Undemocratic Frameworks (The Limits of Democracy by the People, of the People): An Examination of EU Democracy Support in Africa since 1990

Authors

  • Temenu Afendia Fobella

Keywords:

Africa, soft power, electoral malpractices, democracy support

Abstract

Since the 1990s, the European Union has been actively involved in promoting democracy and good governance in Africa. Despite these efforts, the continent continues to face challenges related to democratic consolidation, such as weak institutions, corruption, and political instability. This raises questions about the effectiveness of EU democracy support in Africa, particularly in light of the EU's commitment to promoting democracy by the people, of the people, and for the people. Nevertheless, time has tested this agenda and made it frustrating. Internal challenges to democracy within Europe, domestic dynamics in African countries, and the rise of China as an alternative illiberal political paradigm make it more difficult for European and other external players to make a productive contribution to supporting democratic reforms on the continent. I present a case study of EU democracy support in Cameroon which helps me to conclude that utopias and dystopias are part of democracy in Africa because "There’s no size that fits all".

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Published

2023-04-06

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 6 (2022)

Section

Articles

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