Poverty and Corruption Threaten Africa’s Democracy:Baba Kamara
ECOWAS Special Envoy, Ambassador Baba Kamara, says poverty and corruption are the “silent killers” of democracy in Africa. Speaking at the 2025 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) Democracy Dialogue in Accra, Kamara warned against the dire consequences of these two issues. He believes they can prevent democracy from flourishing. In his view, democracy cannot thrive on empty stomachs. He said citizens struggle daily for survival. Meanwhile, a few people blatantly loot public resources. This, he explained, corrodes trust in the government. Furthermore, it fuels widespread disillusionment among the people. According to Kamara, widening socioeconomic inequality also creates a fertile ground for instability. He said frustrated youth often lose faith in democratic processes. Consequently, they turn to military takeovers or authoritarian populism. This, he argued, is a direct result of poverty and corruption.
Kamara stressed that African leaders must fight corruption with concrete action. He said the fight must move beyond mere rhetoric. He noted that resources must benefit ordinary citizens. Political elites, on the other hand, should not be the beneficiaries. He said citizens lose faith in the fairness of the system. This happens when powerful individuals escape justice. At the same time, petty offenders are swiftly jailed. The ECOWAS envoy challenged African leaders to embrace accountability. They must restore hope in democracy through tangible reforms. The survival of democracy, Kamara emphasized, will not depend on elections alone. It will depend on whether citizens feel their voices matter. Their rights must also be protected. Most importantly, their livelihoods must improve. The GJF Democracy Dialogue brought together policymakers and civil society actors. It was hosted by former Nigerian President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. The event’s theme was “Why Democracies Die.” This critical issue of poverty and corruption was central to the discussions.
Source: Citi Newsroom
