Physical Address
Nairobi Kenya
By Ecamby Alex
Stockholm Syndrome, a psychological phenomenon where victims develop sympathy or loyalty towards their abusers or captors, is not limited to hostage situations, it is disturbingly present in political landscapes across Africa. In the context of governance, this syndrome manifests when people, despite experiencing poor leadership, corruption, nepotism and underdevelopment, mismanagement and pilferage of public coffers continue to defend or re-elect the same leaders or political systems that perpetuate their suffering.
Across the continent, authoritarian regimes, corrupt elites, and state institutions captured by political interests have persistently failed to deliver on the promises of democracy and development. Yet, in many cases, these regimes maintain support from large segments of the population. This loyalty often stems from a mix of historical patronage networks, ethnic affiliations, propaganda, fear of change, and psychological conditioning reinforced over generations.
Stockholm Syndrome in governance prevents the critical mass needed for democratic renewal. It silences dissent, normalizes dysfunction, and traps populations in cycles of hope deferred. As a result, reformists, activists, and whistleblowers often find themselves isolated or vilified by the very people they aim to liberate.
To break this cycle, we must invest in political education, strengthen civic institutions, and promote narratives that empower citizens to question, demand, and shape better leadership. Until the psychological bonds with failed leadership are broken, the dream of good governance will remain just that. A dream.
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