CIVIL-MILITARY RELATIONS AND DEMOCRATIZATION OF AFRICAN STATES CASE STUDY OF BURUNDI

Abstract

The concept of democracy in post-colonial Africa elicits mixed reactions given the varied experiences witnessed in different countries that claim to adhere to this principle. CMR and Democratization of Burundi depict a political deficiency which needs a political cure. This study pursued to evaluate the nature and extent of CMR in Africa, the impact of CMR on democracy in Africa and the impact of CMR to democratization process in Burundi. Theory of Concordance as posits Rebecca Schiff was the lens through which this study was based on. The research design that has been employed was a case study through mixed approach. The study was founded on qualitative approaches of gathering data and analysis. It was established that democratic civilian- military affairs stresses that the military be subsidiary to a constitutionally designated citizen regime. The civil population has less confidence in the military and CMR has done very little in the promotion of democracy in Africa and more specifically in Burundi. The study established that the military did not contribute a progressive role in democratization of African states, particularly in view of the success achieved in promoting democracy in Burundi. Therefore, more multifaceted co-operative and security involvements need to be an essential principle for forthcoming CMR towards promotion of democratization in Burundi.