A Critical Examination of the United States' Flawed Approach to African Elections
By Emmanuel Ihim, Esq
In the intricate tapestry of global politics, the United States has often positioned itself as a champion of democracy, human rights, and accountability. Yet, recent events in Africa's political landscape expose a troubling contradiction between the ideals the U.S. professes and the policies it enforces – one where self-interest often trumps these noble ideals. A pattern of supporting undemocratic regimes, a failure to champion transparent elections, and a seeming indifference to local constitutions and laws have not only damaged the reputation of the U.S. but also stifled the democratic aspirations of millions across the continent. This self-centered approach, characterized by turning a blind eye to atrocities, supporting corrupt leaders, and avoiding accountability and transparency, has emerged as a significant catalyst for democratic backsliding across the African continent.
A Diplomacy of Convenience: The Atrocities Ignored
In the pursuit of its geopolitical interests, the United States has frequently been guilty of selective attention when it comes to human rights violations and atrocities committed by African governments. The evidence is striking – countless reports of extrajudicial killings, suppression of dissent, and electoral malpractice have often been met with a lukewarm response or outright indifference from U.S. policymakers.
For instance, the Toll Gate Saga in Lagos, Nigeria, where innocent youths on peaceful protests were brutally massacred by Nigeria's military force during former President Buhari's government, leading to the deaths of dozens of civilians. The world watched in horror, expecting a strong condemnation from the United States. Instead, the response was measured, diluted by the geopolitical stakes. This glaring inconsistency between stated values and diplomatic actions erodes the credibility of the U.S. as a champion of democracy and human rights, emboldening autocratic regimes to continue their repressive tactics with impunity.
A Milestone Missed: Nigeria's Failed Opportunity for Democracy
The recent presidential election in Nigeria stood as a momentous opportunity for a democratic renaissance in Africa. The global community, particularly the United States, had the chance to insist on an election free from manipulation and corruption. Instead, what unfolded was a disheartening betrayal of democratic ideals.
International observers widely disputed the election's legitimacy, citing significant inconsistencies with Nigeria's Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the procedural guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). However, instead of standing for transparency and integrity, the U.S. government hastily embraced the election results, congratulating the declared winner and turning a blind eye to the glaring electoral sham.
This U.S. endorsement not only undermined Nigeria's constitutional framework but also left millions of Nigerians feeling abandoned and disillusioned. The very nation that had championed democratic values appeared to forsake them at a critical juncture.
Courting Corruption: The Support for Unscrupulous Leaders
Another facet of the United States self-centered foreign policy in Africa is its tendency to support leaders with questionable democratic credentials as long as they align with its geopolitical interests. The evidence is scattered across the continent, from cozy relationships with leaders implicated in corruption scandals to providing military aid to regimes notorious for their authoritarian tendencies.
Consider the case of Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, who has consistently suppressed dissent, manipulated elections, and embezzled state funds. Despite international outcry, the U.S. maintains a strategic partnership, overlooking these transgressions in favor of maintaining a stable ally in a volatile region. This support sends a troubling message – that as long as a leader advances U.S. interests, their democratic shortcomings can be overlooked, undermining the very principles the U.S. purports to uphold—this one example which further illustrates the U.S.'s misguided approach to African politics. Despite Mugabe's regime being notorious for human rights abuses and rigged elections, the U.S. maintained diplomatic ties without leveraging its influence to encourage democratic reforms. This approach not only emboldened Mugabe's oppressive tactics but also fostered a deep sense of disillusionment among Zimbabwe's citizens. When democratic pathways were blocked, military intervention seemed the only viable option for change, culminating in a coup that further destabilized the nation.
Dodging Accountability: Lack of Transparency in Foreign Dealings
Transparency and accountability are the cornerstones of a thriving democracy. However, the United States foreign dealings in Africa often occur behind closed doors, away from public scrutiny. Financial assistance, military aid, and strategic partnerships are brokered with minimal transparency, leaving African citizens in the dark about the nature and impact of these arrangements. The lack of consequences for repressive actions emboldens autocratic regimes, eroding democratic institutions and stifling civil society.
Consider the case of the controversial arms deal between the U.S. and the Regime Egypt. The lack of transparency surrounding the transaction raises questions about the extent to which such dealings align with democratic values. This opacity undermines U.S. foreign policy's credibility and reinforces the narrative that self-interest trumps the principles of democracy and accountability. The evidence is clear – countries that receive unequivocal support from the U.S. often exhibit a downward spiral in terms of democratic indicators. Freedom of the press, rule of law, and electoral integrity all suffer in the wake of U.S. endorsement of leaders who prioritize their own interests over the well-being of their citizens.
Conclusion: The Need for Principled Diplomacy
Perhaps the most poignant lesson to be gleaned from these two contrasting narratives is the profound impact the U.S.'s foreign policy can have on burgeoning democracies. By ignoring atrocities, supporting corrupt leaders, and evading accountability- failing to uphold the principles it preaches, the U.S. inadvertently contributes to a cycle of democratic backsliding, posing severe risks creating vacuums that are filled by coups and military takeovers, undermining the very fabric of democratic governance. Moreover, this flawed approach sends a troubling message to the world: that convenience and realpolitik may trump justice and human rights.
The Way Forward: A Shift towards Genuine Partnership
To truly champion democracy in Africa, the United States must recalibrate its foreign policy approach. It must prioritize human rights and democratic values over short-term geopolitical gains. Concrete actions, such as prioritizing credible elections, accountable governance, applying diplomatic pressure on repressive regimes, and transparently addressing foreign dealings, can help realign U.S. policy with its proclaimed values.
In conclusion, the United States' self-centered foreign policy in Africa has emerged as a significant driver of democratic backsliding. The evidence of atrocities ignored, corrupt leaders supported, and accountability evaded cannot be ignored. For Africa to experience genuine democratic progress, the U.S. must reevaluate its foreign policy priorities, placing human rights and democratic values at the forefront of its engagements.
In a world desperate for moral leadership, the United States must rise to the occasion, embracing a foreign policy that reflects its core values, not just in words but in deeds. Only then can the dreams of democracy, so fervently sought by nations like Nigeria and Zimbabwe, Mali, and even Niger, become a reality rather than a cruel mirage.
Emmanuel Ihim, Esq; Lawyer, Activist, Distinguished Human Right Advocate-
and President, Diaspora Alliance, USA
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