Sports and politics in Africa are often intertwined, with sporting events and athletes often serving as powerful symbols of national identity, unity, and pride. However, politics can also have a negative impact on sports in Africa, as corruption, political interference, and conflict can all hamper the development and success of sports programs and athletes.

In some cases, sports have been used as a tool for political propaganda or to promote a certain political agenda. For example, hosting international sporting events like the African Cup of Nations or the World Cup can be seen as a way to demonstrate a country’s political stability and economic development. Similarly, African athletes who achieve international success can become national heroes and symbols of hope for their countries, as seen with athletes like Nigeria’s Nwankwo Kanu, Ethiopia’s Haile Gebrselassie, South Africa’s Caster Semenya, and Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge. They have inspired young people across Africa to pursue their dreams and strive for excellence in their chosen fields.

However, politics can also have a negative impact on sports in Africa. For example, corruption can undermine fair competition and result in athletes or teams being unfairly advantaged or disadvantaged. Political interference can also impact the management of sports organizations, resulting in mismanagement and inefficiency. Additionally, conflict or civil unrest can disrupt sports programs and force athletes to flee their countries, as seen with the civil war in South Sudan, which has resulted in the displacement of many young athletes.

From fleeing civil war in South Sudan to playing for the Socceroos. 💛💚

Awer Mabil is the Young Australian of the Year.

He has also been acknowledged for his non-profit organisation, Barefoot to Boots, which helps refugees chase their football dreams.

Congratulations, Awer! pic.twitter.com/ixMS5nmmwr

— 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 Australia (@sportingnewsau) January 25, 2023

THE DAMAGE

Corruption and politics are major challenges in African sports, and they often hinder the development and success of athletes and sports programs. In many cases, corruption and politics in African sports are intertwined, with powerful individuals or groups using their influence to manipulate sports programs for personal gain or to advance their political agendas.

One of the main ways that corruption manifests in African sports is through the mismanagement of sports organizations and events. Officials may embezzle funds meant for sports programs or international sporting events, resulting in inadequate funding for training, equipment, and facilities. This can lead to substandard sports programs and a lack of success on the international stage.

Politics also plays a role in African sports, as government officials often use sports to boost their popularity and advance their political agendas. This can lead to political interference in the management of sports organizations and teams, resulting in mismanagement and inefficiency.

Additionally, corruption and politics in African sports can have negative consequences for athletes. In some cases, athletes may be forced to pay bribes to participate in sports programs or be selected for national teams.

If not for corruption in Africa……🤐

Kylian Mbappe’s father in 2018: “At first, I wanted my son to play for Cameroon but, someone at the Cameroon Football Federation charged a sum of money that I didn’t have to make him play.
The French didn’t charge anything.” pic.twitter.com/47Ku3EHvAp

— Clever Brain (@CleverBrain10) April 18, 2023

This can create barriers to entry for talented athletes who may not have the financial means to pay bribes. Corruption and politics can also result in biased team selections, with athletes being selected based on political connections rather than merit.

Overall, corruption and politics in African sports represent significant challenges that must be addressed to foster the development and success of athletes and sports programs. This requires greater transparency and accountability in the management of sports organizations and events, as well as a commitment to fair play and merit-based team selections.

SILVER LINING

Despite these challenges, sports in Africa continue to serve as a source of national pride and a platform for promoting social and political change. Athletes and sports organizations are increasingly advocating for social justice and equality, using their platform to address issues such as racism, gender inequality, and social inequality. As such, sports in Africa will likely continue to play an important role in the region’s social and political landscape.