Representing the Two Main Types of Civilian Rule in Africa: A Comparative Analysis of Kenya and Rwanda

By Fidel Amakye Owusu

With Kagame leading with 99% of votes counted, let’s read this again.

“Representing the two main types of civilian rule in Africa: a comparative analysis of Kenya and Rwanda.

1. Last week, two major speeches by two African leaders could not go unnoticed. President Ruto of Kenya announced in Brazzaville that Kenya is going to remove all visa restrictions on African countries by the end of the year.

2. Days later, President Kagame of Rwanda made a similar announcement with more “urgency”. He announced that his country has removed all visa restrictions on Africans who want to go there.

3. And so what?

4. While these announcements have followed years of efforts by both countries and the continent to remove travel restrictions, the timing could not be said to be a mere coincidence. There is a subtle competition between the two states that virtually represent two different systems in the continent.

5. What are these?

6. Kenya represents a group of civilian-led governments that are striving to reach liberal democracy or are close to doing so. These states are building strong and independent institutions that can reach autonomous decisions irrespective of the positions of the top leaders. Also, strongman leadership is not a feature in these states.

7. Kenya, Seychelles, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania and a few countries are in this category at different levels. Leaders do not change constitutions to stay on.

8. On the other hand, Rwanda “represents” a group of civilian-led states that are practicing illiberal democracy. A major feature of this category is the overwhelming influence of leaders who see themselves as indispensable.

9. Some of these leaders are effective and appear to be building strong institutions. However, these institutions are as effective as they want them to be. For example, it is unthinkable for a Rwandan judge to rule against the interest of the president. Leaders in this category will tweak constitutions to stay on.

10. Rwanda, Egypt, Cote d’Ivoire, Togo, Tunisia and others fall here. The state revolves around the strongmen who seek to shape every aspect of it.

11. Why Kenya and Rwanda?

12. Apart from the recent announcement on visas, the two states have also embarked on some other endeavors that make them stand out among their peers.

13. They have shown commitment and consistency in helping bring stability in trouble spots in Africa. Rwanda has sent forces to several countries including Mozambique and CAR. Kenya is currently in DRC and supporting Somalia. It has also shown interest in Haiti.

14. Again, they fast-becoming technology hubs in Africa. While Rwanda is developing a Silicon Valley of its own, Kenya has laid down the infrastructure and has an educated population for the sector.

15. Yes, a group of coup countries are emerging in Africa; however, even among civilian governments there is a major difference. Subtly, they are competing to show which is more effective.”

By Fidel Amakye Owusu – International Relations and Security Analyst and Writer

Article Reproduced with Permission from Fidel Amakye Owusu

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