Africa in Fact’s Post

𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐬: 𝐈𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐀 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐭𝐬 𝐖𝐚𝐲? Once a champion of liberal values, the Democratic Alliance (DA) now seems to prioritize political survival over ideology. By joining the Government of National Unity (GNU) alongside the ANC, the DA has compromised key principles like fiscal responsibility and federalism. While this Machiavellian strategy may secure short-term power, it risks alienating the party’s voter base and undermining its credibility as a principled alternative. This insightful piece by Joan Swart explores whether the DA can find its balance or if it’s destined to become another unprincipled player in South Africa’s fractured political landscape. Read the full article to explore the challenges and choices facing the DA. https://lnkd.in/d4DK9peH

Over the next few days, the coalition choices made (largely by the ANC), will determine our ability to prosper or decline as a country. The maturity of our democracy will be tested and the results thereof will depend on our political leadership abilities manage egos and embrace diplomacy, as they form new cooperative governance anrrangements and agreements. I reflect on the above and some of the hurdles this process will face in this opinion piece attached. https://lnkd.in/dmxJuXYG

Alberto Fujimori should stand as a cautionary tale for those who want to stand strong against the excesses of Marxist socialism. As important as that stand is, it is even more important to resist at the same time the siren song of populist authoritarianism, which can pull from the notional right as much as the notional left. ***** By 1992, Fujimori had become frustrated with the Peruvian legislature, which was dominated by opposing parties. In response, with the backing of the military and Validimiro Montesinos, his advisor and political partner in the intelligence services, he issued a decree dissolving the legislature and suspending the constitution, allowing him to rule Peru as a dictator and take harsher measures against terrorism. Due to Fujimori’s accomplishments, this action was actually broadly popular among the Peruvian people at the time, and the opposition was able to mount no effective resistance. Fujimori later called for new elections, resulting in a Congress dominated by his supporters, who drafted the Peruvian Constitution of 1993, which continues to function as the fundamental law of the country today. ***** https://lnkd.in/gs_SQmDd Fujimori will stand forever as a transformational figure in Peruvian politics. Peru as it is today would not exist but for him. However, he will also stand as a tragic reminder that all power inevitably corrupts, all authority invariably is tainted, and there is no virtuous centralization of governing authority. In opposing the evils that are arrayed against us, it is of utmost importance we not become infected with those same evils—and that is far easier said than done.

Seismic shift in South African politics South Africa has seen a seismic political shift, following the decision of the ANC and DA to form a coalition government. Many ANC supporters see the DA as a racist party trying to make sure that white people hang on to the economic privileges they built up during the discriminatory system of apartheid. Now, the ANC has decided to enter into a coalition government with it - and has included the mainly black Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), partly to make the deal more palatable to its constituency. The coalition is being called a Government of National Unity (GNU), suggesting that it symbolises reconciliation in a nation still scarred by the racist system of apartheid. BBC live 👇 #africa #international #history #geopolitique #afrique #medias #enjeux #economy #economie #futur #politique #gouvernance #finance #Etats #puissance #nations #environnement #education #elections #histoire #live #communication #systeme

7 African presidents that practice dictatorial governance. It's crucial to shine a light on these issues to encourage dialogue and promote democratic values. Your thoughts and insights are welcome—let's continue this important conversation and advocate for positive change in our continent.

The resistance movement that unfolded in Guatemala last year offers profound insights into grassroots mobilization and indigenous leadership. Spanning 106 days, the protests united diverse communities against systemic corruption, culminating in a new government’s inauguration. The mobilization of Maya, Xinca, Garifuna, and Mestizo communities showed that democracy isn’t merely a process; it’s an ongoing commitment to justice and equity, led by those who have historically been sidelined. Revisiting this movement allows us to reflect on the power of organized, peaceful resistance and the impact of centering indigenous voices in political processes: https://ow.ly/nJXl50TSuAX

A great article on the example South Africa and its President are showing of commitment to a hard won democracy and constitution, in spite of the ANC having, for the first time, to enter into a coalition. It’s of course still early days, but, as the writer points out, is an example to Trump and his cronies of accepting an election result you don’t like, rather than subverting the democratic system that you were quite happy with when it got you into power. Of course, Trump is too far committed to claiming he’s wearing clothes, when he’s obviously as ‘naked’ as the proverbial Emperor. He’s beyond redemption, but let’s hope that isn’t so of the USA’s democracy - also hard won, albeit many years before South Africa’s. Meanwhile, if the Tory party’s demise is nigh, as many predict, its two destroyers - Johnson and Truss (and of course those foolish enough to elect them as Tory leaders) - express support for Trump, Johnson even going as far as to regurgitate the Trump propaganda that the US justice system is rigged. Take a moment to think about that: the last but one British Prime Minister, elected with a massive majority in 2019, which he threw away by his conduct, claims that the justice system of the USA is corrupt and controlled by the government. Unfit to be PM then, and unfit always. #southafrica #anc #trump #truss #borisjohnson #toryparty

Montenegro, due to its small size, has become an ideal testing ground for authoritarian actors seeking to exert disproportionate influence on political outcomes with relatively modest investments. In a new report, Vanja Calovic delves into the mechanisms of malign authoritarian influence, with a specific focus on Montenegro, and highlights civil society approaches to address foreign authoritarian influence over democratic institutions. Check out the report here: https://lnkd.in/d7FVGvHX

NEWSBREAK - "African Kings don't wear gold stolen from continents or other people. They own the gold they wear!" Adjei, J. S. D. (2024). The Conflicting Categorization of Kings and Chiefs in Ghana: The Status of the Asantehene. Amicus Curiae, 6(1), 53-75. Abstract: This article aims to explore the historical development and contemporary role of the chieftaincy institution in Ghana, highlighting its enduring significance and adaptability. The institution of chieftaincy has been with the people of Ghana for centuries. Chiefs, now known as traditional rulers, are distinct from political rulers. The laws of Ghana require chiefs to maintain neutrality by forbidding their engagement in active politics. Chiefs are royals who have been validly nominated, elected, or selected by their respective kingmakers to be enstooled or enskinned according to the relevant customary law and usage. When Europeans came to Africa to trade, chiefs governed independent states, each with its own laws, courts, police, and military. The chieftaincy institution is organized hierarchically, ranging from the lowest rank to the apex, and among the Asantes, the Asantehene is the apex. Before 1901, when the British colonized the Asantes, the Asantehene served as the political, executive, and legislative head of the people of the Asante Kingdom. The Asante Kingdom covers the Ashanti Region, Ahafo Region, parts of the Bono and Bono East Regions, and a paramountcy each in Ghana’s Eastern and Oti Regions. The traditional capital of the Asante Kingdom, Kumasi, was initially at Kwaman. In the 1670s, Chief Osei Tutu from the Oyoko Abohyen Dynasty became the chief of Kwaman after succeeding his late uncle Nana Obiri Yeboah, who reigned from 1640 to 1680 and united all the Asante chiefdoms, which were independent and had their political autonomy. The occupants of the Golden Stool are designated as kings and have held the title to this day. Although the British succeeded in changing the name of some kings to paramount chiefs, they failed to change the name of the royals responsible for the nomination, election, or selection of a person to be enstooled or installed as an Asantehene, paramount chief, or chief, who are still called the kingmakers. Keywords: Asante Kingdom; Asantehene; enstooled; fetish-priest; Gold Coast; golden stool; kingmakers; Oyoko clan; paramount chief; traditional ruler. https://lnkd.in/d8VGcjEP

June 12: Is democracy truly the government of the people or the dictatorship of the minority over the majority? Today, June 12 marks a significance day in the governance of our dear nation Nigeria. In the time past, different school of thoughts have defined and expatiate the meaning of democratic system of government in contrast to other form of governance. Democracy came with many merits as it gave the people the impression of choosing their leader through a ballot system, basic fundamental human right, press freedom, periodic election e. t. c Historically, democracy originated from ancient greek, but popularized by the European Elites and Warlords in Africa after the Berlin conference and end of the transatlantic slave trade in Africa. Nigeria gain it independence from the British overlord in the year 1960 and became a Republican state in 1963. From 1963 till date, Nigeria have witnessed different form of governance ranging from Parliamentary system, Military rule before the adoption of democracy. In the early 1980s, the popular and convener of afrobeat music genre Late Fela Anikulapo was a voice against the adoption of democracy in Africa. On different occasions, he gave reasons why democracy will be use against the interest of the people it's meant to give power to. He criticized the corruption of Nigerian government officials and the mistreatment of Nigerian citizens. He spoke of colonialism as the root of the socio-economic and political problems that plagued the African people. In one of his music titled "Democrazy'' he narrated why democracy will not work in a multicultural country of 200million people in Nigeria and openness to exploitation by the corrupt leaders who are in office for the benefits of their immediate family and selfish interest instead of the populace. June 1993, Chief Moshood Kashimawo (M.K.O.) Abiola, a businessman and philanthropist, ran for the presidency of Nigeria and appeared to win the election which was annulled and jailed by the military government. Chief Moshood Abiola died in jail and his mandate was never restored despite protests by the people and sympathizers across the length and breadth of Nigeria. From the year 1998 to 2024, Nigerians have been groaning, complaining of hardship, austerity and unemployment on the rise, corruption and nepotism becoming the order of the day, terrorism and kidnapping becoming a national symbol, agitation for freedom by separatists, unstable exchange rates and other economic maladies without redemption in sight, fraud-gambling-prostitution are now normalized and celebrated, while the youths and other professionals see emigration (Japa) to other countries as the only way to escape poverty. Is Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) the Messiah of democracy and the choosing one? https://lnkd.in/dcapxC4T #Nigeria #democracy