I guess the current debate for us is no longer about the definition of
democracy and its applicability in contemporary African politics. I think
three decades of alternative systems of government have done nothing but
harm to the continent.

Whatever form of democracy our governments come up with, it would be
meaningless if we do not have an informed citizenry and a sober, honest
leadership with the right attitude. For in my opinion, personality and
attitude go hand in hand with a one's political convictions.  If a leader
spends his entire day hollering about good governance and development
blue-prints, but goes to bed dreaming about how to open a Swiss Bank account
(I know the Swiss are getting tired of being used as battering rams) then
democracy becomes a mere figment of the imagination.  It doesn't suffice to
adopt a model of democracy, it would be necessary to live it.

Unfortunately, democracy has become a fouled word.  Some African leaders
hijack it to attract foreign aid for their own pockets. Others bad-mouth it
as the canker that destroys our fragile social relations.  Very few have
dared to live it.

As long as the attitude of our leaders does not change for the better,
Africa will remain in the quagmire of its underdevelopment.

Hamadi.







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