A New Paradigm of the African State

Abstract

The Main Focus of Fundi Wa Afrika (Tailor or Builder in Kiswahili), IS the analysis of the state, defined as a multilayered entity from grassroot organizations to the leadership. The core of the state is the people who reside within its boundaries. Diverse ethnic groups and culture, history, and environment make up the state. Our approach includes historical, political, economic, and cultural analysis; it also looks at the impact of population control on the development of Africa. Fundi examines the nature and structure of the African state and tries to answer the following questions: How was the African state shaped? What values inform it, and what type of relationship between the rulers and the ruled does it favor?¹

Who killed African Democracy? The cultural half caste who came in from Western schools and did not adequately respect African ancestors. Institutions were inaugurated without reference to cultural compatibilities, and new processes were introduced without respect for continuities. Ancestral standards of property and legitimacy were ignored.

—Ali Mazrui, “Who Killed Democracy?,” 2001

There is a general consensus that the postcolonial state in Africa has failed to cater to the needs and aspirations of Africans. Consequently, the state has become irrelevant and distant from its own citizens. In fact, the African masses are so fed up with the failed postcolonial state that they try to avoid, evade and cheat it, whenever possible … there is no doubt that the state is epicentral to development and democracy in Africa. But, only a democratically reconstituted state that is anchored on a pro-people foundation can promote the twin objectives of development and democracy.

—Pita O. Agbese and George Klay Kieh, Jr., eds., Reconstituting the State in Africa, xi.