POLITICAL INSTABILITY IN POST- COLONIAL AFRICA
Political instability can be defined as the incidence of political upheaval or violence in a society, such as assassinations, demonstrations, and so forth or the propensity for regime or government change or instability in policies and regimes.
It is a situation where the political institutions are contested by a significant amount of the population or a situation in which the legitimacy of a government, its juridical system or/and its actions is furiously challenged. It is also a situation when the state cannot guarantee basic freedom, safety and activities on its own territory.
THE CAUSES OF POLITICAL INSTABILITY IN AFRICA.
1. Poor economy. Poor government policies and strategies affects economic growth in a country and it leads to low income per capita. Citizens accuses the regime for this and instability may find its way.
2. Tribalism. When cultural, ethnic or political minorities are having a general favor, violent relationship with the majority group and/or the government and run out of peaceful solutions. Example the Hutu / Tutsi conflicts in Rwanda and Burundi.
3. Unequal distribution of national resources. The majority {poor} citizens blames the few in power for un equal sharing of national resources such as nations revenue, minerals and others. The affected people rise against the regime.
4. Military intervention in politics e.g. Somalia. The overthrow of Siad Barry in 1991, military the government of Mohammed Farah Aided, the military government of Al Shabab causes political instability in Somalia.
5. Uneven development. This is also promoted by unequal distribution of national resources {successes} and concentration of national tangible development in few areas of a nation.
6. Rule of few {favoritism}. Example the former Apartheid system in South Africa, the Oromo vs. other tribes in Ethiopia, succession of power to the siblings of the riling class and other similar reasons.
7. Corruption and embezzlement. The corrupt leader and embezzlers provoke the citizen to rise against the regimes, this leads to political instability.
8. Neo colonialism. When the sovereignty of a country is compromised by an alien state, it may lead to problems to citizens. This may also lead to instability.
9. Different political ideologies e.g. Capitalism, Socialism, Religious & clan differences. This leads to division of citizens basing on ideologies, a division may lead to fighting between citizens which may result into a political instability.
10. Terrorism and religious fundamentalism. Constant terrorist threats, attacks and actions particularly when these groups are challenging the rule of law, the control of the state and develop no man's lands, lawless zones or even take possession of a huge territory. Example Boko Haram actions in Nigeria, CERECA and Anti Baraka in Central Africa, Al Shabab in Somalia, Al Qaeda and others.
11. Poor governance, manipulated elections and lack of transparence. When the electoral context is unstable, for example when the government is constantly changing election results, unable to exercise its powers or when the limits between the executive, legislative, judicial, military and media powers are not respected, instability may occur.
THE EFFECTS OF POLITICAL INSTABILITY IN AFRICA.
1) Increase of refugees in Africa and out of Africa.
2) Death and casualties in the most affected areas.
3) Abuse of human rights.
4) Famine and poverty to victims.
5) Stagnation of economic activities {production}.
6) Growth of national’s economic dependence syndrome.
7) Increase of civil wars between citizens.
8) Increase of social hatred between citizens.
9) Decline of democracy and good governance.
10) General Africa’s underdevelopment.
