As part of its Africa Month commemorations, the University of the Free State (UFS) Centre for Gender and Africa Studies (CGAS) hosted its annual Africa Day Memorial Lecture on 21 May 2025 at the UFS Bloemfontein Campus. The lecture was presented by distinguished scholar Prof Cyril Obi, Programme Director at the Social Science Research Council in New York.

With the African continent facing intensifying political, socio-economic, and climate-related crises, Prof Obi’s lecture invited the university community to think critically about the future of democracy in Africa. Delivered under the theme ‘Caught Between De-Democratisation and Re-Democratisation: Grappling with Africa’s Complex Conjunctures through the Lens of Political Dialectics’, the address explored the delicate state of democratic governance on the continent and called for an urgent reimagining of what democracy should look like for Africans today.

Rethinking democracy on African terms

Speaking to staff, students, and scholars, Prof Obi argued that the dominant democratic models practised across Africa are increasingly ill-suited to the continent’s realities.

“It’s important for us to look back so that we can chart the course forward,” he said. “My sense is that the model of democracy we are practicing is not fit for purpose. It does not speak to our realities.”

He cautioned that while multi-party democracies may appear functional on paper, they often fail to deliver genuine participation, meaningful choice, or access to power for the majority of citizens.

“African democracy needs to prioritise the quality of access, quality of choice, and full participation of citizens,” he added. “At the end of the day, Africans must look back at their history, their struggles, their culture – to fashion out a form of democracy that speaks to their current realities and the importance of liberation and freedom.”

In his lecture, Prof Obi explored the concept of re-democratisation – a call to reimagine and rebuild democracy through African terms, experiences, and aspirations. This, he emphasised, is not a return to outdated systems, but a necessary shift towards a transformative, people-centred democracy. “Africa’s future lies in the hands of its youth and the growing impetus for re-democratisation and a generational power shift,” he said.

He described “choiceless democracy” as inadequate and outdated in the face of Africa’s complex realities. Re-democratisation, in his view, must prioritise structures that support genuine inclusion, collective values, and citizen agency.

Prof Obi reminded the audience that such a renewal cannot be externally driven. It must emerge from within, grounded in research, grassroots mobilisation, and a critical understanding of the generational and social forces shaping the continent today.

The event also marked a significant milestone for Prof Obi, serving as his inaugural lecture as Extraordinary Professor at the University of the Free State. “I want to contribute to the intellectual agenda and the mentoring of graduate students,” he said. “But I also want to make the work of scholars here globally visible – using my networks in the academic and publishing world.”

A lecture that speaks to the centre’s purpose

The significance of the lecture was echoed by the leadership of CGAS and the Faculty of the Humanities. For Prof Stephanie Cawood, Director of CGAS, the timing and theme of the lecture were essential.

“In this moment in time, [and] where we are also geopolitically, it’s very important to look towards the future of Africa regarding democracy,” she said. “Liberal democracies have not always been successful on the continent, so it’s important to revisit what democracy should and ought to look like for Africa.”

Prof Mogomme Masoga, Dean of the Faculty of the Humanities, added that the lecture aligns with the faculty’s mission to promote global and continental academic exchange. “Prof Obi is a person of stature. His brilliant paper reflects the challenges facing both the continent and the global space,” he said. “This is about internationalisation, visibility, and contributing meaningfully to current debates.”

Prof Cawood described Prof Obi’s appointment as an Extraordinary Professor as recognition of his impact both as a scholar and an activist in peace and conflict. “He is one of the most noteworthy names working in the field and tonight served as his introduction to the UFS community.”

Watch the livestream here.