Achille mbembe: africa’s democratic reality and the quest for true sovereignty

The renowned Cameroonian philosopher, Achille Mbembe, argues that genuine democracy has yet to take root across the African continent. In an exclusive interview, he delved into various contentious issues, from the CFA franc and the political inertia observed in Central African nations to the ongoing discourse surrounding reparations for the transatlantic slave trade.

During the 3rd edition of the African Democracy Summits, held at the Musée Théodore Monod in Dakar, Professor Achille Mbembe, a distinguished historian, philosopher, and research scholar, shared his profound insights.

Mbembe, who presides over the Foundation for Innovation for Democracy, presented a sharp critique of democratic experiments in Africa. Contrary to the common perception that the continent is grappling with a democratic crisis, he maintains that in most African countries, democracy has never been truly established.

“there can be no crisis of democracy where it doesn’t exist”

For Achille Mbembe, framing Africa’s political landscape as a