L’importance de concevoir une démocratie à l’africaine (Conférence)

During a visit to Morocco, Bankole Adeoye, the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security of the African Union (AU), engaged in a common political exercise: addressing the public. Invited by the Policy Center for The New South, Adeoye shared his insights on democracy and electoral processes in Africa during a conference at the think-tank’s headquarters at UM6P campus.

Africa continues to grapple with political instability, with some countries transitioning to military regimes after failed democratic experiences, while others successfully achieve peaceful political transitions. This raises questions about the pursuit of democracy and its universal applicability in African nations.

The debate at the conference centered around whether Africa can embrace democracy on its own terms, away from pre-packaged models and Western lessons. Adeoye emphasized that Africa desires democracy only if it serves the common good and fosters peace, stability, and economic and social development.

Mohammed Loulichki, a Senior Fellow at PCNS, reinforced the idea that democracy requires a long historical process of incorporation, citing the gradual democratization of Europe and America. He acknowledged that most African states are relatively young and in a phase of democratic learning.

In this context, African countries face the challenge of constructing genuine democracy while addressing other pressing issues such as poverty, stability, and the fight against violence and terrorism. Adeoye stressed that these challenges should not serve as excuses but as factors to consider in African progress.

Furthermore, Adeoye commended Morocco for its efforts in strengthening transparent and credible democratic governments. This recognition came during the third edition of the specialized training program for African election observers, where Adeoye also met with Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Residing Abroad, Nasser Bourita.

In conclusion,