Africa has been long called a sleeping giant with many waiting for that almost magical spark that will propel the mother continent to unmatched levels of prosperity. This dream still seems far with a ballooning unemployment rate, increased immigration to the Global North and continued infrastructure challenges being the order of the day. In his book “The Irony of Democracy in Africa and the hypocrisy of the West: Democracy Under Siege,” Liberian author and policy consultant Solomon Gardee Vah, bravely outlines what he thinks is holding the continent back. 

Vah sat down with us for an interview to discuss the main issues in the book and also offer his own musing on Africa’s past and current state.   ^{KM – Kudzai Mhangwa, SV – Solomon Gardee Vah}

KM: Please tell us about yourself Solomon.

SV: Thank you for the opportunity. My name is Solomon Gardee Vah, an author from the Republic of Liberia, West Africa, policy consultant, and advocate for good governance, social justice and youth empowerment in Africa. I am deeply passionate about promoting democracy, transparency, and leadership accountability across the continent.

KM: When did you get interested in writing?

SV: Well, my interest in writing began during my University years when I started reading books written by some African scholars, Chinua Achebe or Ngugi Wa Thiong’o for example, I realized that writing is the power of words that can influence thought and inspire change. Over time, I developed a passion for documenting Africa’s political realities and highlighting issues that affect our development. Writing became my tool for advocacy, reflection, and transformation.

KM: From your point of view, how do you view the African continent? Are we truly free?

SV: From my point of view, Africa is a sleeping giant that is rich in natural resources, culture, and huge human potential but challenged with poor governance and external manipulation. We are politically independent but economically and ideologically dependent on foreign powers. True freedom will only come when Africa defines its own path and values without undue influence from external interests.

KM: You are the author of “The Irony of Democracy in Africa and the hypocrisy of the West: Democracy Under Siege.” What inspired you to write this book?

SV: I was inspired to write “The Irony of Democracy in Africa and the Hypocrisy of the West: Democracy Under Siege” after observing the recurring cycle of democratic failures across the continent. Despite elections and constitutions, power often remains in the hands of a few, while the West selectively supports regimes that serve their interests. I wanted to expose these contradictions and ignite a conversation on Africa’s true democratic destiny

KM: When did you start writing it and what inspired you to do so?

SV: I started writing the book shortly after completing a series of policy studies on governance and international relations while studying my MBA in India. Hearing about the increasing number of coups in the Sahel region, electoral fraud in Nigeria, Uganda for example, and Western double standards during the COVID 19 pandemic. My inspiration came from a desire to challenge the status quo and encourage Africans to rethink what democracy truly means. Particularly the intense hunger and starvation in DR Congo in the midst of their abundant natural resources. 

KM: Please tell us a little about the book.

SV: The book explores the differences betweendemocratic ideals and political realities in Africa, highlighting how both internal leadership failures, and Western hypocrisy prolong the continent’s struggles. It examines issues like corruption, resource exploitation, human rights abuses, and the erosion of African values. Ultimately, it calls for self-determination, accountability, and genuine democratic transformation.

KM: In your studies, what went wrong during the decolonization of Africa?

SV: During decolonization, Africa inherited political systems that were foreign and incompatible with indigenous governance structures. The process focused more on transferring power than building strong institutions that suit African communities. As a result, weak systems, elite capture of power, and external dependency became the foundation of many post-colonial governments.

KM: What is one outstanding example in the book about the illusion of freedom and also how the West colludes with African affairs?

SV: One outstanding example in the book is the Western support for authoritarian regimes that serve their economic and geopolitical interests. For instance, while preaching democracy, Western powers often back leaders who exploit their own people as long as foreign access to resources remains uninterrupted. This exposes the illusion of freedom, where African sovereignty exists in form but not in substance.

KM: Does the book also offer solutions to the issues that we are seeing? 

SV: Yes, the book does offer solutions by advocating for institutional reform, civic education, and Pan-African unity. It calls for leadership renewal, stronger accountability mechanisms, and economic independence from exploitative partnerships. The way forward, it argues, lies in Africans redefining democracy on their own terms through inclusive and sustainable governance.

KM: Thank you so much to agreeing to the interview! What would your final words be to our readers?

SV: My final words to readers are simple: Africa’s destiny lies in our own hands. We must awaken from dependency and embrace a renewed spirit of unity, self-reliance, and integrity. True democracy in Africa will only flourish when we hold ourselves and those who claim to be our allies accountable to the principles of justice and equality.