Changes in Political, Ideological and Administrative Systems

1. Introduction of single party system
2. Military rule / government

1. This was the introduction of one-party system to replace the multiparty system inherited at independence.
2. In Tanganyika:
   • The decision to create a single party system was reached in TANU NEC of 1963.
   • In 1965, the constitution was amended, and Tanzania became officially a single party country.

Reasons for the Introduction of Single Party System

1. Unity: single party system promotes unity among the people. Many parties disunited people and even brought conflicts among the people based on religion, region or ethnic considerations.
2. The rise of new ideologies: many African countries adapted socialism after independence. Socialistic ideology favored centralization of administrative power in the hands of single party.
3. It was introduced to eliminate political parties that showed interest to protect colonialism during the struggles for independence e.g. U.T.P in Tanganyika allied with British leaders feared that such parties would overthrow the government of newly independent nation.
4. Traditions were similar to African traditional culture where one king or chief ruled Africans.
5. Greedy for power among few African leaders who wanted to rule for many years without being taken out of the post by political party.
6. Promote development of all people; people's effort be concentrated in development rather than in politics.
7. Promote equitable development in the country as all people all over the country belong to the same party.

Weakness of the Single Party System

1. Encouraged authoritarianism due to lack of competition in politics i.e. only few people in the country dominate decision making without allowing any critics.
2. Lack of enough checks and balance on government and so encouraging mismanagement and corruption.
3. Led to abuse of power.
4. Suppress diversity of opinion, which endangers development.

Reasons for the Fall of Mono-Party System

1. People opposed the system of mono-party, which worked against democracy and human rights e.g. right to vote, right of expression and association.
2. The collapse of U.S.S.R (United Soviet Socialist Republic) in 1980's. The system could not get support from this superpower any longer.
3. Donor countries such as USA, British, and Germany did not support the system.
4. Economic decline in most countries with single party system in 1970s and 1980s.
5. The rise of USA as a sole superpower.

1. Military government is a form of government where soldiers/military took over control of the government instead of elected civilians.
2. The process whereby a group of military/soldiers took over the control of the government is called "coup d'état".
   • Coup d'état is a French term which means "Overthrow of the state".
3. A number of African countries came under military rule within a few years after independence.
4. Examples of such countries include:
   • Chad
   • Guinea
   • Mali
   • Burkina Faso
   • Etc.

Reasons for Military Rule / Coup d'état / Political Instability just few years

1. Weak political parties which failed to defy the ruling government learning the military as the only organ that can defy the government.
2. Colonial legacy: most colonial government did not leave behind African political system capable of running stable government.
3. Corruption and embezzlement of public funds by the African presidents who took over after independence. This made the army to take over.
4. Lack of National unity: colonialists put together different tribes to create modern Africa. This made it difficult to form unity with such diverse tribes. This created conflict hence army to take over e.g. Hutu and Tutsi of Rwanda.
5. The policy of Divide and rule imposed by colonialists created divided society.