Is western style democracy killing Africa --Damn right it is!

Is China right about Africa?

This week an official Chinese newspaper The People's Daily said that the current turmoil in Kenya can be blamed on a Western-style democracy that is not suited to Africa.

The People's Daily newspaper went on to say that Western-style democratic theory simply isn't suited to African conditions, but rather carries with it the root of disaster. The paper also blames Africa's colonial rulers for tyrannically imposing Western democratic systems after independence.

The late Nigerian musician Fela Anikulapo Kuti wanted Africans to use traditional structures for political development.

In the past, for example, there different ways of getting rid of unpopular leaders. In Nigeria, Oyo elders had the right to compel their king to stand aside. The elders were supposed to represent the interests of their people.

Do you agree with chinese newspaper that Western-style democracy is to blame for Africa's problems? Do you think Africa should look to its own history for models of leadership? What type of rule would you like to live under?

If you would like to join Africa Have Your Say to debate this topic LIVE on air on Wednesday 16 January at 1600 GMT, please include a telephone number. It will not be published. You can also send an SMS text message to +44 77 86 20 20 08.