Africa and the Philosophy of Democratic Governance

Abstract

Ikuenobe examines the philosophical nature and justification of democracy, and the normative foundation of good governance. Although theoretically, democracy is considered a good form of government, its Western liberal and multi-party incarnations in Africa have not produced the kind of good governance that exists in Western democracies. Ikuenobe critically explores the problems with democratic governance in Africa and uses this as a backdrop to raise the question of whether, practically, Western multi-party democracy is a good, or the best, form of government for many post-colonial African states, given some of their unique natures and situations. The chapter analyzes the uniqueness of African states and provides a plausible diagnosis of the causes of bad or improper democratic governance in Africa. Ikuenobe examines whether the reliance on traditional African communal structures, value systems, and attitudes could achieve the democratic outcomes of mutual responsibility, common good, accountability, solidarity, caring, and human welfare. Ikuenobe, in conclusion, also examines some proposals for achieving democratic accountability and transparency, which include a free press, an independent judiciary, and democratic education.