Videocrux - 17 African states celebrating democracy

#Videocrux - 17 African states celebrating democracy 17 African states celebrating democracy
Africa had better get used to the attention. All eyes are turning to the continent as it hosts the 2010 football World Cup. But this is also an anniversary year for many countries with no fewer that 17 states celebrating 50 years of independence. For some, it's been a half century of disillusionment as independence led only to more poverty and conflict.
17 African states celebrating democracy
Africa had better get used to the attention. All eyes are turning to the continent as it hosts the 2010 football World Cup. But this is also an anniversary year for many countries with no fewer that 17 states celebrating 50 years of independence. For some, it's been a half century of disillusionment as independence led only to more poverty and conflict.
Nations searching over France's policies
Thomas Luhaka, MP in the Democratic Republic of Congo, "The economic and social situation has got worse. There has been a slight improvement on a political level, as since 2006 we've held democratic and transparent elections. But despite the fact we call our country the Democratic Republic of Congo, I don't think we can really say democracy has taken root here." A grand total of 14 of the nations are former French colonies and there's been a fair amount of soul-searching over the ethics of France's former policies.
French trying to create African's own image
Antoine Glaser, "France's colonization was what you'd call a nationalization. For the French, it was all about trying to create Africans in their own image, they made them sing. Our Ancestors the Gauls." And now we're beginning to see the effects. It's true that in the past the former colonies felt their relationship with France was more involved now there's a certain bitterness and a lot of anger over how things have been handled." Some countries, though, seem to have come off better than others.
50th democracy symbolize change for future
Cheikh Faty Faye, "Over the last half a century the Senegalese have experienced almost complete unity. We have universities, but only one dates back to the colonial period. We've also inherited a strong administrative structure because for a long time Dakar was considered the capital of an important federal union." While many former colonies are still unable to boast such feats, there's hope their 50-year anniversary might symbolize a turning point and change for the future.

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