Chapter 35 section 2:The Challenge of Democracy in

Africa

As the recent histories of Nigeria and South Africa show, ethnic and racial conflicts can

hinder democracyDo Now: Read story and answer questions

Colonial Rule Limits Democracy

European Policies Cause Problems• Borders of colonies in Africa ignore ethnic and

cultural divisions• As a result, national identity is slow to develop in

Africa• Colonial rule produces economic problems• Colonial rule also disrupts family and community

life• Post-independence governments fragile and

vulnerable to military coups

Nigeria

A Land of Many People

• Nigeria has people from three different ethnic groups- each with own state

• Country adopts a federal system- state and central government share power

War with Biafra• In 1960s, country torn

by ethnic fighting• Military imposes

martial law- temporary military rule

• In 1967 eastern region leaves Nigeria, forms new country of Biafra

• War ends in 1970 with Biafra defeated and Nigeria reunited

Nigeria’s Nation Building

• In 1970s and 1980s military tries to create stable federal system

• General Sani Abacha overturns election results of 1993 and takes power

• He punishes dissents- government opponents

• In 1999, civilian government finally gains power

Civilian Presidents in Nigeria• Obasanjo tries to build strong, unified Nigeria by

ending corruption • Promotes idea of forgiveness of Nigeria’s debt to

rebuild country• Umaru Yar’Adua elected president in 2007• Militant group threatened Nigeria’s oil exports

and economic growth• Yar’ Adua died in May 2010 due to illness and

next election is early 2011• Civil rights and other problems have gotten

better since the Obansanjo controls the government

South Africa Under Apartheid

• South Africa gains independence in 1931; white minority rules

• In 1948, National Party enacts apartheid- separation of races

• Government sets up reserves, called homelands, for blacks in 1959

Blacks Protest

• In 1912, blacks form African National Congress (ANC) to protest

• Nelson Mandela- ANC leader imprisoned for 27 years

• Protests rise in 1970s and 1980s, sometimes resulting in violence

Struggle for Democracy

• Religious leader Desmond Tutu urges economic pressure on government

• He asks other countries not to trade with South Africa

• In 1990, FW de Klerk legalizes ANC and frees Nelson Mandela from prison

• Parliament repeals apartheid laws and grants rights to black

• De Klerk agrees to elections open to all races to be held in 1994

South Africa 1990s- present

• In 1994, ANC wins majority of Parliament and Mandela is elected President

• In 1996, new constitution is adopted giving equal rights to all

• In 1999, Thabo Mbeki elected President– Faces challenges: high crime, unemployment and

rampant poverty– Hopes to increase trade with other countries– Major problem: high number of people with AIDS

• elected Jacob Zuma president in 2009