By Dr. Michael O. Omoruyi – Op-Ed for iNewsAfrica
Africa’s political landscape is once again shifting. From the Sahel to Central Africa, the rise of military juntas has reopened an old conversation about governance, stability, and the continent’s long-term development. As nations oscillate between electoral democracy and military interventions, one question confronts us with urgency: Which system truly positions Africa for progress?
This debate is not merely theoretical. It is lived daily by millions of Africans whose destinies hinge on whether their governments uphold freedom, deliver basic services, and create opportunities, or spiral into repression and uncertainty.
Democracy: Imperfect, Slow — but Future-Focused
Democracy in Africa comes with undeniable challenges. Elections are often hijacked by money, state institutions are weakened by political interference, and leaders routinely manipulate the very constitutions they swore to protect. Yet, even with these imperfections, democracy remains the most sustainable path for long-term development.
Why? Because democracy, at its core, builds institutions, not personalities.
In countries like Ghana, Botswana, and Mauritius, strong parliaments, independent courts, vibrant media, and active civil societies have created environments where:
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policies outlive political cycles,
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investments feel secure,
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public services improve with citizen pressure, and
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power changes hands peacefully.
Democracy forces accountability. It gives citizens a voice, opens the door to innovation, and builds the confidence investors need to partner with African states. It may move slowly, but it moves in the right direction.
Military Rule: Fast Decisions, Fragile Results
The sudden rise of juntas in Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, Gabon, and now Guinea-Bissau reveals something deeper: Africans are not embracing military rule — they are rejecting failed leadership.
People cheer soldiers onto the streets not because khaki brings prosperity, but because democracy has been abused by corrupt elites who deliver insecurity instead of development.
Military regimes often promise order and discipline. In the short term, they can move quickly, bypass bureaucratic delays, and restore a sense of control. But history shows that:
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without checks and balances, abuses rise,
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human rights shrink,
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economies collapse under sanctions,
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global alliances weaken, and
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juntas cling to power under the guise of “transition.”
Speed is not development. Stability is not transformation. Military governments can enforce silence, but they cannot engineer prosperity.
The Real African Problem: Leadership, Not Systems
Whether in uniform or in suits, Africa’s crisis is rooted in the character of its leaders.
Nations fail when leaders:
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loot public resources,
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weaponize ethnicity and religion,
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silence dissent,
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suppress transparency, and
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refuse to build independent institutions.
Development requires vision, discipline, and moral courage. No constitution, no military decree, can compensate for their absence.
Why Africa Must Choose Institutions Over Strongmen
Africa’s future will not be saved by switching between soldiers and politicians. It will be shaped by the strength of its institutions — those permanent pillars that survive beyond individual leaders.
To break the cycle of coups and contested elections, Africa must urgently:
Rebuild Civic Trust
Governments must prove they can deliver security, opportunity, and justice. When people lose trust, coups find fertile ground.
Professionalize Public Service
Development thrives when governance is predictable and policy continuity is protected from political interference.
Hold Leaders Accountable Before Crises Erupt
Regional blocs like ECOWAS and the AU must stop reacting after coups and start monitoring governance failures early.
Empower Citizens
A politically conscious population is the ultimate safeguard against both tyranny and incompetence.
The Continent’s Defining Moment
Africa stands at a decisive moment. The world is watching how the continent navigates its leadership dilemma. The choice is not between democracy and military rule — it is between a future built on institutions and a future trapped in cycles of instability.
Democracy remains Africa’s best hope, but only if it works for the people. Military rule may promise quick fixes, but it cannot lay the foundations for the inclusive, innovative, and prosperous Africa that we envision.
Only one path leads to sustainable development: leadership anchored in accountability, institutions rooted in justice, and citizens empowered to demand the Africa they deserve.
About the Author
Dr. Michael O. Omoruyi is an IT Specialist, adjunct professor, author, entrepreneur, and Director of Diaspora Affairs for the Liberal Progressive & Patriotic Members Congress (LPPMC). He is the founder of iNewsAfrica and author of From Grit to Grace, focusing on African development, digital literacy, technology innovation, and diaspora empowerment
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