THE QUEST FOR POLITICAL POWER, POLITICAL VIOLENCE AND INSECURITY IN AFRICA: THE ODINGA–TSVANGIRAI EXPERIENCE

Abstract

The scramble for power in most cases often degenerate into political violence and insecurity in Africa hence, this study examined the quest for political power, political violence and insecurity in Africa: The Odinga-Tsvangirai experience. The paper argues that the quest for political power often degenerate into large scale conflict and insecurity in Africa because such desires and ambitions are driven and motivated by selfish and unpatriotic desires and objectives. Data for the study were drawn from secondary sources while the resource curse theory was adopted as the theoretical framework to guide the study. The descriptive research method was also adopted while the analysis was based on the qualitative method. Findings revealed that political aspiration and actions of most politicians and members of the ruling class in Africa are not backed by genuine patriotic motives hence, such quest for power and inordinate ambition often lead to pre and post-election violence and insecurity. Therefore, to change this perception and chart a new course for Africa, there is need for a comprehensive, constitutional, political and electoral reforms that will review the leadership recruitment process in Africa with a view to setting new standards and guidelines that will strengthen political institutions and the democratic process in Africa.