Resisting the Spread of Authoritarian Networks

Africa-wide discussion platform The Resistance Bureau held its latest event on Tuesday 23 February focused on ‘Resisting the Spread of Authoritarian Networks’. The event brought together experts from across the continent to explore the influence of countries such as China and Russia in Africa, as well as the influence of western actors. 

The discussion also touched on authoritarian relationships closer to home, a point with relevance for Zambia given President Lungu’s close relationship with Uganda’s President Museveni.   

The panellists included Ugandan opposition MP Hon Winnie Kiiza who spoke about the problem of dictators resurfacing but masquerading as democrats. She shared some of her experiences following the recent disputed elections in the country, which saw President Museveni extend his 35 year term in office. Hon Kiiza described the military’s involvement in the electoral process as being particularly problematic, as well as the co-opting of the communications infrastructure by the President during campaigns. Civil society has been muzzled, Hon Kiiza told the audience, calling on human rights defenders to shine a light on Uganda to prevent a return to a full-blown dictatorship. 

Hon Kiiza said she believes that authoritarian governments are helping to keep other authoritarian governments in power, including in Uganda. Addressing international involvement in the country, she spoke about how Russia is making in-roads to get involved in nuclear energy development, while Israeli involvement could be seen in terms of security and intelligence surveillance. Commenting on Chinese involvement in the country Hon Kiiza said “China is making us look like beggars. They are not helping us to develop our capacity.” 

Another panellist Idayat Hassan, Director of the centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) based in Abuja, Nigeria, spoke about the use of disinformation and internet shutdowns as some of the key tools used by authoritarian governments. In 2019 there were 25 internet shutdowns in Africa, Hassan told the audience. She pointed to election interference as an area in which there were serious concerns regarding China and Russia’s involvement in particular. 

In discussing solutions to the problems created by outside interference panellist Philani Mthembu, Executive Director at Institute for Global Dialogue, stressed the importance of building internal capacity to ensure African agency. Only in this way can countries ensure that outside influences happen on their terms and support their interests, he argued. 

In a similar vein journalist and anti-corruption activist Rafael Marques de Morais said Africa needs to define what it wants and how it wants to go about change for itself. ‘We must be dictated by what we decide is best for our countries. This is what enables us to better negotiate with the US, China and in Africa”, he concluded.