Africa very far from achieving democracy

Democracy is the rule of the people, by the people either directly or through elected representatives.

Many African states proclaim to be democratic but I do not agree with them. In fact, it is a long-term dream to be achieved in these states.

Dictatorship, greed and ego-centrism has soiled democracy. Africa is the only continent in the world which  is a “den of dictators”. Again, it has been hit by waves of political instability, which stem from egocentric leaders.

Coups in Africa are not a foreign term and infuriated citizens are used to such horrendous acts because they have no power to stop abuses.

When will Africa cease to be a land of atrocities? Where will presidents who appreciate democracy and respect citizens’ rights arise from? Recently, Central African Republic suffered from political clashes and this has resulted in deadly violence.

The dust is just settling in Burkina Faso after enraged troops arose to overthrow the sitting president. Burundi plunged into chaos after President Pierre Nkurunziza ran for a term seen as illegal. We have witnessed it in Sudan, Congo, Nigeria, Somalia among other African states.

Presidents should voluntarily retire when terms expire.