During the Great Liberation, Africa saw the birth of more than 50 new nations. Africans have high aspirations for the future across the continent. Africans regained control of their destiny after 70 years of colonial subjugation. The new states took different pathways to modernization. Despite enormous challenges, some people succeeded. Civil conflict, military dictatorship, or corrupt dictators threw many others into chaos. Several African countries have made efforts toward democracy in recent decades.
Following independence, the new African states established regimes fashioned after the former colonial masters. On the other hand, parliamentary systems did not work in Africa as well as in Europe over the centuries. Creating cohesive countries with stable governments has proven to be a difficult task.
Many of the leaders of the new states were liberation heroes. Some people like to create one-party states. They claimed that multiparty systems bred discord, which was frequently true.
Many of these one-party states became repressive, and some liberation leaders became tyrants. Dictators frequently utilized their power to profit themselves and their allies at the nation's expense.
Civil unrest has erupted in numerous countries due to failed policies or corrupt regimes. This resulted in military coups. A coup is the toppling of a government by force. Some coup leaders turned into ruthless dictators. Others attempted to eradicate corruption and improve the situation. Military officials frequently promised that civilian government would be restored. Nonetheless, in many cases, they only relinquished control after another coup.
Many African countries were shifting away from strongman rule by the 1990s. Africans planned democratic elections and demanded them. Independent newspapers emerged in various countries, with their editors risking arrest for their articles. Religious leaders advocated for more freedom. Outside pressures were also a factor. Before awarding funds for economic development, Western governments and lenders, such as the World Bank, requested political reforms.
Some administrations responded by allowing opposition parties to form and lifting censorship. Multi-party elections were held in countries Benin, removing long-serving leaders.
Even after African countries gained independence, colonial powers and foreign enterprises typically held control of their former colonies' businesses and resources. Many new states remained reliant on their previous colonial overlords for aid, trade, and investment.
