Constitutionalism and Developmental Authoritarianism

Abstract

This chapter contributes to the debate about ‘presidents for life’ in sub-Saharan Africa. Through an analysis of Paul Kagame’s leadership in Rwanda, it seeks to understand the legitimizing factors that could explain the resilience of personalized authoritarian regimes and the extent to which these factors undermine constitutionalism and democracy. The first part of the chapter examines the phenomena of personal rule and power legitimation in sub-Saharan Africa and how they were impacted on by colonial rule, independence, ‘democracy’s third wave’, and the more recent period of ‘democratic recession’. The second part appraises the case of Rwanda through the three prisms of history, power, and law. First, it is argued, the legitimacy of the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) stems from the fact that it ended the genocide. Second, the RPF is seen as effecting a ‘miracle’ by transforming a devastated country into one where real socio-economic gains were made. Finally, the authoritarian tendencies which have minimized opposition to the regime are not openly contested, neither internally nor externally. With the emphasis on national unity, the RPF is portrayed as being a non-negotiable pre-condition for political stability and prosperity, thus condoning any democratic deficits.

Financial development, institutional quality and economic growth in countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)

“…The assertion of a direct correlation between institutional quality and economic growth is generally supported by empirical literature. For example, past studies (Scully, 1988, Pinto, 2021, Wandeda et al, 2021 argue that countries with strong institutions perform better than those with weaker ones.…”