Samuel M. Makinda

This paper examines African perceptions of the European Union’s (EU’s) role in democracy building on the continent. The EU is undoubtedly one of the largest global providers of development assistance to Africa and other parts of the developing world, and has made significant efforts to support democracy-building in African states since the Cold War ended. Its policies and actions have had a great impact on governance processes at the continental level through the African Union and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development, at the subcontinental level through regional economic communities such as the East African Community, the Economic Community of Western African States, and the Southern African Development Community, and at the national level through direct dealings with various African governments, parliaments, political parties, and civil society groups. Africans’ perceptions on the EU’S role vary widely, depending on variables such as geographical region, countries’ stability and level of democratic development, and individuals’ gender and level of education. EU efforts are often seen as a mixed blessing; arguably, support for democracy building would be enhanced by a broader focus that took social-economic and development needs into account.

Despite their differing approaches to counterterrorism, virtually all African states endorsed the adoption of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism (the Algiers Convention) in July 1999. The Algiers Convention was the first continental legislative instrument to provide a definition of terrorism. Thus, Africa had a common approach to counterterrorism at least two years before the events of 11 September 2001 and the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1373. The EU has the capacity to pursue counterterrorism effectively while enhancing development and social justice, and building democracy in Africa. This paper examines the nature of the EU’s counterterrorism policies and strategies. It discusses the implementation of these policies with a focus on how their implementation has affected democracy building processes in Africa. It explores attitudes in Africa to global, including EU, counterterrorism strategies, and provides options for the EU in combating terrorism in Africa effectively while at the same time enhancing human rights and building democracy there. On the basis of the analysis, it concludes that many people in Africa believe the best way to tackle terrorism on the continent is to alleviate poverty, eliminate social injustice and assist with building democracy.