Nairobi, 26 November, 2025 / 10:22 pm (ACI Africa).
African governments must strengthen institutions of governance to prevent political unrest and ensure fair elections on the continent, the President of the Pan African Episcopal Committee for Social Communications (CEPACS) has said.
In an interview with ACI Africa on Tuesday, November 25, Bishop Bernadine Francis Mfumbusa cautioned that countries preparing for elections on the continent could encounter challenges similar to those seen in Tanzania if their institutions remain weak. He made reference to the deadly protests that erupted in Tanzania during the country’s disputed October 29 vote that according to foreign observers, fell short of democratic standards.
“The lesson is very clear. We need strong institutions,” the CEPACS President told ACI Africa on the sidelines of the meeting for Communication Coordinators and Directors of Catholic-owned television and radio stations on the continent.
He warned that “if it’s only the presidency or parliament that holds power while courts and other bodies cannot operate independently, the system fails.”
“Transparency, accountability, and civilian control of security forces are essential for fair elections,” the Bishop emphasized, adding, “We need to have militaries that are independent and controlled by civilians, but the command structure should be clear.”
