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Achille Mbembe, historian: ‘We must counter the misconception that democracy is anti-African’
Developed over time first seen 11 hours ago
Cameroonian historian and philosopher Achille Mbembe says the claim that democracy is alien to Africa misrepresents the continent’s history. In an interview published on 3 November 2026, he argues that anti-colonial and pan-African movements once joined demands for self-determination with a promise of democracy. He says some leaders later portrayed democracy as an imported obstacle to development, while appeals to sovereignty are still used to dismiss it. Although several African countries have seen peaceful changes of government, Mbembe believes authoritarian rule remains deeply entrenched.
Mbembe, who directs the Foundation for Innovation in Democracy, calls for democratic ideas to be developed through African histories, languages and political traditions, while drawing on useful elements of liberal democracy. He says the foundation is documenting how democratic principles have been practised in African societies before and after colonial rule. The interview was published alongside the Council of Europe’s World Forum for Democracy in Strasbourg on 2–3 November, where participants discussed threats to democratic institutions and ways to strengthen them.
In short
- Mbembe rejects the claim that democracy is alien to Africa.
- He links anti-colonial politics to demands for democratic self-rule.
- He calls for democratic models grounded in African histories and traditions.
How this story developed
- 2 hours ago Cameroonian historian and philosopher Achille Mbembe says the claim that democracy is alien to Africa misrepresents the continent’s history. In an interview published on 3 November 2026, he argues that anti-colonial and pan-African movements once joined demands for self-determination with a promise of democracy.
Explained simply
Democracy refers to political systems in which people can influence who governs, often through elections, and can hold leaders to account. African countries have varied histories and political traditions, shaped by both societies before colonial rule and the experience of European empires and independence movements.
Anti-colonial and pan-African movements sought self-determination, and many also linked it to democratic government. After independence, some leaders argued that democracy was foreign or could hinder development, while invoking national sovereignty to resist outside criticism.
Achille Mbembe is a Cameroonian historian and philosopher who studies democracy and political life. His Foundation for Innovation in Democracy examines how democratic principles have been practised in African societies, including through local histories, languages and traditions.