African political leaders who adopt elements of China's governance model often justify it by emphasizing several key arguments, particularly around the perceived benefits of economic development, political stability, and respect for sovereignty. Here are some of the main ways they frame their choices in contrast to Western democratic ideals:

1. Economic Development Over Political Ideals

• Priority on Economic Growth: African leaders often argue that China's model has proven effective at delivering rapid economic growth and development. For many African nations facing high unemployment, poverty, and infrastructure deficits, economic progress is seen as the top priority. Leaders contend that before political freedoms can flourish, basic economic needs must be met, and they point to China’s success in lifting millions out of poverty without embracing Western-style democracy.
• Quick and Effective Infrastructure Development: African governments often cite China's ability to deliver large-scale infrastructure projects quickly, something they view as critical for national development. They compare this to the slower, more bureaucratic processes often associated with Western democratic systems, where projects can be delayed by public consultations, opposition, and legal hurdles.

2. Sovereignty and Non-Interference

• Respect for Sovereignty: One of the key attractions of the Chinese model is its principle of non-interference in the domestic affairs of other nations. African leaders justify their alignment with China by criticizing Western countries for imposing conditions on aid, loans, or investments—often related to human rights, governance, and democracy. They argue that each country should have the freedom to choose its own political path without external pressure.
• Avoiding Political Conditionalities: Unlike Western countries or international institutions such as the IMF or World Bank, China typically does not attach conditions related to governance reforms or democratic practices to its loans and investments. African leaders appreciate this because it allows them to access capital and infrastructure projects without having to commit to reforms that might threaten their political power.

3. Cultural and Historical Relativism

• Different Political Traditions: Some African leaders argue that democracy, as practiced in the West, may not necessarily be suitable for all African contexts. They emphasize that Africa has its own political, social, and historical realities that might require different governance models. China’s emphasis on stability, order, and central authority is seen by some as more aligned with African traditions of governance, where leadership was often centralized, and consensus-based, rather than adversarial or divided by party politics.
• Critique of Western "One-Size-Fits-All" Democracy: African leaders sometimes frame Western democratic models as foreign impositions that do not always align with local conditions. They point out that countries transitioning to Western-style democracy have often faced instability, civil unrest, or even failed states. Leaders promoting the Chinese model argue that prioritizing stability and development can create the necessary conditions for political freedoms to eventually take root, on their own terms.

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4. Political Stability and Control

• Maintaining Stability: African leaders may argue that China's model provides a blueprint for maintaining political stability in countries with ethnic, political, or social divisions. In many African countries, democratic elections have sometimes resulted in post-election violence, political instability, or contested results. By adopting elements of China’s centralized governance model, African leaders can justify stronger state control and centralized decision-making as necessary measures to avoid chaos or fragmentation.
• Centralized Governance as Efficient: Some leaders argue that multiparty democracies can lead to political fragmentation and policy paralysis, where decisions are slow due to constant opposition and competing interests. By contrast, China’s centralized, one-party system is seen as more efficient, able to mobilize resources quickly, and enact long-term policies without the frequent changes in government or policy reversals that often occur in democratic systems.

5. Disillusionment with Western Models

• Failures of Western Intervention: African leaders often highlight the failures of Western democratic interventions in regions like the Middle East or even in African countries where external pressures for democratization led to instability. These leaders question the assumption that Western democracy is the best or only path for African development, pointing to instances where democratization efforts have coincided with increased corruption, weak governance, and civil strife.
• Double Standards in the West: Some African leaders critique Western nations for what they see as hypocrisy in promoting democracy abroad while ignoring or supporting authoritarian regimes when it serves their geopolitical or economic interests. They argue that the West does not always follow the democratic ideals it preaches, pointing to cases where Western governments have turned a blind eye to human rights abuses in strategic allies.

6. Strategic Pragmatism

• Developmental Authoritarianism as a Temporary Phase: Some African leaders may frame their adoption of aspects of China’s governance model as a temporary, pragmatic solution. They argue that a period of strong, centralized control is necessary to achieve the stability and economic growth needed for long-term democratic development. In this narrative, the Chinese model is seen as a phase of state-led development that might evolve into a more open political system once the country reaches a certain level of development.

7. Regional and Global Power Dynamics

• A Shift Towards a Multipolar World: African leaders increasingly recognize the rise of China as a counterbalance to Western hegemony. Aligning with China offers African countries an opportunity to diversify their international partnerships, giving them more leverage in global politics. By embracing China's model or its strategic partnerships, African leaders can present themselves as part of a broader global realignment away from Western dominance towards a multipolar world where African voices are stronger.

In summary, African political leaders justify adopting elements of China’s governance model by focusing on the practical benefits of economic growth, political stability, and sovereignty. They often frame the Chinese model as better suited to Africa’s unique challenges and argue that Western democratic ideals, while noble, are not necessarily the only or best path for development in the African context. However, this embrace of China's model raises concerns about the potential for authoritarianism, suppression of democratic institutions, and long-term governance risks.

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