A critical conversation with Bernard Matolino on his consensus as democracy in Africa

Abstract

Matolino's book critically analyses consensual democracy, a political system often hailed as a natural fit for African societies. Through this, Matolino questions the viability of consensus amidst modernity and examines its potential shortfalls. By comparing consensus to majoritarian democracy, Matolino highlights the challenges associated with each of the aforementioned systems. The book also explores the historical roots of consensus in African societies and its compatibility—or lack thereof—with contemporary majoritarian democratic principles as advocated in the West. Ultimately, Matolino suggests that while consensus may have certain merits, it is not a panacea for Africa's current political problems. I highlight the main arguments in the book and show that it calls for a more nuanced approach that will incorporate elements of both consensual and majoritarian democracy to ensure effective governance and representation in contemporary Africa.