DICTATORSHIPS IN AFRICA The Theoretical Premise of Dictatorship In political science dictatorship refers to an authoritarian form of government largely dominated by a single individual and unrestrained by law or other checks. 1 In contemporary politics this definition would hardly fit any African country. Many African rulers do maintain some regard for the law in the wake of a growing trend for both national and international politics to submit to judicial proceedings. But this is largely because the international community is weary of periodic botched elections, rebel movements, military take-overs, popular uprisings, civil strife and failed states. Hence, in place of dictators who are law-makers in their own right, what now exists is the long-serving ruler who invokes constitutional provisions to suit his ends and perpetuate his stay in power. Within the context of this article, this is referred to as a ‘dictatorship’. The elite theory of the state maintains that government by a small ruling group of elites is more desirable as the masses cannot govern themselves. Proponents of this theory argue that there are always two categories BY VALERY FERIM UN PHOTOS 28 I conflict trends