Although free of the burden of playing chessboard to Cold War partisans, most African nations have yet to establish a solid framework for political representation and economic prosperity. Until they create efficient, self-enforcing constitutions, they will continue to suffer from the opportunism of their leaders rather than enjoy the blessings of liberty.

John Mukum Mbaku is a professor of economics at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah.
Constitutional LawDemocracyEconomic FreedomEconomic History and DevelopmentEconomyInternational Economics and DevelopmentLaw and LibertyPhilosophy and ReligionSub-Saharan Africa