Introduction
Africa’s search for effective governance has always been an intricate journey marked by its rich historical systems, the impact of colonialism, and the evolution of political ideologies. The fascination many African youths have for figures like Thomas Sankara and Ibrahim Traoré stems from their bold attempts to break away from traditional power structures and their drive to put people’s interests first. These leaders, like many others across the continent, are often seen as symbols of hope and change in a political landscape littered with the failures of corruption, economic mismanagement, and foreign influence. But why is the admiration for such leaders so pervasive, and what is the deeper, often overlooked context behind Africa’s quest for leadership?
Before the arrival of European powers, Africa was not a land of disorganized tribes with no system of governance as colonial narratives often suggest. Instead, Africa boasted diverse, sophisticated systems of governance rooted in communal values (Mlambo et al., 2024). In many African societies, governance was communal, characterized by a decentralized, participatory system where decision-making was driven by consensus (Basheka & Auriacombe, 2020). Many African societies practiced either centralized, non-centralized or theocratic forms of governance. Leaders were often selected based on wisdom, leadership qualities, and respect and did not always hold absolute power. Instead, they were custodians of the community’s well-being and were expected to act in the interests of the collective.
In this system, power was not concentrated in one individual but was shared across a wide network of elders, councils, and the people themselves. It was not a “one-size-fits-all” model, as different African societies implemented different forms of governance depending on their unique needs and values (Basheka 2015; Odhiambo 1990). However, the central idea remained consistent: leadership was about responsibility, service, and the well-being of the people. Casely Hayford, a Ghanaian nationalist and intellectual, captured this sentiment well in his 1922 statement, which was later referenced by Walter Rodney in his 1972 book How Europe Underdeveloped Africa. Hayford remarked that even before colonial contact, Africa had developed its own institutions and systems of governance. In essence, Africa was not a continent in need of “civilization,” as colonial powers would later claim, but rather a land with its own established methods of governance and development (Gbadamosi, 2003; Zeleza, 2006).
The Legacy of Colonialism and Africa’s Struggles for Authentic Leadership
The arrival of Europeans disrupted these indigenous systems, replacing them with colonial governance structures designed primarily to extract resources for European benefit (Kaya & Sereti, 2013). As a result, many African societies became fragmented, their traditional leadership structures undermined, and their economies reoriented to serve the needs of colonial powers. This colonial legacy has had long-lasting effects on the political and economic landscape of Africa, with systems that often favor external interests over internal development (Basheka 2015; Njoh 2006; Odhiambo 1990). African leaders came up with different ways of trying to restore and improve the prosperity of their countries in the post-colonial period. Of these, Military leaders such as Thomas Sankara and Ibrahim Traoré have become symbols of a desire for change. This is a realization of what many Africans dream their countries should be: self-sufficient, empowered, and free from the undue influence of former colonial powers and neo-imperial interests.
Sankara has been referred to as “Africa’s Che Guevara.” He is idolized for his efforts toward self-reliance and development. He refused foreign aid, encouraged women’s empowerment, and strived for a classless society in which the state was at the service of its people (Harsch, 2013). Similarly, Ibrahim Traoré is fighting to transform Burkina Faso into a shining example of African unity and self-determination, as his concerns are directed toward independence from foreign powers and the enrichment of the nation’s citizens. Charismatic leadership propelled by a sense of responsibility to one’s people is precisely what many Africans are dreaming about today: leaders who place the interests of their nation above their own personal interests or those of their foreign masters. It is the desire of such leaders to put the interest of the people first, bring back dignity, and ensure development is not hijacked by the interests of outside powers.
Is Democracy an African Value?
Among the central questions for modern African governance is whether democratic values, as understood in Western contexts, find a place among African traditions and cultures. Democracy, with an emphasis on individual rights, representation, and a multi-party system, is touted as the best form of governance globally. However, the inability of many democracies in Africa to deliver anything meaningful in terms of development raises questions about their suitability for the unique African circumstance. Historically, African systems of governance were not based on party-driven, representative politics as they are in the West; rather, they emphasized communal decision-making, consensus, and the good of the collective (Appiah-Opoku 2005; Basheka 2015; Rodney, 1972). To the many African Youths commenting on videos of Ibrahim Traoré on social media especially after his arrival at president Mahama’s inauguration and subsequent policy reforms, it is not whether democracy in its Western form works but whether democracy serves the material needs of the people.
The search for development, as opposed to purely ideological allegiance to socialism or liberal democracy, is what drives much of the political discourse on the continent. Leaders like Sankara and Traoré are revered not because they adhered to any specific political ideology but because they embodied a form of governance focused on self-sufficiency, communal welfare, and the integrity of their nations. Thus, the real African value is not tied to any one ideology but to a broader sense of community, dignity, and independence. African democracy is not just about voting or having multiple political parties; it is about ensuring that leadership is accountable, transparent, and most importantly, devoted to the well-being of the people.
Lessons for Democratic Leaders
The search for authentic leadership in the continent provides useful lessons to contemporary democratic leaders in Africa. First, it requires shifting the focus from power for personal gain to power for collective development. Leaders should be selfless, charismatic, and visionary; capable of unifying the people into building a future that emanates from shared values and sustainable growth. Second, foreign policy should never be made at the expense of the interests of the people for the benefit of an alien power. Africa’s leaders must take a firm position regarding national sovereignty and economic independence, ensuring that foreign partnerships spur development, not exploitation.
Finally, democratic institutions should be consolidated in a manner reflecting the particular history as well as culture of Africa. Democracy should be a means to development, not an end in itself. It is now time for African leaders to take up the mantle of responsibility in constructing systems that respond to the needs of their people, knowing fully well that true democracy is about building institutions that work in the service of the common good, not merely about replicating foreign models.
Conclusion
Africa’s political history is one of resilience, adaptation and search for a leadership model that honors its traditions while addressing the complexities of the modern world. The fascination with military leaders like Thomas Sankara and Ibrahim Traoré especially by African youth stems from a deep yearning for change and a desire for leaders who are committed to the development and welfare of their people, independent from the influence of external powers. The true African system of governance, rooted in communal values, offers a powerful foundation for building a future that prioritizes collective prosperity, unity and self-determination. As African nations continue to chart their course, the lessons from the past and the ongoing quest for responsible leadership should guide their political future.
References
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