Political systems and underdevelopment in Africa (1957-2010)

Abstract

Africa is a creation of European powers following the scramble and partition of the continent by major European powers. The Berlin conference of 1884-1885 made it mandatory for these powers to provide effective administrative machinery in their areas of influence. At inception, each of them adopted separate system of administration ranging, from Indirect rule, Assimilation and Association policies. The emergence of Educated African Elites and its attendant Nationalistic feelings and agitation for independence led to various constitutional conferences both in Europe and in Africa. These led to the adoption of various Administrative system ranging from federalism, Regionalism,parliamentary and unitary systems of Government. From 1957, Independent African countries retained these system of Government institutionalized by their colonial masters. Some of these system of Government was strange to Africa since it was not based on their custom and tradition. These adopted system of Government has led to ethnicity, election violence, sit tight syndrome, military dictatorship, corruption and civil unrest. This paper examined in details the different system of Government across Africa since 1957. The paper critically assessed the level of underdevelopment across Africa as a result of these adopted system of Government. The paper also proffered solutions toAfrica current underdeveloped state.Key Words: Exploitation, kingdom, political system, underdevelopment