Introduction

In Africa, tradition resonates deeply in culture and society. Although it can lead to certain political excesses, its potential for revitalising governance remains largely untapped. In this article, we show how to harness its positive aspects while avoiding the negative ones.

Tradition, an ally for governance in Africa

African tradition is imbued with values such as justice, solidarity and respect for elders. By channelling these values into the political sphere, it can contribute to governance through :

• Conflict resolution: traditional leaders enjoy great respect, which gives them a role in conflict management. The term transitional justice is used to compensate for the limitations of modern justice.
• Institutional stability: traditional systems are more durable. Drawing on them can strengthen support and respect for laws and institutions.
• Popular legitimacy: the principles of community consultation and participatory decision-making strengthen the legitimacy of government institutions and encourage a sense of responsibility among the population.
• Inclusiveness: it allows for consultation with different stakeholders, such as elders, chiefs, clans and community members, for more inclusive governance.

Negative political impact of tradition

Some traditional practices can conflict with democratic norms and human rights. For example:

• Rigidity of social classes: in many African societies, privileges are reserved for certain categories by birthright. This is a source of discrimination and exclusion by increasing inequalities.
• Clanism and tribalism: clan and tribal affiliations within political parties are factors in inter-ethnic division and conflict. They are also not conducive to politics based on political ideas and programmes.
• Authoritarianism and sacralisation of power: in some traditions, power is despotic, for life and passed down from father to son. This can lead to patrimonialization of power, lifelong reigns and abuses of power.
• Gender conflicts: patriarchal norms can limit women’s participation by relegating them to domestic roles.

Perspectives on Harnessing Tradition

For tradition to contribute to strengthening governance in Africa, it is important to reinterpret certain practices and adapt them to modernity. Above all, we need to emphasise those aspects that promote inclusion and equality between members of society. Transitional justice, the palaver tree, and joking kinship… are all mechanisms that should be promoted. Finally, cultural diversity must be promoted and initiatives to develop tradition must be incorporated into school curricula.

Conclusion

In short, redirecting tradition in Africa to boost governance is an exciting but complex challenge. By promoting inclusive and democratic practices, we can work towards more equitable, inclusive and dynamic governance on the African continent.