Of countries receiving U.S. assistance, only Niger saw its democratic rankings fall during this period. Numerous African countries that began the transition process after the fall of the Berlin Wall, such as Benin, Ghana, Namibia and Mali, have now instituted democratic political systems and are in the process of consolidating reforms. Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa and Tanzania continue to implement political reforms in the wake of their democratizing elections. Political transitions in Africa continued in 1997, with elections in Liberia, and with the fall of the Mobutu regime in the Democratic Republic of the Congo offering the first real opportunity for democratic development in that country in over 30 years. At the same time, some transitional countries have suffered setbacks, including political instability in Zambia as a result of a contentious electoral eligibility issue, ethnic clashes in the Rift Valley in Kenya, and a coup in Sierra Leone.
Democracy offers citizens advantages and opportunities that no other form of government can provide.
The numerous dramatic transitions from dictatorship to democracy in Africa during the last decade offer powerful testament to the growing popular demand for democracy. The parliament began inviting civil society organizations to committee meetings for the first time. ESF funding will continue to support the Regional Democracy Fund for bilateral programs and provide support to selected regional institutions. Visit our contact page to find the appropriate resource.