The dilemma of governance in Africa

Hence, the dilemma of governance in Africa has recently attracted international attention and public discourse. First, as I see it, the fundamental problem is keeping the system of government clean by upholding high standards which is critical to advance political sanity, development and prosperity of African countries. One wonders why the leadership in Africa cannot get this governance imperative right for the benefit of their economies and peoples. The resource endowment of the continent when set against its endemic poverty, sends a sad story and paradoxical picture in the eyes of the world. In local proverb, it is said, you reap what you sow. Independence means Africa is on its own and by its own efforts, it must earn its keep. In this context, production, manufacturing, proper economic management, development and accountable administration are essential ingredients for good governance, peace, stability and prosperity of nation states in Africa. Why is it difficult to realize this transformative agenda for African development. Looking at recent developments in Mali, Guinea Conakry, Burkina Faso, Gabon, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Libya and elsewhere, it could be said that governance in Africa is in a crisis situation. There is either a military takeover of the government or rejection of the government through the ballot box. When democracy, rule of law, protection of fundamental Human rights, proper management of the economy are sidelined by the leadership, the end results will be recipe for chaos and internal conflict. As at now, the Gambia is among the most peaceful, the most democratic and most progressive in terms of development orientation. Credit is to the leadership of President Barrow. The economic hardships and political instability in most of the countries in the region surpasses that of The Gambia. Hence the massive inflow of West Africa migrants in The Gambia. The dividends of peace, stability, democratic governance should not be taken for granted, it is real in the country. Economic mismanagement, abuse of power, corruption, democratic intolerance, self-perpetuating rule, suppression of opposition dissent, etc among others, are the hallmarks of the system of government in many African countries, all of which constitutes bad governance. To advance Africa into the 21^st century under such circumstances, will be a challenge of the first magnitude. A new pathway to African development and political dispensation to enhance good governance, is the logical option and answer to meeting the continent’s development goals. Responding to the effects of crisis in individual African countries instead of reflecting on and addressing the causes of such crisis will not move Africa forward. It must be said that when African electoral systems are deemed as contest for the seat of power only rather than based on the democratic convictions of political leaders, governance in Africa becomes a tragedy. African leadership must realize that power is not personal to holder. It is the peoples power in a democratic dispensation.