Togolese at last voted in legislative elections that no opposition members boycotted for the first time in nearly a decade. Leaders of the West African state hope that this will convince donors that the country has fully complied with multiparty democracy- hence qualifying to receive foreign aid. The European Union, Togo’s biggest donor, cut funding to the impoverished country in 1993 over concerns about its poor governance under the late Gnassingbe Eyadema.

The consensus in Togo is heartening in a continent in search of shedding off the history of civil war. However, the fact that Togo is embracing democracy- not with its people in view but rather- to please donors hence resumption of foreign aid, is akin to jumping from the frying pan into the fire.

African leaders should remember that the interests of the African people must be at the centre of every decision making. Africa has received many lectures on corruption, democracy and governance from western countries that interpret the terminologies to suit their own interests.

Africa must take full charge and responsibility of its destiny. It is time that the continent came of age, charted where it wants to be and worked to achieve its goal. Instead of waiting for resumption of foreign aid, Togolese government should instead create their own growth model that will depart from the traditional aid dependency, and focus on business. Leaders should facilitate intra Africa trade, and promote a business structure that will attract local and foreign investors.