With the ascendancy of ElDon (Elon and Donald) the amount of chatter from the American public – especially the ‘When We’ brigade sitting in some warm foreign spot has risen to the size of a large rolling Atlantic Ocean Swell.
But these social media chattering’s lack authenticity, lack blood, lack drama and lack first person drive.
Americans would do well to study Africa and our repressive regimes for a little bit of guidance on what to prepare for and how to overcome. If anything this may teach Americans patience and a tad humility.
Africa possesses regimes that have been noted for their authoritarian practices, including suppression of free speech, political opposition, and human rights abuses.
In addition to South Africa’s repressive apartheid regime the many other repressive regimes offer a breather and hope to the American people as, frankly, the regime that they are presently under is NOT AS BAD as any of our African Despots/Dictators/President for Life.
South Africa – Apartheid officially began in 1948 when the National Party, led by Hendrik Verwoerd, implemented a system of institutionalized racial segregation. It lasted until the early 1990s, with significant negotiations leading to its end between 1990 and 1994. One of the most heinous crimes during this period was the Sharpeville Massacre in 1960, where police opened fire on a peaceful protest against pass laws, resulting in the deaths of 69 people and highlighting the brutal repression faced by non-white South Africans.
Eritrea – the People’s Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ) ubder President Isaias Afwerki since 1993 (when it gained independence from Ethiopia) is known for its one-party state and severe restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly.
Sudan – the National Congress Party (NCP) under President Omar al-Bashir’s (overthrown in 2019) regime was marked by widespread human rights abuses, including the Darfur genocide.
Zimbabwe – the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) under President Robert Mugabe (until 2017) was characterized by political repression, economic mismanagement, and violence against opposition.
Equatorial Guinea – the Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea (PDGE) under President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo (since 1979): Obiang is the longest-serving president in the world, with a regime known for its brutal repression of dissent.
Mali – Mali has faced significant repression, including crackdowns on protests and political opposition.
Burundi – the National Council for the Defense of Democracy – Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD) under President Pierre Nkurunziza (until 2020) was notorious for its violent suppression of dissent and political opposition.
Rwanda – the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) under President Paul Kagame is known for its economic development but also for severe restrictions on political freedoms and dissent.
Tanzania – the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) under President John Magufuli (until 2021). Magufuli’s administration was marked by crackdowns on opposition and media, leading to significant repression.
