This paper examines the nexus between the ‘connection syndrome’ and the cult of mediocrity in Africa. Drawing on Chinua Achebe’s book The Trouble with Nigeria (1984) and empirical evidence from document analysis, the paper discusses how the ubiquitous ‘connection syndrome’ constitutes a breeding ground for the ‘cult of mediocrity’ in Africa. Beyond politics which serves as a main conduit, this phenomenon stems from the erosion of African values. The paper also delves into the pervasive and corrosive nature of this phenomenon and its multifaceted manifestation. Achebe’s idea of the cult of mediocrity is expanded to include contemporary dimensions and ramifications. The paper argues that the connection syndrome is a utility friendship which allows for corrupt networks and renders institutions dysfunctional. While development initiatives might be attractive, they may not produce the desired results – as currently evidenced – if the ‘connection syndrome’ is not addressed. Accordingly, the paper proposes the civic friendship as a way out.

本文探讨了非洲“联系综合症”与平庸崇拜之间的关系。借鉴 Chinua Achebe 的著作《尼日利亚的麻烦》（1984 年）和来自文件分析的经验证据，该论文讨论了无处不在的“联系综合症”如何构成非洲“平庸崇拜”的温床。除了作为主要渠道的政治之外，这种现象还源于非洲价值观的侵蚀。本文还深入探讨了这种现象的普遍性和腐蚀性及其多方面的表现。Achebe 对平庸的崇拜的想法被扩展到包括当代维度和后果。该论文认为，连接综合症是一种效用友谊，它允许腐败的网络并使机构功能失调。虽然发展计划可能很有吸引力，但如果不解决“联系综合症”，它们可能不会产生预期的结果——正如目前所证明的那样。因此，