Central challenges confronting the African State: rethinking its role in development

Kazah-Toure, Toure

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Title:	Central challenges confronting the African State: rethinking its role in development
Author:	Kazah-Toure, Toure
Year:	2006
Periodical:	African Journal of International Affairs (ISSN 0850-7902)
Volume:	9
Issue:	1-2
Pages:	41-59
Language:	English
Notes:	biblio. refs.
Geographic term:	Africa
Subjects:	State international relations development politics Africa--Politics and government World politics Economic development--Political aspects
Abstract:	This paper focuses on the central challenges confronting the African State in the context of the neoliberal offensive to render the continent more vulnerable. Historically the African State was a creation of the colonizers to serve their interests. In the postcolonial condition it has principally served the interests of tiny, powerful circles and their foreign backers, rather than those of the generality of the African people. Prolonged authoritarianism on the continent has been maintained principally through the State. Only through popular democratic transformation of the State will the continent march towards development. Historically development in all spheres has never been attained anywhere independent of the central role of the State. In the post-Cold War period America is on course to drag African governments, political leaders and the continent's economic resources into another phase of imperialist domination. The terms, terrain, politics and direction of the so-called war on terror are determined without consultations with the African people. This paper addresses central issues of regional and continental integration, conflicts, citizenship, control and mobilization resources, true democracy, managing pluralism, constitutionalism, participation, accountability and security. These require urgent tackling to ensure more forged unity and protection of the continent. The paper also makes suggestions for ending the quagmire of the African State. Bibliogr., sum. in English and French. [Journal abstract]

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