Poverty, corruption undermining democracy in Africa, says ECOWAS envoy

Baba Kamara, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) special envoy on terrorism, says poverty and corruption are the “silent killers” undermining Africa’s democratic growth.

Kamara spoke at the 2025 Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) democracy dialogue in Accra, Ghana.

The dialogue, hosted by ex-president Goodluck Jonathan, brought together policymakers, civil society actors, and democracy advocates.

The dialogue had as its theme: ‘Why Democracies Die’.

The envoy warned that democracy cannot flourish when citizens are hungry, unemployed, or alienated by corrupt leadership.

He said the widening socioeconomic inequality creates fertile ground for instability, leading frustrated youths to lose faith in democratic processes and turn to alternative systems, including military takeovers or authoritarian populism.

“Democracy cannot thrive on empty stomachs. While citizens struggle daily for survival, the blatant looting of public resources by a few corrodes trust in government and fuels disillusionment,” he said.

Kamara argued that the fight against corruption must move beyond rhetoric to concrete action, ensuring that resources benefit ordinary citizens rather than political elites.

He said when influential individuals escape justice while petty offenders are jailed swiftly, “citizens lose faith in the fairness of the system”.

The diplomat challenged African leaders to embrace accountability and restore hope in democracy through tangible reforms.

He also urged the African Union and ECOWAS to impose substantial consequences on leaders undermining democratic governance.

“The survival of democracy in Africa will not depend on elections alone, but on whether citizens feel their voices matter, their rights are protected, and their livelihoods improve,” Kamara added.