Africa’s Troubled Transitions

Central African autocrats are using their stolen money to outmaneuver their opponents and deflect international criticism.

Despite sweeping political and constitutional changes in Africa, a notable feature of the ancien régime survives—the imperial presidency. African presidents may be term-limited, but they have not been tamed.

Since 1992, Mali has managed to preserve its democracy in the face of great odds. Continued vigilance will be needed, however, to prevent the gains of the past decade from…