In an address at the Africa Drive for Democracy Elders Retreat in Arusha, Tanzania, former President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, issued a stark warning about the declining state of democracy on the African continent.
He highlighted concerning trends where electoral commissions are bending to the will of incumbents and using state security to suppress opposition supporters.
The retreat, attended by prominent leaders and elders, focused on the challenges faced by democratic institutions in Africa.
Dr. Koroma expressed deep concern over the rapid erosion of democracy, with democratic institutions falling prey to state capture.
He emphasized that legislatures and judiciaries, which should serve as checks on the executive branch, are sometimes complicit in breaching constitutional principles to support undemocratic practices, including the entrenchment of leaders against the will of the people.
Dr. Koroma also criticized the use of pandemics to suppress opposition and silence dissenting voices.
The former president pointed out the alarming consequences of this decline in democracy, with citizens witnessing growing contention between the state and various societal groups such as youth, civil society, and the media, all of whom are increasingly being silenced.
He went on to express concern about the resurgence of the military in some African countries as a result of these challenges.
However, Dr. Koroma also highlighted some positive steps being taken by the African Union (AU) and its regional economic communities (RECs) to review their democracy, good governance, and security protocols.
He urged for swift implementation of these reviews to restore Africa’s democratic trajectory and foster good governance, peace, and development on the continent.
In concluding his address, Dr. Koroma stressed the need for like-minded individuals and strong collaboration to uphold democratic values. He commended the efforts of organizations such as the West African Elders Forum and the Brenthurst Foundation in mediating political transitions and promoting democracy.
The former president underlined the transformative power of democracy, providing hope, progress, and social cohesion.
He acknowledged that democracy comes with its challenges, including poor leadership, corruption, political polarization, and irregular elections. Nonetheless, he called on African leaders and advocates to confront these obstacles head-on and build resilient democracies that leave no one behind.
Dr. Koroma urged attendees to remember the plight of millions of fellow Africans facing perilous journeys in search of a better life due to bad governance and instability.
He emphasized that it is the collective responsibility of all leaders to protect citizens, uphold democratic principles, and create a brighter future for the African continent.
