Why it's wrong
Often used broadly to describe political change on the continent without identifying the specific institutional or legal shifts involved. It compresses different dynamics into a single label and can obscure variation across countries.
What's actually true
Democratic backsliding exists, but it is not the whole story. Freedom House's 2025 data shows political rights and civil liberties declined in 21 of 54 African countries in 2024 — but 8 improved. Recent peaceful transfers of power in Senegal and Botswana show democratic change is still happening.
Don't say · Say instead
Don't say
“The country is experiencing democratic backsliding.”
Say instead
“The country is experiencing democratic shifts, including changes to electoral rules and civic space.”
Shorthand: Democratic shifts