Before the advent of Europeans on the shores of Africa, African had a robust system of governance be it Centralize or Acephalous society. Of course during the pre-colonial Africa, we had a democratic institutions that hold rulers to account. Unlike the erroneous impression created by the Western media, Africa had a true democracy with values and institutions shaped by the aspirations of the ruled(people). Even though most African Nations were Empire, Kingdoms, States etc. they were institutions such as the Asafo, Council Of Elders, Kingmakers, youth groups etc. in the case of the Akans; that made sure that power vested in the rulers are not abused.
The advent of Colonialism destroyed the institution and the very architecture on which African democracy was hinged. Yet in recent times, the West are seen proselytizing democracy on Africans forgetting that the concept evolve and cannot be forced on a people whos is not ready to accept it.
The neoliberal form of democracy has not reaps its dividends when it comes to democracy and many a time lead to apocalyptic failure like Libya, Somalia, Sudan and the Middle East. There are some leaders who clinged unto power but are not seen as dictators or tyrants as portrayed my the Western media. Muammar Gaddafi and in recent times, Paul Kagame is accused of being dictators just because of longevity while the president of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko is still in power. Democracy is not patented in the West neither is it franchise in the West so the media should stop wasting our ears about the concept when it pleases them.