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Paper short abstract:

Authoritarianism in Africa is resilient. Paradoxically, it produces benefits to the Western agency. Yet, the rise of China and the nature of the international system provide a buffer for authoritarianism. Hence, authoritarianism in Africa is durable and camouflages democracy.

Paper long abstract:

Authoritarianism in Africa is resilient. Historically, it was a distinguishing feature of pre-colonial African societies. However, with the onset of colonialism, a traditional form of authoritarianism inherently made its appearance on the continent as a colonial state. This authoritarianism was passed over to the post-colonial state in form of a one-party state, military regime or dictatorship. The fourth phase, however, began in 1990s and the authoritarianism turn took a form of hybrid regime. The evolution of authoritarianism in Africa suggests that it is resilient, and democratization has never been the agenda of the state. Paradoxically, the authoritarian state in Africa produces economic benefits to the “democratizing” Western agency in exchange for aid. Yet, the rise of China as another global superpower as well as the nature of the international system provide a buffer for authoritarian regimes in Africa to enjoy a latitude of a breathing space in case of miscalculations with the Western powers. China, like its counterparts from the West is after economic resources from Africa. However, China does not impose governance conditionalities when negotiating for aid. This paper argues that since clinging into power is the primary objective of the state in Africa, authoritarianism has been an effective means to achieve this agenda. Hence, the future of authoritarianism in Africa will be its durability and camouflage of democracy.