Problems in Sub-Saharan Africa essays

Problems in Sub-Saharan Africa essays Over the last twenty years, Madagascar, Nigeria, Malawi as well as many other countries across sub-Saharan Africa have all undergone major political changes in order to attempt converting to and a democratic form of government as more and more countries all over the world try to make the change to democracy. Although the change has been made in many of these countries, maintaining a democratic form of government for many of these countries has been a daunting task, for more reason than one. Although there are many reasons that democracy has been difficult to maintain in these counties, one stands out above all others. Political corruption seems to be a significant reason for the difficulty presented when trying to maintain a stable democratic government. In Madagascar and Nigeria, corrupt officials from the new government and in some instances have played a role in "dilemmas and contradictions that plague the current democratic dispensation." In 1993 Albert Zafy was elected president of Madagascar. Since the election it appears as though there has been a sudden rise in democracy; regular elections, exercising free speech and assembly, freedom of religion and press all seem to be signs that democracy is flourishing and being established. Despite these changes, however, the democracy taking shape is one that appears to be deviating from what democracy is all about. Two of its elected presidents, Zafy and Didier Ratsiraka had used and manipulated the political system for their advantage. Likewise, in Nigeria, the new democracy is plagued by the 15 years of abusive military rule that preceded i t. In many cases, the president has become synonymous with many of the problems in the system today. Much of this is stemming out of the presidential cabinet. It is comprised primarily of political bosses and functionaries from previous corrupt and discredited governments despite the enactment of a major anti-corruption law. However,...