To what extent will you agree to the claim that the practices of democracy, good governance and accountability predated the the arrival of colonialism on the African continent?

I would agree to a certain extent that the practices of democracy, good governance, and accountability did exist in some African societies prior to the arrival of colonialism. Many pre-colonial African societies had systems of governance that involved consultation with the community, decision-making processes that involved multiple stakeholders, and mechanisms for holding leaders accountable.

For example, in many traditional African societies, leaders were chosen based on their wisdom, leadership qualities, and ability to serve the community rather than through hereditary succession or external imposition. Additionally, there were often councils or assemblies where important decisions were made collectively, and leaders were expected to consult with their communities before making major decisions.

Furthermore, many African societies had systems of justice and conflict resolution that emphasized fairness, restitution, and reconciliation rather than punishment. These systems often involved community participation and were aimed at restoring harmony and maintaining social cohesion.

However, it is also important to acknowledge that the specific forms of governance and accountability varied widely across different African societies, and not all societies had democratic or accountable systems of governance. Additionally, the impact of colonialism on African governance systems cannot be ignored, as colonial powers often imposed their own systems of governance that undermined traditional practices and institutions.

In conclusion, while there were certainly examples of democracy, good governance, and accountability in pre-colonial Africa, the extent to which these practices were widespread and institutionalized varied. The legacy of colonialism also had a significant impact on African governance systems, shaping the current political landscape on the continent.

In seven (7) ways describe "the practice of democracy, good governance and accountability predated the arrival of the colonialism on the African continent