Chinese Writer: Democracy Hurts Africa

BEIJING — The election-related violence that has killed hundreds in Kenya is proof that Western-style democracy is a bad fit for Africa, a Chinese commentator wrote in the newspaper of China's ruling Communist Party.

China has been criticized for its friendly relations with authoritarian leaders in Africa, where Chinese companies have invested heavily.

Pre-colonial Africa had plenty of consultative decision-making frameworks, but those were ignored when former European rulers "tyrannically" imposed Western democratic systems upon independence, Li Xinfeng wrote in Monday's editions of the People's Daily.

"Western-style democratic theory simply isn't suited to African conditions, but rather carries with it the root of disaster," wrote Li, a former correspondent in Africa.

The newspaper is the Chinese leadership's flagship publication, and as such opinions expressed in the paper hew closely to government positions.

China says it maintains a strict policy of not interfering in other countries' internal affairs and claims Chinese investment in Africa is improving human rights through economic development.

Fighting in Kenya since the disputed Dec. 27 presidential election has killed 575 people, according to the Kenya Red Cross Society.

Back To Top