Afrobarometer Sheds Light on Shaky Democratic Foundations in Africa

The latest flagship report from Afrobarometer paints a nuanced picture of the democratic landscape across Africa. Aspiring to become an annual overview, the report compiles over a decade of surveys, representing the opinions of 75% of the continent's populace across 39 countries. Despite the affirmation of democracy as the preferred system among Africans, the data reflects an ongoing struggle with autocratic tendencies, military incursions in politics, and escalating corruption, threatening the democratic ethos.

The overarching message of the report is bittersweet. While democracy retains robust support, with 66% of respondents opposing non-democratic regimes such as the military, one-party, or one-man rule, Africa is witnessing a decrease in democratic enthusiasm, notably in South Africa, where support plummeted from 72% to 43% over recent years. Mali, too, experienced a sharp decline, underscoring a concerning trend across the continent.

In South Africa, attitudes towards one-party and one-man systems remained relatively stable, but tolerance for military rule concerning, especially dropped to 54%. This phenomenon isn't isolated; several African nations exhibit weakened opposition to military governance, pointing to a disturbing readiness among people to consider military takeover as a respite from corrupt civilian governments.

Analyzing the "supply of democracy," Afrobarometer reports that only 45% of Africans perceive their countries as mostly or entirely democratic. Satisfaction with democratic processes is even less, with only 37% of the population content with democracy's functionality. South Africa mirrors this disillusionment, showing plummeting indicators of democratic and accountable governance.

Crucially, the report reveals that dissatisfaction with democracy is tied not only to economic strife but also, and more significantly, to political performance. Corruption emerges as a major concern, with 58% of Africans across the surveyed nations believing it has worsened, and a staggering 82% in South Africa agreeing.

Afrobarometer's data suggests that corruption has soaked into every tier of governance, reinforcing the citizens' perception of ineffectual anti-corruption measures. This underscores the urgency for African governments, as well as regional and international partners, to address political failings and restore faith in democratic institutions.