Mo Ibrahim report: Nigeria among Africa's worst governance declines as rights erode

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation's 2025 governance index reveals a troubling split across Africa: 30 countries improved overall scores since 2016 on stronger economies, but 23 deteriorated sharply on security, human rights, and public participation. Nigeria, Sudan, and Tunisia rank among the 10 worst performers. Seven of those 10 suffered at least one coup over the decade — Burkina Faso recording the steepest drop.

Mo Ibrahim, the Sudanese-British billionaire behind the index, blames a global "rise of strongmen" from the US to Russia that emboldens African leaders to erode democratic norms. He calls out Tanzania (security forces accused of killing thousands of protesters) and Uganda (opposition leader Bobi Wine "hunted and physically attacked"). "It's just disgraceful," Ibrahim said.

For Nigeria, the signal is clear: despite economic gains, civic space is shrinking. The report also flags Washington's sudden USAID termination last year — "brutal," per Ibrahim — cutting billions in support. Africa's response must be self-reliance and diversified partnerships.

The hope? A youth bulge: 60% of Africans are under 25, better educated and informed than previous generations. Ibrahim admits his generation "wasted opportunities."

With Nigeria flagged among the continent's sharpest governance declines, what accountability will you demand from leaders before the 2027 election cycle?

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/10/31/africa-suffering-in-strongmen-era-mo-ibrahim/