2024 is Africa's "super-election year," with 18 countries planning to hold general elections, marking progress in democracy and major political change in many nations across the continent.
A breath of fresh air in the political structure.
In 2024, 18 countries planned to hold general elections, representing more than one-third of all African nations, with a population of nearly 500 million people, covering all sub-regions: Southern Africa (5 countries), North Africa (2 countries), West Africa (7 countries), East Africa (3 countries), and Central Africa (1 country).
The structure of the countries holding elections is diverse, including both strong economic players in the region such as South Africa and Algeria, as well as relatively less developed countries like South Sudan and Burkina Faso; English-speaking and French-speaking African countries...
Based on the final election results, excluding 5 countries that postponed elections, 13 countries held elections smoothly. Of these, 7 countries had incumbent leaders re-elected, 6 countries elected new leaders, and 4 countries had opposition candidates come to power.
The 2024 elections in Africa are seen as a historic step forward in promoting transparency and political competition. Following the elections, many young, innovative leaders have come to power, representing a new generation with policy orientations that emphasize national interests, sovereignty , and independence from foreign influence.
It can be said that 2024 saw significant changes in Africa's political structure, reflecting the maturity and adaptability of the region's political system.
 |
| The process of democratization, the emergence of many new leaders, and increased competition in politics have strengthened the confidence of people in African nations. (Source: Pan Africa Review) |
In many key countries, for the first time, long-established ruling parties are facing the major challenge of transferring power to opposition parties. In South Africa, the African National Congress (ANC), which had dominated politics for three decades, has now lost its absolute control of Parliament after a fiercely contested election.
Similarly, in Botswana, the Botswana Democratic Party, which had been the ruling party since the country's independence in 1966, lost power to the opposition coalition. These events marked a historical turning point, opening up opportunities for other parties to become more deeply involved in policymaking.
In many other countries, political structures are also becoming increasingly flexible and better reflecting the needs of the people. This "new wave" is evident in the increasingly prominent role of opposition parties, as evidenced by historic victories in Ghana, Botswana, and Mozambique; and the shift in power is reflected in the formation of new political alliances. In Mauritius and Ghana, the transfer of power was peaceful and transparent, strengthening people's confidence in the democratic electoral system.
At the regional level, the power structure has also been dramatically reshaped. The declaration by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger of the formation of a "Federation of Sahel States" marks a new effort to strengthen political, economic, and military integration amidst disagreements with the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS). Although some obstacles remain, this step demonstrates the determination of these nations to shape the region's future towards greater autonomy.
Overall, the changes in Africa's political structure in 2024 reflected the region's profound transformation. Democratization, the emergence of new leaders, and increased political competition have strengthened people's confidence in institutions and reform processes. This forms a crucial foundation for Africa to address challenges and move towards sustainable development in the future.
Increase security commitments.
In 2024, regional and international organizations continued to play a vital role in supporting Africa in addressing complex security issues. These efforts were demonstrated through peacekeeping missions, counter-terrorism support, and the promotion of reconciliation initiatives in the region's hotspots.
Furthermore, support from regional organizations such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) has also contributed to "reassuring" the continent. In Eastern Congo, the participation of peacekeeping forces from SADC has strengthened the ability to counter armed groups such as the M23 Movement. This can be seen as a continuation of previous efforts by the East African Community (EAC) military, aiming to create a cooperative front among regional countries to prevent escalating violence.
The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) is also supporting the strengthening of counter-terrorism capabilities for the Somali federal government. The United Nations, the European Union, Egypt, and Kenya have committed financial, human, and material resources to support AUSSOM. These efforts not only help train security forces but also contribute to building the necessary infrastructure to ensure long-term security.
 |
| The African Union Assistance and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) is supporting the Somali federal government in strengthening its counter-terrorism capabilities. (Source: Somalia Guardian) |
Notably, international mediation efforts have also made significant progress in reducing regional tensions. For example, under Turkish mediation, Ethiopia and Somalia signed an agreement to temporarily set aside their differences to promote regional cooperation. Similarly, Angola played a mediating role in restarting peace negotiations between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, although the outcome remains unclear.
In addition, the African economy is also expected to see many positive developments in 2024. According to the World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) report, African economic growth in 2024 is estimated at 3.4%. The main drivers of this growth come from the recovery of the three major economies in the region: Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa.
In terms of growth structure within the subregion, East Africa achieved a faster rate than other subregions. This is due to Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania maintaining relatively high GDP growth rates, sustainable domestic demand, and a strong recovery in international tourism.
Growth in Central Africa is slower than in other subregions due to stagnation in crude oil production in Chad, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon; while the Central African Republic is recovering more slowly.
The shifts in Africa's political structure in 2024 not only reflect a strong trend towards democratization but also open up opportunities to reshape power in the region. The emergence of new leaders, the rise of opposition parties, and efforts to strengthen regional cooperation are creating a "new wind" in the continent's political landscape. While still facing many challenges, these advances are crucial foundations for Africa to move towards a more stable, developed, and self-reliant future.
(To be continued)
Source: https://baoquocte.vn/chau-phi-tren-hanh-trinh-tu-chu-va-doi-moi-ky-i-viet-lai-trat-tu-quyen-luc-307853.html
Comment (0)