Africa needs 'new democracy'

2005-08-24 22:23

Kampala - Outgoing Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa called on Wednesday for African nations to rip up political systems inherited from their colonial masters and develop a "home-grown new democracy" better to reflect conditions on the continent.

"As I prepare to leave office and as I look back over our recent history, I am convinced that Africa needs a home-grown new democracy.

"After all those years of colonial rule and the five decades or so of self-rule with its mistakes of all colours and shades, the time has come for Africa to go back to the drawing board, and try to engender a new democracy for Africa with African characteristics."

Colonial legacy of separation

In an address repeatedly interrupted by standing ovations and bursts of thunderous applause from Ugandan legislators, Mkapa said African states should seriously consider scrapping the colonial legacy of separation of powers and providing public services.

Mkapa said: "Our political systems and institutions still mirror, to a large extent, systems and institutions of the former colonial powers."

He said the outline of colonial administration with the governor dispensing patronage, rank and money was adopted by most former European colonies in Africa, leading to the advent of the so-called "Big Man" leader on the continent.

Mkapa said: "That Africa ended up with 'Big Men' at State House is not entirely unrelated to this colonial legacy", noting that western-trained dictators and presidents for life were responsible for innumerable post-independence coups.

Africa seeks lasting solutions

He said: "Africa has to bring to a close this sad chapter of conflict.

"But, our former colonial masters must be courageous enough to accept part of the blame and support Africa as it seeks lasting solutions to these conflicts."

Although many nations in Africa were holding free, fair and regular elections, Mkapa maintained such polls were not enough if good governance was to prevail across the continent.

He said: "We must now create systems of political and economic management that are strong, resilient and capable of outliving their founders and current leaders."

Mkapa, who was constitutionally ineligible to stand for a third five-year term, would step down after October 30 elections.

- AFP