Democracy in Africa is full of Nonsense, deceit and arrogance, Niger is now the fastest-growing economy in Africa under Abdourahamane Tchiani Military Junta – Al Wahab
According to renowned security and international expert, Al Wahab. Speaking on Kessben FM, Al Wahab outlined key factors contributing to this unprecedented economic surge, while also raising questions about the broader geopolitical implications of this new development.
In July 2023, General Abdourahamane Tchiani assumed control of Niger following a coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. The political transition was initially met with widespread criticism, as many feared instability and economic downturn. However, several months into the junta’s rule, reports indicate a shift in Niger’s economic trajectory, with the country now outpacing many of its African counterparts in terms of growth.
Al Wahab’ on Kessben FM, sheds light on the intricate mechanisms driving this growth. While some argue that economic prosperity under military rule is an anomaly, Tchiani’s junta has introduced measures that have somehow resonated with both domestic and international economic frameworks.
One of the most significant aspects of the junta’s rule has been a focus on economic self-sufficiency and diversification. Under President Bazoum, Niger’s economy was heavily dependent on uranium exports, which made it vulnerable to global price fluctuations. However, the Tchiani-led government has worked to expand the country’s economic base, emphasizing sectors like agriculture, mining (beyond uranium), and infrastructure development.
Al Wahab, during his interview on Kessben FM, noted that the junta’s policy shifts are strategically designed to attract foreign investments and boost Niger’s position in regional trade. For instance, Niger has started focusing on strengthening its agricultural output, aiming to reduce food imports, which could help alleviate domestic inflation and improve food security.
Additionally, the junta has pursued ambitious infrastructure projects, including road networks, energy facilities, and water management systems, which, according to experts, have contributed to improved living standards in many regions of the country.
Foreign investment plays a crucial role in Niger’s recent economic success. While the political situation remains delicate, Tchiani has managed to maintain diplomatic channels with both Western and Eastern powers. Particularly, Russia’s involvement in Africa has grown significantly, with countries like Niger showing interest in diversifying their partnerships beyond the traditional French sphere of influence.
Tchiani’s regime has also placed emphasis on building stronger ties with China, whose Belt and Road Initiative has brought large-scale infrastructure investments to many African nations. This shift in alignment could potentially lead to long-term economic benefits for Niger as it seeks to modernize its infrastructure and attract international trade.
Wahab stressed that African Democracy is full of nonsense with deceit by a bunch of arrogant people. He argues that democracy may not be the best political system for Africa. According to Wahab, the Western model of democracy, widely promoted as the ideal for all nations, may not align with the cultural, historical, and socio-economic realities of the African continent. He suggests that while democracy is often championed as the solution to Africa’s political and economic challenges, it has proven to be problematic in many African nations.
Wahab’s critique of democracy centers on several core points, which reflect his concerns about the way democratic systems have functioned in African countries. His argument can be broken down into the following main components:
Wahab posits that African societies have a long history of communal and traditional governance systems, which may not align with the competitive, adversarial nature of Western-style democracies. Many African cultures emphasize unity, consensus-building, and respect for elders, values that can conflict with the divisive and winner-takes-all politics of democracy. He argues that these traditional systems, while not perfect, often foster cooperation and stability, which is often missing in democratic governments.
One of the most significant challenges in Africa, according to Wahab, is the weakness of state institutions. Many African countries have adopted democratic systems but struggle with ineffective governance, corruption, and a lack of accountability. Democratic processes, such as free elections, are often undermined by institutional fragility, which leads to political instability and the perpetuation of corrupt regimes. Wahab argues that a system of governance that emphasizes the rule of law, transparency, and accountability is necessary for the continent to truly benefit from democracy—but these qualities are often lacking.
Wahab also highlights the economic implications of democracy in Africa. In many African countries, democracy has been unable to deliver the economic growth and development that were promised. Instead, many African nations remain heavily reliant on foreign aid, have high levels of debt, and struggle with widespread poverty. Wahab argues that the democratic model, as it is practiced in Africa, often prioritizes political and civil rights over economic rights, which can perpetuate inequality and underdevelopment. He calls for an economic system that focuses more on self-reliance, regional cooperation, and sustainable development.
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