Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has advocated for a new system of government called “Afro democracy” to replace Western liberal democracy in Africa.

According to Daily Trust, Obasanjo made the call on Monday while delivering his keynote address at a high-level consultation on “Rethinking Western Liberal Democracy for Africa” in Abeokuta, Ogun state capital.

He said that Western liberal democracy has failed in Africa because it was “forced” on the continent and does not take into account the views of the majority of the people.

“The Western style of democracy failed in Africa because it does not take into account the view of the majority of the people,” Obasanjo said. 

“Western Liberal Democracy is a government of a few people over all the people or population and these few people are representatives of only some of the people and not full representatives of all the people.”

Obasanjo said that Africa needs to develop its own system of government that is based on the continent’s unique history, culture, and traditions. He called this system “Afro democracy.”

“We have no business in operating a system of government which we no hands in its definition and design,” Obasanjo said. 

“We are here to stop being foolish and stupid. Can we look inward and outward to see what in our country, culture, tradition, practice and living over the years that we can learn from, adopt and adapt with practices everywhere for a changed system of government that will service our purpose better and deliver.”