The Prospects towards Democratization in Africa - Essay Example

Democratization in Africa Analysts argue that the process is not an easy task to many countries. From a survey of various countries that have taken part in this process, majority of them have regarded democratization as an uphill task. Among the countries that have taken part in this process are India, Turkey that ended up expecting a vice versa of their expectations. In relation to this fact, researchers argue that it is mandatory that countries that aim to take part in any process to lay down all the techniques necessary for success of an ideology. Some of the processes that need to be highlighted include the nation’s past, what they should retain and what should be discarded. However, the struggle for democratization, and endeavor to good governance has been evident in many countries in Africa. This is evidenced from the structural programs in Africa that are being put in place. According to Brass (pp.74) though African countries have been subjected to oppressive regimes in the past, majority of them are on the verge of coming out of their ‘cells’ towards democracy. Through these processes African countries are indicated to be on the run to develop their countries towards democracy. Among the prospects towards democratization in Africa include the modification of the social structures of the African countries. In the colonial times a majority of the African were subjected to classism that relates to the underdevelopment of majority of these third world countries. The ideology of Classism by the colonial subjects has had a massive impact on the African countries and governance. As a result of the created social stratifications by Africans, majority of the African countries ended up having unequal opportunities for development. Democracy, on the other hand, relates to equal provision of opportunities for all people to develop equally in the society. African governments in the contemporary world today have continued to ensure that Africans have equal opportunities for development and promote collective sharing of resources in the society. With the minimization of differences in classes between individuals in the society, African governments are providing a chance for its people to take part in the development processes as a whole. Evidences of the democratization process of African countries are evident from the efforts by the government to reduce tribalism in the country analysts argue that among the major ails of the African countries emanate form the fact that a majority of their systems ranging from political to economic systems are influenced through tribal lines. Tribalism traces its roots from the colonial times where the colonialists classified Africans in terms of their tribal backgrounds. A good example is that of Uganda whereby the British manipulated the Buganda Kingdom so as to lure all the other communities in the country to collaborate with the colonial force. It is in this light that most of the African countries have resulted into divisions in the African countries. In the contemporary African societies, today, the African governments are on the move to reduce the tribalism factor as a result of democratizing their nations. Most of these countries learn lessons from countries like Rwanda that has had horrible situations as a result of tribalism. African countries can be said to uncover themselves from the oppressive colonial regimes that rendered their countries nothing better but a worthless place. This fact not only negatively impacted its people, but also the development and democratization process. Another factor that contributes to the success of democratization of Africa is the move by the governments especially the civil society to eliminate practices that reduce practices that may render members of the society into classes. According to these governments, such anomalous undertakings are the reasons why the African states are lagging behind in the globe’s ranking. Ethnic communities resulted from the intrusion of colonialists into the African countries. Europeans reduced many African countries to classist countries either through tribal or racial basis. A notable example is South Africa that would be regarded as a racist country from the Apartheid policy. In such countries, today, there are no less than three quarter way towards democracy. Democracy in these countries can be attributed to provision of human rights where individuals are free to enjoy their liberties with no fear of infringements. African countries are also enjoying stable governments, a major indicator of democracy taking root in the Third World countries. African countries are likely to democratize in the soonest time possible from the basics set by the Christian missionaries. Missionaries are the more reason why majority of the African countries have gone through civilization. The missionaries embarked on a mission of educating the African on the ability to read and do simple arithmetic that would help them discern the good and bad in the society. In context to the missionary issue, Africans are seen to be on their way towards democratization on the basis of ability to read and write. Education has for a long time been regarded to key towards development. Educated people have the ability to reason and make tangible decisions that steer the society towards development. Studies indicate that African countries though on a slow process towards democratization, they are proving to democratize by the day. Structures are being put in place like electoral processes that allow free and fair elections in these countries. According to Brass (pp.79) missionaries have contributed a great mile to the democratization of Africa in terms of educating the Africans. He indicates that the established mission forms of operation set the base for creation of schools that led to creation forms of formal instructions. Missionary education enlightened Africans on the happenings in other parts of the world, in turn applying the same in their countries. The intrusion of colonialists has led to the democratization of African countries. African countries have managed to develop a system of administration, which according to Brass (pp.80) is referred to as native administration. In addition, Africans have developed regional governments that are constantly evolving with the demand of proper provision of societal needs. The rectification of the African systems is a clear indication of the prospective democratization of the African countries. The established systems act as a symbol of reference to the upcoming systems of administration that would serve the populace better. Herbst (pp.117) argues that African states are likely to become the strongest states in the near future. His contribution focuses on the importance of war in the creation of stronger African states. Majority of the African states have undergone a series of wars that have contributed to the need of reformation in these countries. Historians argue that war is the greatest motivator towards the process of democracy. With the independence that these countries enjoy, there is a great likelihood that African states will indeed attain the highest points of democracy. Despite the forms of aggression from all angles, neo-colonialism that a majority of these countries enjoy, democracy will soon become part and parcel of African countries. Works cited Brass, Paul. Ethnicity and the Colonial and Post-Colonial State in Africa. Ethnic Groups and the State. London: Croom Helm: 1985 pp.73-81.  Herbst, Jeffrey. War and the State in Africa. International Security. Volume.14, No. 4: 1990, pp. 117-139. Read More