Challenges of Consolidating Democratic Governance in 21st Century Africa: the Role of China

Abstract

Drawing from centuries’ effort of articulation and consolidation, the two concepts of democratic governance and human rights are seen more as irreducible set of values or ideals that should accrue to humanity, irrespective of geographical positioning. In Africa for example, the two ideals have formed linchpins of continental discussions, finding their way into governance frameworks such as the African Union Constitutive Act (AUCA) as well as the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights. The AU in 2015 adopted a development blueprint, Africa Agenda 2063, in which the two ideals are identified as cornerstones for continental stability, peace and economic prosperity. China, which does not comply with global norms related to democracy and respect to human rights is increasing its global power pie; partly manifested by Beijing’s deepening relations with Africa. As an influential global player, China’s foreign policy towards Africa in which sovereignty and non-interference in domestic affairs is emphasized could inadvertently fuel erosion of democratic ideals, and consequently legitimize undemocratic governance in the continent. This forms the heart and soul of the study. Premised on a broader objective to determine factors shaping democratic governance in 21st Century Africa including the role of China, the study also examined the drivers of the blossoming relations between China and Africa. Anchored on the Marxist theory and operationalized through cross-sectional design, the study was guided by three main hypotheses: China is not the only impediment to the practice of democratic governance in Africa; China’s non-interference policy in internal affairs of African countries impedes the practice and consolidation of democratic governance and development in the continent; and 21st Century Sino-African relation is driven by economic, political, security and ideological factors. The study found out that democratic practice and respect to human rights in Africa is shaped by a number of factors: poverty, foreign intervention, ethnicity, personal rule, corruption, terrorism and climate change. The study revealed that the blossoming Sino-African relations is driven by economic, political, security, diplomatic and ideological factors. China’s investments in Africa alongside infrastructural developments, economic aid, human capacity building and trade, peacekeeping and fight against terrorism in Africa, has contributed in significant ways to development in the continent; a desirable result of democratic governance and protection of human rights. On the other hand, China’s non-interference policy is fueling erosion of human rights and democratic governance in the continent by legitimizing ills such as corruption, authoritarianism, violation of labour rights and environmental degradation. Arising from the findings, first, the study recommends that national, regional and global partners should enhance their efforts towards democratic governance in the continent. Secondly, African governments should pool and pull together in order to effectively engage China for further benefits to the continent. It is in the interest of China to use its leverage and push for democratic governance in Africa in order to secure sustainability for its investments in the continent. On the academic front, since the study only examined Sino-Africa relations in the backdrop of democratic governance, there remains many aspects of the engagement that require inquiry; something that future research can take on. In addition, the dominant theories of international relations do not adequately address the phenomenon of Sino-African relations. There is therefore need for additional academic work on theory building towards better understanding of the subject.