Africa is falling further behind as coups and conflicts continue

(CLO) Nearly half of African citizens live in a country where governance has worsened over the past decade, as deteriorating security erodes progress, according to a new report.

The annual Ibrahim Africa Governance Index report by British-Sudanese billionaire businessman Mo Ibrahim found that while 33 countries made positive progress, overall governance in 21 countries, which account for nearly half of Africa's population, would be worse in 2023 than in 2014.

Sudanese women at community kitchens. Photo: Reuters

For some countries, including Nigeria and Uganda, the overall deterioration in governance worsened in the second half of the decade, the report said.

“We can really see a huge arc of instability and conflict, and this deterioration, as well as the security and safety of people, are the biggest things that drive things to deteriorate,” said Mr Ibrahim.

Mr Ibrahim pointed to coups in West Africa and conflict in Sudan, as well as poor governance that have led to violence and instability. “If there is a breakdown in governance, if there is corruption, if there is deprivation… people will take up arms,” he said.

The report found that infrastructure – from access to mobile phones to energy – and gender equality had improved for about 95% of Africans by 2023. Health, education and business climate metrics had also improved across the continent.

But the report found that the public has a negative view of progress, even when the respective aspects of governance show progress. All public perception indicators, except those tracking women in leadership, have declined.

The worst declines were in perceptions of economic opportunity and safety and security. The report said this could be due to higher expectations in countries that are making progress. “If public discontent is high, unrest could occur and lead to increased migration and conflict,” he said.

Ngoc Anh (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/bao-cao-chau-phi-ngay-cang-tut-hau-do-dao-chinh-va-xung-dot-post318074.html