African Rulers Desire Political Power and Recognition without Earning Indigenous Technology and Econ

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“Africa no longer needs strongmen but strong institutions,” these words of President Obama (July 2009 speech in Ghana) resonate in the minds of change seeking Africans because these ‘strongmen’ have proven to be unable to impart their strength into their economies and the social progress of the countries they lead. Most African politicians are more concerned about staying in power than ably serving their nations. In all honesty, to ably serve ones country and perpetually remaining in power is somehow oxymoronic and a sign of some form of impairment in the thought patterns of Africa’s politicians holding this opinion. This personal ambition leaves most parts of the continent in ‘development darkness’ in constant abysmal economic, technological and productivity conditions.

If we take a look at the African nations with the longest serving presidents, we will be able to grasp the complete picture. Equatorial Guinea under the rule of Teodoro obiang Nguema for 37 years now; despite the countries oil rich resources, Equatorial Guinea is rather well known because of the spend thrift son of the incumbent, lavishing wealth in Europe and the United States. Angola under the stewardship of Jose Eduardo Dos Santos for 36 years; another very rich oil country, but 70% of the nation live below $2 a day, while accommodating the richest woman in Africa Isabella Dos Santos (daughter of the incumbent). Zimbabwe under the control of Robert Mugabe for 36 years; Zimbabwe today is literally a country without a currency because of the poor economic policies of the incumbent. Despite his 90 plus of age, he always reiterates the fact that he is going nowhere. Cameroon under Paul Biya for 34 years; with a 70% percent unemployment rate the paranoid incumbent is well known for jailing popular cabinet members and political opponents.

Glaring similarities in the aforementioned nations is that the Government is the number one employer. This maintains government’s strength and discourages indigenous economic growth. A financial rise in popularity of any individual not in alignment with the government is seen as a threat.

If history is of any help, we are reminded by the life of Gen. Sanni Abacha (Nigeria). Who like the aforementioned ‘strongmen’ was concerned more about clinging to power and looting, than improving the economic situation of his nation. He died mysteriously. The recent demise of Mohammed Ghadaffi of Libya is testament that no matter how strong you think you are as a leader, the real strength is with the people.

The world was taken a little bit aback when on 31st March 2015, the Then president of Nigeria Goodluck Jonathan, conceded victory to current president Muhammad Buhari after losing elections and said on National television that “Nobody’s ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian.” This action was unlike current and other African leaders.

It is true that changing the hands of power doesn’t necessarily mean positive economic improvements. However, with current options it is a healthier risk than maintaining power in the hands of a person that has been on sit since time immemorial and has only portrayed greed and the worst in humankind.

References:

http://thisisafrica.me/10-africas-longest-serving-leaders/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_current_longest_ruling_non-royal_national_leaders

https://www.brookings.edu/research/democracy-and-reconfigured-power-in-africa/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goodluck_Jonathan

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Ernie J. Burgher is a bi-lingual freelance journalist and author, and speaks English and French. Ernie writes for SitiTalkBlog.

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