African Neopatrimonialism – a summary of D Cammack
Since the early 1990’s we now have a number of African countries that display signs
of a democratic state, but only on paper and the assumption is made by donors that
countries in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) is functioning as in the West. The article
argues that politics in some poor performing states works in a logical way when
viewed through the neopatrimonial lens.
States labelled as neopatrimonial real decision making lies outside formal
institutions, BUT decisions are by “big men” and their cronies about state resources.
Corruption is the order of the day because private and public funds are mingled by
those in power. These governments only have one goal and that is to gain and retain
power, no matter what it takes. In other words by not being in power, elites and
rulers will be deprived of influence and wealth.
By global standards SSA produces little wealth and the main source of income is
state resources which include foreign aid.
Characteristics of neopatrimonialism in SSA include:
•Civil society remains silent and weak because of threads from the ruling party for
example “you will not have schools, roads, clinics etc. if you do not vote for me”.
Funding is spending on political projects and these states are burdened by
bureaucracies.
•Elections are not contested and coalition politics form the norm
•In neopatrimonialist states there is little or no transparency – civil society
organisations are seen as threatening
•Governments will attempt to control private and independent media, by either
declining or failed to register independent radio and news stations. Donors perceive
the media as independent when party political bustles are aired. Print media might
be owned by politicians or their families.
•Parliaments are generally weak and real decision making is done outside formal
institutions and agree with the presidents initiatives instead of objectivity to policies.
•The party is sometimes owned by the party leader and is funded by interested
foreigners or state treasury.
•Human rights abuse and politically inspired crime are a common practise
•In these states judicial independence is under threat – courts are deliberately under
resource and pensions / wages are at risk
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