Post-independence Politics in Africa

Abstract

The independence of African countries offered an opportunity to reform the institutional structures inherited from the colonialists and to develop and organise institutions undergirded by the rule of law. Inopportunely, post-independence African leaders have developed undemocratic constitutions and limited participatory democracy, and the outcome has produced pseudo-leaders who care about their selfish interests rather than the interests of Africans. These political elites have changed constitutions to prolong their stay in power. It has affected the social and economic development of Africa negatively. Similarly, elites’ mischief-making aggravates judiciary systems that fail to protect the rights of Africans. Executive rascality and harassment of judges by state security agencies impede social and economic development. These factors had led to the failure of the post-independence politics in Africa.