‘Democracy does not die in Africa, only in the decline’ – Bishop Kukah

The Catholic bishop of the diocese of Sokoto, most of the Matthew Pastor Hassan Kukah, said it was contrary to popular opinions, democracy did not die in Africa, but only experienced a decline that had to be opposed to develop.

Bishop Kukah who is also the founder of the Kukah center in Abuja made a statement while delivering the main speech at the Center of the ACCRA International Conference on Saturday with the theme, ‘Why Democracy Dies’.

He challenged pessimism around democratic failure in Africa, urged African leaders, policy makers, and citizens to fight despair about democratic decline.

Kukah further insists that democracy remains tough, but must be maintained with vigilance, citizenship participation, and strong institutions and call for shifts in perspectives, proposing more hopeful furrowing of how democracy survives.

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“As long as there are humans, there will be democracy. If we see democracy as human thirst for justice, justice, love, integrity, and ownership, then democracy cannot die,” said Catholic bishop.

“Politicians, parliament, and constitution can be destroyed by autocrats, but human instincts for freedom will survive,” he added.

He continued to track down the problematic democratic history of Africa, from disruption of military coup to fragile transitions that followed independence, noting how authoritarian heritage, corruption, and external interference damaged the institution.