Is Democracy Actually Working in Africa? 

As the 2021 International Day of Democracy draws closer it is imperative to assess and review the state of democracy in Africa; to celebrate the achievement of significant milestones hitherto whilst charting new pathways towards the attainment and realization thereof, of liberal democracies in the continent. One of the key aspirations of Africa’s Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, the African Union’s (AU) shared 50-year development and transformation program, for realizing the full potential of the continent is an Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of Law. However, on the brink of an abyss, most democracies in Africa stand, beset by a plethora of challenges which begs the question if the concept of a government of, by, and for the people is truly working for the continent? In reiteration Goal 16 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) advocates for the promotion of the rule of law to ensure equal access to justice.   Many countries remain governed by authoritarian regimes and populist movements who in a bid to cling onto power have instigated constitutional reforms, to prolong their stay at the helm; some initiating the postponement of national elections to further their