Political Instability, Underdevelopment and the Misgivings of Democracy

Problematising the Issue of Political Leadership in Africa

Abstract

This paper contends that political leadership plays a crucial role in fostering social and economic justice, peace and stability, national unity and socio-economic development. The absence of effective and responsive political leadership has been a catalyst for social and economic injustices, leading to intra-state conflicts in parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. Attaining social and economic justice requires the interaction of multiple factors that go beyond existing structures. Although often overlooked, political leadership is argued to be a critical factor in achieving these goals. The paper examines the importance of responsible, responsive, and ethical political leadership as an essential requirement for social and economic justice and good governance. This includes upholding and respecting human rights, promoting civic participation, ensuring accountability, managing state resources responsibly, and fostering social cohesion among the diverse demographics within a state. This paper emphasises that political leadership is the pivotal variable that must be considered when driving a state towards providing social and economic justice for all. In this context, the international and regional human rights frameworks concerning social and economic rights serve as valuable tools to guide political leaders in their pursuit of social and economic justice and good governance within Sub-Saharan African societies.