Political Instability in Africa and Role of Education in Fixing the Situation

Political slogans for advancement, promotions and development are a global concern. Political parties ride on upgrading underdeveloped areas to gain political milage globally. In politically un-stable countries, systems of education are far away from creating a vision of politics and good governance in youth. Therefore, youth have given up on taking up active roles in political parties in many developing countries.

Governance & Need of Political Vision

Currently, a number of countries have been facing political instability for decades particularly in Asian and African regions.

Political instability badly affects the law-and-order situation, economy, security and employment opportunities.

For instance, in Africa political instability has been on the rise since half of the 20^th century. It has become endemic in the regions in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Consequently, the status of African states as independent nations is weak in the world economic order. Economic growth in Africa remains shaky, increasing from an average of 3.3 percent in 2023 to percent in 2024, according to the United Nations (UN).

Also Read: Is ‘Africa’ a Racial Slur and Should the Continent Be Renamed?

Politics of Instability in Africa, Asia  

Political unrest in Africa is affecting the financial status of the people and is the major barrier in the creation of job opportunities for the youth.

However, it is important to note that the nature and degree of political instability may be different in every country.

Selfish politics appears to be a common goal for politicians in politically unstable countries.

Centralization of power is one of the major causes of political instability in Asian regions. Political support of people for the political parties is based on tribal, feudal and sectarian systems particularly in African South Asian regions.

One of the major factors is the gap in the education system to enhance the political and governance vision of youth.

Therefore, politics is limited to empty slogans. It is impossible to realize true democratic governance without major reforms in the education system in politically unstable countries.

258 million people in 58 countries faced acute food insecurity in 2022, according to the 2023 Global Report on Food Crisis. Political conflicts are rising particularly in African and Asian regions.

These conflicts are leading to economic instability and food insecurity. A lack of political will is the major cause of hunger and poverty.

Furthermore, illiteracy and lack of political understanding among the people is leading to the adoption of hollow slogans and incapable people for the governance.

This is a primary responsibility of higher education institutions to educate the youth about their active and positive role in democracy and political stability.

Youth & Political Stability

Hunger has become a political weapon (Le Monde diplomatique). Good governance is the recognition and acceptance of any country. Every individual has a place and contributions for good governance in a democratic country. Democratic erosion means economic decline in any country of the world. Africa is facing internal political anarchy in many regions.

Also Read: Kenya Sends Fourth Military Unit to DRC; Details of Mission

The role of youth looks not to be positive in promoting peace. About 3.2 million people are displaced because of political instability in Africa. Recently, 4.5 million people were rendered homeless in Sudan. A number of children and women are suffering in Congo, Somalia, Nigeria Burkina Faso and Ethiopia because of political instability.

Noteworthy, the United Nations has a prominent role in peacekeeping in Africa. But the matter of peace is dependent on developing the understanding and comprehension of youth about their active role in promoting political stability.

Therefore, education stakeholders should play a vital role in advancing politics and democracy in institutions of higher learning.

In Africa, serious armed conflicts are promoting political instability, and the role of youth appears to be prominent in the armed conflicts in different African regions.

The Way Forward

Higher education institutions should promote the critical and analytical approach of the youth for the better understanding and comprehension of political situations and the role of political parties.

Also, youth should understand the ground realities for good governance while ignoring the tribal, feudal and sectarian affiliations.

Arguably, little to lack of emphasis on politics and democracy in higher education institutions is responsible for the political instability.  

Youth should analyze and criticize the existing gaps, challenges and barriers for the political stability in any democratic country.

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