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US Lawmakers: Democratic Institutions Backsliding in Sub-Saharan Africa

Mariama Diallo

   U.S. lawmakers convened a hearing Wednesday in Washington on what they
   said was an erosion of democratic institutions in parts of sub-Saharan
   Africa and its impact on the region's economic growth as well as access
   to health and education resources.

   Several countries in sub-Saharan Africa are retreating from core
   democratic principles, said Representative Karen Bass, chair of the
   House subcommittee on Africa, global health, global human rights and
   international organizations.

   "Democratic backsliding includes but is not limited to the degradation
   of free and fair elections, infringement of freedom of speech,
   impairment of political opposition to challenge the government or hold
   it accountable [and] the weakening of the rule of law."

   Bass said flawed elections remained an issue in most of Africa, with
   leaders manipulating laws, freedoms and elections to retain power.

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