July 12, 2026

The African Tribune

Bold, independent reporting on Africa's most important stories, in English, every day.

Achille mbembe’s bold claim: african democracy is an illusion

Achille Mbembe challenges conventional wisdom about Africa, offering an uncompromising critique spanning democracy, the CFA franc, Central African political systems, and the imperative of reparations.
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXhsPA2fHKQ

The renowned Cameroonian philosopher, Achille Mbembe, asserts that genuine democracy has never truly taken root across the African continent. In an exclusive interview, he delved into critical discussions surrounding the CFA franc, the persistent political stagnation in Central Africa, and the ongoing debate about reparations for the transatlantic slave trade.

During the 3rd edition of the African Democracy Symposium, held at the Théodore Monod Museum in Dakar, Professor Achille Mbembe, a distinguished historian, philosopher, and research scholar, shared his insights.

▶ Watch the video above.

As President of the Foundation for Innovation for Democracy, Mbembe offered a sharp, critical assessment of democratic experiments in Africa. Challenging the widespread notion that the continent is currently experiencing a