In the current global landscape, democracy is facing a significant retreat. Long-standing institutions are crumbling, civic freedoms are under attack, and autocratic leaders are rewriting the rules of engagement. From Hungary to Myanmar, the United States to Sudan, democratic norms are being dismantled with alarming ease. This marks a stark contrast to the optimism of the 1990s when liberal democracy seemed poised for global triumph.
The erosion of democratic values is evident across continents. Stable democracies have veered into illiberalism, with leaders like Donald Trump in the United States and Viktor Orbán in Hungary showing open contempt for judicial independence and media scrutiny. In Africa, countries like Sudan, Gabon, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have experienced political upheaval and military takeovers, signaling a growing acceptance of authoritarianism in some instances.
Despite these challenges, data from Afrobarometer’s 2024 survey reveals that a majority of Africans still believe in democracy. In Kenya, in particular, 74% of citizens support democracy as the best system of governance. However, there is a growing disconnect between the aspirations of the people and the performance of their governments in delivering essential services and justice.
To revitalize democracy, a fundamental shift is needed. Reforms should prioritize participatory governance, accountability, transparency, and the delivery of public goods. This requires bold institutional changes, like the hybrid model in Somaliland that integrates traditional kinship authority into civic governance, or the culture of dialogue in Senegal that has helped prevent and resolve political crises.
Technology plays a crucial role in this reimagining of democracy. While autocrats exploit digital tools for surveillance and censorship, activists have leveraged technology for mobilization, exposing abuses, and reclaiming civic space. Platforms like Ushahidi in Kenya have shown the potential of technology in supporting crisis relief, human rights, and transparency efforts.
Multilateral institutions like the African Union and the United Nations also have a critical role to play in defending democratic norms. Their legitimacy hinges on upholding the will of the people and holding elites accountable. Reform within these institutions is imperative for the survival of democracy on a global scale.
Ultimately, the fight for democracy is a collective effort that requires the leadership of the global majority, particularly the youth in the Global South. With the numbers, urgency, and moral clarity on their side, they must drive the struggle for democratic renewal. The will to enact change is now more crucial than ever.
*Ichumile Gqada is a development practitioner with extensive experience in driving civic engagement and promoting democracy in Africa.
