It has been accepted for inclusion in Indiana Journal of Global Legal Studies by an authorized editor of Digital Repository @ Maurer Law. For more information, please contact [email protected]. The Democratization Process and Structural Adjustment in Africa MUNA NDULO* INTRODUCTION Africa's problems are myriad and complex. However, most scholars of Africa agree that one particular issue that continues to bedevil African countries is how to establish democratic nation-states with institutions that promote economic development, consolidate political harmony and stability, and avoid conflicts through enfranchisement. Many parts of Africa have thus far failed to develop democratic institutions and modes of conducting public affairs.' As a result, Africa has been strife-tom for most of the post-colonial era. Rwanda, for example, was the scene of the world's biggest genocidal massacre in half a century. 2 The Liberian conflict has been going on for over twelve years and affected its neighbors and an entire region.' Africa has the largest share of conflicts in the world today.4 Specifically, [s]ince 1970, more than 30 wars have been fought in Africa, the vast majority of them intra-State in origin.
    [Show full text]
  • The State of Democracy in Sub- Saharan Africa
    Working paper The State of Democracy in Sub- Saharan Africa Robert H. Bates Ghada Fayad Anke Hoefer August 2012 When citing this paper, please use the title and the following reference number: S-2013-NOC-1 IAS15410.1177/2233865912462373International Area Studies ReviewBates et al. 4623732012 Article International Area Studies Review 15(4) 323 –338 The state of democracy in © The Author(s) 2012 Reprints and permission: sagepub. Sub-Saharan Africa co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav DOI: 10.1177/2233865912462373 ias.sagepub.com Robert H. Bates Department of Government, Harvard University, USA Ghada Fayad OXCARRE, Department of Economics, University of Oxford, UK Anke Hoeffler Centre for the Study of African Economies, Department of Economics, University of Oxford, UK Abstract Africa experienced a wave of democratization over the past 20 years and this increase in democracy, we find, positively and significantly affects income per capita. Our dynamic panel data results suggest that countries only slowly converge to their long-run income values as predicted by current democracy levels, however. African countries may therefore be currently too democratic relative to their income levels. In keeping with this possibility, a significant number of countries are experiencing political ‘back sliding’: elections are won by the use of illicit tactics, term limits on political leaders have been overturned and there have been unconstitutional seizures of power. Keywords income, democracy, Sub-Saharan Africa, Dynamic panel data JEL Classification: C23, O11, O17, O55 Introduction In this paper we examine the state of democracy in Sub-Saharan Africa and its impact on Africa’s economic performance. Following 1989 the region experienced a wave of democratization: most countries held elections and legalized multi-party systems and many introduced term limits for Corresponding author: Anke Hoeffler, Centre for the Study of African Economies, Department Of Economics, University of Oxford, Manor Road, Oxford OX1 3UQ, UK.
    [Show full text]
  • Social Democracy in Mauritius
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by Stellenbosch University SUNScholar Repository Development with Social Justice? Social Democracy in Mauritius Letuku Elias Phaahla 15814432 Thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts (International Studies) at Stellenbosch University Supervisor: Professor Janis van der Westhuizen March 2010 ii Declaration By submitting this thesis electronically, I declare that the entirety of the work contained therein is my own, original work, that I am the owner of the copyright thereof (unless to the extent explicitly otherwise stated) and that I have not previously in its entirety or in part submitted it for obtaining any qualification. Signature:……………………….. Date:…………………………….. iii To God be the glory My dearly beloved late sisters, Pabalelo and Kholofelo Phaahla The late Leah Maphankgane The late Letumile Saboshego I know you are looking down with utmost pride iv Abstract Since the advent of independence in 1968, Mauritius’ economic trajectory evolved from the one of a monocrop sugar economy, with the latter noticeably being the backbone of the country’s economy, to one that progressed into being the custodian of a dynamic and sophisticated garment-dominated manufacturing industry. Condemned with the misfortune of not being endowed with natural resources, relative to her mainland African counterparts, Mauritius, nonetheless, was able to break the shackles of limited economic options and one of being the ‘basket-case’ to gradually evolving into being the upper-middle-income country - thus depicting it to be one of the most encouraging economies within the developing world.
    [Show full text]
  • 40 Years of Democracy in Botswana : 1965
    40 Years of Democracy in Botswana 1965-2005 EDITED BY ZIBANI MAUNDENI 40 Years of Democracy in Botswana: 1965 - 2005 First Published in 2005 by Mmegi Publishing House, P/Bag Br 298, Gaborone, Botswana ISBN: 99912-526-3-0 © Zibani Maundeni All rights reserved. The copyright of all materials in this publication, except where otherwise stated, remains the property of the author and publisher. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose, without the express written permission of the publishers or in accordance with the provision of the copyright and neighbouring rights act of 2000. Cover design by: Resolution Layout and design by: Resolution Printed and bound by: Mills Litho, Cape Town, South Africa 40 Years of Democracy in Botswana 1965-2005 EDITED BY ZIBANI MAUNDENI ContentsCONTENTS Acknowledgements . .3 Contributors . .4 Introduction . .6 SECTION ONE Chapter One: Botswana’s democracy in a southern African regional perspective: progress or decline? Patrick Molutsi . .10 Chapter Two: Electoral systems and democracy in Botswana Mpho Molomo . .29 Chapter Three: The organisation of elections and institutional reforms Mogopodi Lekorwe and Onkemetse Tshosa . .50 Chapter Four: Transparency and settling of disputes in the Botswana electoral system David Sebudubudu . .59 SECTION TWO Chapter Five: Succession to high office: Tswana culture and modern Botswana politics Zibani Maundeni . .80 Chapter Six: Voters and electoral performance of political parties in Botswana Mpho Molomo and Wilford Molefe . .94 Chapter Seven: Organisation of political parties Mogopodi Lekorwe . .122 Chapter Eight: Funding of political parties: levelling the political playing field Mpho Molomo and David Sebudubudu .
    [Show full text]
  • Promoting Democracy and Good Governance
    State Formation in Namibia: Promoting Democracy and Good Governance By Hage Gottfried Geingob Submitted in accordance with the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy The University of Leeds School of Politics and International Studies March 2004 The candidate confirms that the work submitted is his own and that appropriate credit has been given where reference has been made to the work of others. This copy has been supplied on the understanding that it is copyright material and that no quotation from the thesis may be published without proper acknowledgement. encourage good governance, to promote a culture of human rights, and to build state institutions to support these policies have also been examined with a view to determining the nature of the state that evolved in Namibia. Finally, the study carries out a democratic audit of Namibia using Swedish normative tools. 1 Acknowledgements The last few years have been tumultuous but exciting. Now, the academic atmosphere that provided a valuable anchor, too, must be hauled up for journeys beyond. The end of this most enjoyable academic challenge has arrived, but I cannot look back without a sense of loss - loss of continuous joys of discovery and academic enrichment. I would like to thank my supervisor, Lionel Cliffe, for his incredible support. In addition to going through many drafts and making valuable suggestions, Lionel helped me endure this long journey with his sustained encouragement. I also thank Ray Bush for going through many drafts and making valuable comments. He has an uncanny ability to visualize the final outcome of research effort.
    [Show full text]
  • Briefing EU Support to Democracy and Good Governance in Africa
    Briefing November 2017 EU support to democracy and good governance in Africa SUMMARY Support to democracy, good governance and human rights is a central component of EU cooperation with Africa, and of EU development aid to the continent, under the different frameworks shaping relations with African countries, such as the ACP framework for Sub-Saharan Africa, the Neighbourhood Policy for North Africa, and the Africa-EU Joint Strategy for cooperation at continental level. EU support is all the more important as democracy in many African countries is recent and still fragile. Democratic progress has had its ups and downs on the African continent since the 1990s wave of democratisation. On the whole, the number of free countries has stagnated, and progress on good governance indicators has been slow. Popular support for democratic systems in African countries remains however high, justifying EU efforts to promote democracy. The EU has a vast array of tools at its disposal. It has used the conditionality enshrined in its bilateral agreements to respond to serious political crises, particularly in Africa. EU budget support, which is vital to several African countries, has been subject to similar democratic and human rights conditionality. EU development aid includes an important component supporting good governance and rule of law. The EU has become an important partner in election observation and democracy assistance, and most of Africa has received EU missions. However, whether these tools of democracy support can make a significant difference remains a complicated issue. Much depends on conditions on the ground and the willingness of the partner governments to make progress.
    [Show full text]