Western, Central and Eastern Africa
diverse interests
Why are countries in this region so susceptible to changes in government against the will of their citizens? Why is the political situation so delicate? What should be considered when helping these countries? What contribution can we make despite the diverse interests involved, whether geopolitical, industrial or security-related?
Self-service shop
Today, there are ‘AIs’ that provide support on certain topics. When used correctly, AIs actually give very clear answers. Politicians who put their own interests aside and do not view the state they govern as a self-service shop would have enormous potential to modernise their state in all respects.
🌟 1. Historical Overview: From Senegal to Tanzania
Colonial History (Shared Roots):
- Senegal to Nigeria (West Africa): Colonial rule primarily by France (Francophone countries) and Great Britain (e.g., Ghana, Nigeria). Borders were often drawn arbitrarily, cutting across ethnic groups and disregarding local power structures.
- Central to East Africa (Cameroon to Tanzania): Colonies of Germany (e.g., Cameroon, Tanganyika), later administered by France, Belgium (e.g., DRC, Burundi, Rwanda), and Great Britain.
- Result: Artificial nation-states, ethnic tensions, and lack of cohesive national identities. This led to civil wars and post-independence dictatorships.
Cold War Era:
- Many states became geopolitical battlegrounds:
- Pro-Western regimes (e.g., Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Togo)
- Pro-Soviet or non-aligned movements (e.g., Guinea, Ghana under Nkrumah, Tanzania under Nyerere)
- Support for dictators by major powers weakened democratic development.
Post-War and Globalization Period:
- Numerous civil wars (Sierra Leone, Liberia, DRC, Burundi, Rwanda)
- Economic dependence on raw materials and foreign aid
- Rise of religious movements, especially Islamism and Evangelical Christianity
- Growing influence of China, Turkey, Russia, and the Gulf States
🏩 2. Current Political Situation (As of 2024/2025)
| Region / Country | Current Situation (Brief) |
|---|---|
| Senegal | Political reforms after protests, new government – cautious optimism |
| Guinea | Military regime, unstable situation, ethnic tensions |
| Sierra Leone | Peaceful, but economically weak and prone to corruption |
| Liberia | Democratic, but fragile infrastructure and high poverty |
| Côte d’Ivoire | Economically strong, politically divided, risk of ethno-religious tensions |
| Ghana | Democratic, under economic pressure, growing extremism in the north |
| Togo / Benin | Authoritarian trend, rise in jihadist violence in the north |
| Nigeria | Highly fragmented (North-South conflict, Boko Haram, banditry, separatism) |
| Cameroon | Anglophone crisis, Islamist threats in the north, aging dictator |
| DR Congo | Violence in the east, foreign interests (e.g., Rwanda), fragile statehood |
| Uganda | Long-time dictator Museveni, internal repression, regional military power |
| Rwanda | Highly centralized power, active in Congo, economically stable |
| Burundi | Isolationist, authoritarian, economically weak |
| Tanzania | Politically calm, growing Islamic influence on Zanzibar |
🛠️ 3. What Could Contribute to Political Stability?
📚 A. Education & Awareness:
- Civic education (through civil society & schools)
- Media literacy to detect propaganda, fake news, and religious extremism
- Promotion of tolerance, democratic values, and human rights
⚖️ B. Strengthening Local Structures:
- Support for CBOs and local NGOs
- Decentralization: empower communities, not just central elites
- Promote participation of women and youth
📣 C. Reconciliation Processes:
- Address civil war traumas (truth commissions, remembrance initiatives)
- Interreligious dialogue between Christians, Muslims, and traditionalists
- Peace education programs like “Light Your Fire!”
🌐 D. International Partnerships:
- Fair trade relations instead of resource exploitation
- Investment in infrastructure and education
- Diplomatic pressure to counter autocratic setbacks (e.g., isolate coup leaders)
💼 E. Economic Opportunities:
- Strengthen local value chains (e.g., recycling, agriculture, solar energy)
- Promote entrepreneurship (microcredits, training centers like SLTTC)
- Support social enterprises – profit with public benefit