In a world dominated by conflicting ideologies and social systems, many have debated on the interpretation of "democracy". Some proposed that it's about practicing capitalism in the governance system, others- leftists - argue that it's about American imperialism encrusted with "empowering the people and withering the state" terminology. Africans' understanding of the concept is what actually matters in their context. For those who picked the concept as forceful revolution to usurp power, time has corrected them. For those who believe it's all about evolution, it needs time to be understood to pave the way for a lasting adaptation; that is how history would remember them. Adopting the essence of democracy is not an overnight practice; it's rather a classic process demanding time and reflaction.Just a glimpse of what had happen in Ethiopia in May, 2010 election is enough to take note of the track it led those who awkwardly and hastily picked the mood and the concept of democracy. China interprets democracy not in a way which the US and the West agree with, but how the masses of China want it literally. And as long as it is not a problem let is be described as " China's communist democracy". That is it! Therefore, why can't Africans interpret their own democracy and call it " African Cultural democracy"? This is just intended to convey a political nomenclature that fits the contemporary socio-political transformation in Africa and avoids the pitfalls of hasty and sweeping generalization, which in turn contributes to a more balanced understanding and informed appriciation of the complex process of democratization in Africa which only started in the late twentienth century.
Africa needs a think tank comprised of "the unsurpassed minds" that can introduce a form of democracy that speaks exceptionally to the African experience, taking into account what's in the best interest of the country as well as tribalism and is inclusive of advice from traditional elders. In tribal tradition, when one of the "sons" of the tribe is running for office, it is expected that most members of the tribe will support him. Africa needs a form of government that speaks to its culture and traditions.
In many areas of Africa, the influence and importance of tribal leadership cannot be dismissed out of hand. Any structure of democracy that ought to be developed in Africa must take into consideration the reality of tribalism. Africa cannot follow the European or American style of democracy. The Europeans developed their brand of democracy drawing heavily from Greek tradition and have had hundreds of years to improve upon this system of government, contrary to the nations of Africa who have only enjoyed freedom from their colonial masters over the last 50-plus years. From Nigeria to Zimbabwe, Kenya to Ivory Coast and Uganda to Cameroon, the experiment of imitating European/American democracy has sadly taken these countries on a dangerous nosedive. And if our politicians in Ethiopia and abroad make the mistake of emulating the same I predict the end result could be "Shadow boxing."
Since the eradication of socialism in 1991; Ethiopia engaged in the endless debate of unitary versus federalism. Indeed ' the first door of democracy' opened in Ethiopia in 1994 when the then Transitional Government accepted the nation willing in shaping the country as federal based ethnic rather than old biased unitary system. However, unlike their promise; the 'federal system' became a machinary for Ethiopian ruling party inorder to load their 'Abiyotawi Doctrine' on the people which is no more difference then old unitary system.
So, African countries will continue to be racked by conflicts,drought and famine mainly like in Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya,; unless leaders agree about how to govern their multi faceted nation-states and how to distribute their economic resources equitably, perhaps using the role of tribal or ethnic representation. Without a compromise that would ensure "ethnic justice", neither the so-called "liberal democracy" nor any other type of government will succeed in Africa. If "liberal democracy" presently has any evolutionary advantages, it will have to adapt to local realities, and its contours will have to be shaped by indigeous African socio-cultural traditions.
Discourse about "tribalism" or "supertribalism" or "ethnicity" in contemporary Africa is now linked to demands for "democracy". Africans are seeking relief from coups, misgovernment, and economic collapse. The western/USA interference in the politics of continent hinders the development of democracy for long time. They are trying to shape Africans for the sake of their national interest; which leads to a zero value of democracy. They do not care the system practiced by the African government. Americans often admit that "democracy" is really an act of faith to them. This is a condition afflicting local power seekers who, to please hegemonies, may either disguise those aspects of social life or cynically manipulate local conditions to gain or remain in power.
By the 1980s, despite the consequences of ideology, the political economies of the African states had so deterioted that it led to frequent military coups, political oppression, ethnic dissension and economic degradation. Some of the blame lay with African governments that often pursued economic policies or created public institutions that became hurdles to their economic progress. The other part of the problem was the fact that Africa became the victim of a changing global economic environment. Because African economies were heavily dependent on the export of a few primary products, any recession in the West caused them to collapse like the recent depression and its prevailing negative impact on economies in Africa.
There is general agreemnet in most African countries that coups must end, corruption must be rooted out, and economies must be restored. There is less agreement among Africans about the meaning of "democracy". Many Africans believe that the larger issue of governance is related to the general conditions in African countries. Some African scholars believe that there were traditional forms of democracy, like the Oromo Gada System in the horn of Africa. They asserted that the Oromo Gada Systems functioned for centeries till the Abyssinian(todays Ethiopian northerners) conquered and distorted the systems.
Increasingly, African scholars insist that whereas western ideas about democracy are superfically rooted in the notion of political and social rights for indiviuals, the reality of Africa is still one in which "collectivities", or "ethnic" groups, rathern than individuals, are demanding social justice. In this context, what matters is respect for African cultures and languages, and ethnic concerns in the distribution of their countries' or world resources. These views are now being linked to the conviction that African traditional leaders and important personages should join politicians in governing African societies. Moreover, these demands are coming from urbanites as well as rural folk.
So ensuring that, the political culture of African countries considers ethnic representation with a view to guaranteeing justice for all could be an option that can solve the protracted problems affecting democracy in the continent, may the same come true for Ethiopia?!. Ethiopia which is created by iron and blood in 1900; was at the same level of economy with South Korea. However, the old unitary system deterioted our country, dispersed our people, degraded our economy, and made our country as the world poorest country. Finally the old "Ethiopian Tikdem", " Unitary Ethiopia", or " Andit Ethiopia" doctrines were never brought social,cultural,economic and political development to the country.
by IBRAHIM M. ABDELLA
email: midaga2005@yahoo.com
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