The continent of Africa is
consistently known for its negativity, the leadership situation of the
continent is no difference from the torrent of challenges militating
against it. In the West, leaders are elected for a term of office and
after the expiration, he simply pack his bags and go. But there are
Leaders in Africa that disagrees with such mantra. Why would a leader
rather want to die in office than leave honorably even in midst of
clamor for them to call it a day. I thought Mandela exited after just
one term? Let’s take a peep in the category of leaders that see Mandela
as alien. They are in descending order.
8. IDRISS DEBY OF CHAD
The
Chadian leader who assumed office in 1990 after he took power through a
rebellion against Hussene Habre and has since survived several
rebellions of his own. With the people of Chad crying fowls, it seems
the President have other ideas. After winning elections, in 2003 he
abolished term limit to perpetuate himself in office.
7. ABDULAZEEZ BOUTELFLIKA OF ALGERIA
How
can a president whom had experienced several heart attacks still want
to remain in office? He even campaigned and won the 2014 Presidential
election and was sworn in on wheel chair. Before the election, he was
not seen in public for 3years. This 77years leader with the antecedents
regarding his health would definitely die in office. He reportedly had
stroke just few weeks ago. In 2012, he surpassed Houari Bounmedienne as
Algerian longest serving president.
6. JOSE EDUARDO DOS SANTOS OF ANGOLA
This
71-year-old came into the Angolan Presidency in 1979 and since, he has
been basking in the euphoria of office. With 35 years in power, the
question is, what else does this man want in the presidency? It is
rumored that he is grooming his son to succeed him in as President.
Since 1979, he has worked with 8 Prime Ministers including one of his
Sons. Elections in Angola are always at the beck and call of President
Dos Santos.
5. BLAISE COMPAORE OF BURKINA FASO
This
Burkinabe politician who upstaged his best friend and former head of
state, Thomas Sankara through the barrel of the gun in 1987. Since then
he has manipulated his way to remain office. After having been in office
for 27 years, one begin to wonder what else does he have up his sleeve
to give to the teeming Burkinabes clamoring for development. With
Burkina Faso constantly being ranked as one of the poorest Nations in
the world, one would suggest for the exit of Mr Compaore.
4. PAUL BIYA OF CAMEROUN
Many
would not be surprised that President Biya is still in office after
assuming seat of power in 1982. He is known to be undemocratic. Biya has
presided over 7 Prime Ministers during his reign as President. Paul
Biya introduced political reforms within the context of a single-party
system in the 1980s and he since consolidated power. He has won more
than 6 terms as President. Can you beat that?
3. OMAR AL BASHIR OF SUDAN
This
70-year-old Sudanese politician came on board in 1989, and he had since
remained in office amid general outcry for in him to stand down. In
2008, he was issued an arrest warrant by the International criminal
court for crime against humanity, genocide and war crimes. Bashir,
alongside his counterpart in South Sudan were engulfed in bitter
struggle until the emergence of South Sudan in 2011. Though the West
awaits his extradition for trial, this erstwhile Soldier surely has
other plans up his sleeves.
2. YOWERI MUSEVENI OF UGANDA
This
Ugandan former war-lord has been in office for as 28 years having
taking the seat of power in 1986. He has worked with 4 vice presidents
and 5 Prime ministers. The 64-year-old leader said he does not care
about democracy. He is one of those leaders known to manipulating the
constitution in other to remain in office. The opposition in Uganda is
constantly hounded for speaking against the regime of Museveni. How long
will he stay in office?
1. ROBERT MUGABE OF ZIMBABWE
Yes, this is the master of all the sit tight leaders in Africa. The 90-year-old leader is the only President the people of Zimbabwe have known because he came in after Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980. With Zimbabwe’s economy in turmoil and the currency valueless, the people of Zimbabwe deserved a better leader. Even with the Western world abolishing aids and grants to persuade Mugabe to leave office, the old man is maintaining the status quo. He perceives the West as Imperialists. The people of Zimbabwe must wake up or else doom days are here. Nonagenarian as president? Did I hear "God forbid"?
