In a world where leadership should be synonymous with service and accountability, many African leaders seem to cling to power with an iron grip, refusing to step aside even when their time is long overdue. This pattern is as old as the post-independence era itself, where leaders ascend to power through elections, revolutions, or coups, only to manipulate constitutions, repress opposition, and stifle dissent in order to remain in office indefinitely.
But why is resignation such a taboo among African leaders? The answer lies not only in their thirst for power but in a governance and political system that allows authoritarianism to flourish, often at the expense of their nations’ progress and democratic integrity.
The Allure of Absolute Power and Western Complicity
Power, in many African states, goes far beyond a mere governmental function; it is a source of personal wealth and security for both leaders and the Western powers that benefit from their longevity. The preservation of corrupt regimes often serves to protect foreign economic interests, particularly in the energy, mining, and natural resource sectors.
These powers, aware of Africa’s strategic underground riches, discreetly support constitutional revisions. In exchange for favorable contracts and privileged access to resources, they turn a blind eye to power abuses and human rights violations. Leaders like Yoweri Museveni in Uganda or Paul Biya in Cameroon alter their countries’ laws with impunity, often with the tacit or explicit support of Western powers, thus ensuring economic stability for the latter at the expense of local populations.
Constitutional Manipulation Under Foreign Influence
Many African countries suffer from weak and easily manipulated democratic institutions. Where justice systems, electoral commissions, and parliaments should act as checks on power, they instead become tools for the incumbent leaders. Constitutional amendments serve only to extend indefinite mandates, under the guise of national stability or economic progress. In reality, these changes primarily serve to maintain regimes favorable to Western interests, allowing them to exploit the continent’s resources unhindered.
The Role of Military and Security Forces Under Foreign Influence
Security forces and the military often serve not the people, but as tools of repression, protected and armed by agreements with foreign powers. In exchange for their loyalty to the ruling leaders, they suppress any form of dissent or protest, thereby guaranteeing the regime’s stability, often for the benefit of Western partners. Indeed, the preservation of multinational corporations’ interests is frequently tied to this stability, however unjust it may be for the average African citizen.
Resource Exploitation at the Expense of African Citizens
Western powers have long had an economic interest in extending African leaders’ mandates. This influence allows them to maintain easy access to Africa’s resources, such as oil, gas, precious minerals, and other strategic products. While these resources are massively exploited, local populations continue to live in abject poverty, reaping little benefit from their own land’s riches. This situation, sustained by corrupt leaders with the blessing of foreign powers, fuels growing frustration among Africa’s youth.
Who is Responsible, and How Can This Situation Be Addressed?
Responsibility for this stagnation lies both with African leaders and the Western powers that take advantage of their authoritarian regimes. The solution to this problem lies in strengthening democratic institutions that are independent of foreign influences. It is imperative that the African Union, regional organizations, and citizen movements take steps to demand transparent elections and accountability. The role of African media is also crucial: by shedding light on these foreign influences and raising awareness among local populations, they can spark a consciousness that will lead to significant change.
The Lesson to Be Learned
The current situation clearly shows that unless African countries take control of their destiny—free from foreign pressures and their own corrupt leaders—sustainable development will remain a distant dream. The key lies in the reclamation of power by African citizens and the establishment of leaders genuinely committed to protecting the interests of their people, rather than preserving biased economic agreements that favor the West.
